Former students from far and wide returned to Allentown this past weekend, Sept. 17-19, for Muhlenberg’s Alumni Weekend. Muhlenberg College has an extensive network of alumni that still remain involved in the school. Whether through attending Alumni Weekend, working as staff members or using the Career Center to navigate the workforce, the College’s graduates continue to be intertwined in the school’s network.
The weekend kicked off with a 50th reunion campus tour and brunch for the class of 1961, allowing time for old friends to reconnect while reminiscing on their time at Muhlenberg.
“Seeing our old classmates had to be the best part of it,” said Nancy Johns ‘61, one of the 60 women in the first class of female students to attend the College.
“We even had a nice luncheon and loved seeing our old friends,” added Delores Gleneden ‘61.
This nostalgic tour was coupled with a reunion lunch held on campus that was followed by an alumni golf outing. Sponsored by the Muhlenberg athletics department, the event allowed golf players to golf alongside their old teammates.
“Seeing our old classmates had to be the best part of it”
This specific alumni weekend would not have been possible without the help of the Cardinal Key Society, a group of students in charge of all alumni events and involvement.
Meanwhile, President Harring gave her State of the College presentation where she discussed updates to the College and plans for the upcoming years. This presentation was the perfect opportunity for alumni to stay in the loop with the school and its upcoming advancements.
Saturday morning commenced with a bird watching expedition led by Daniel Klem, Ph. D., , a Muhlenberg biology professor. Following the biology theme, Marten Edwards, Ph. D., biology department chair and professor, held a bug discovery walk with the alumni to connect with nature in Allentown.
A large homecoming fair was held on Muhenberg’s front lawn and in Parent’s Plaza, containing many activities for alumni to enjoy. Inflatable obstacle courses, a petting zoo, free Muhlenberg merchandise and an assortment of food kept the former students entertained until the tailgating event held before the football game.
During the tailgate, the lawn bordering the Life Sports Center was buzzing with alumni reconnecting, enjoying the weather and cooking hamburgers and hotdogs. Shortly afterward, the Muhlenberg vs. Ursinus football game kicked off with a large audience containing both current and former students. Although the Mules lost by a small margin, the alumni were thrilled to support the sports teams and be a part of the electrifying crowd.
The night was full of life with an alumni art exhibition to showcase the artwork created by the former classmates. An alumni cabaret featuring well-known alum Frankie Grande ‘06 concluded Saturday’s events to commemorate the careers of recently retired theatre professors Curtis Dretsch and Charlie Richter.
“We ultimately are there to ensure events run smoothly and assist those in charge. As a key, I have been able to foster relationships with alumni during this weekend and ensure their return to campus is one they won’t forget”
An additional event was held Sunday morning, where members of the Muhlenberg’s Hall of Fame for Athletics joined together for a brunch in celebration of their achievements.
Bob Keller ‘21 said, “The best part about Muhlenberg was the staff… I was sometimes in classes with four people so the individual attention is what sticks out to me the most.”
“We ultimately are there to ensure events run smoothly and assist those in charge,” said Melissa Borker ‘22, president of the Cardinal Key Society. “As a Key, I have been able to foster relationships with alumni during this weekend and ensure their return to campus is one they won’t forget.”
