Standing ovation

The formation needed nearly 200 alumni. Classes from the 1950s through 2025 were on the field and represented more than 70 decades.1 Alumni Engagement spent six hours planning and designing the “200” grid, placing markers on the field at Fisher Stadium before the photo shoot so alumni knew where to stand. 2 Also there to help was John Mulcahy ’87, P’27 (pictured, gray shirt), the new Alumni Association Board president as of July 1.3 Alumni Engagement, marked by their blue shirts, transported guests from the Quad to Fisher Stadium with golf carts.4 Real-time images snapped from a drone approximately 150 feet in the air gave staffers on the ground a bird’s-eye view: With that helpful vantage point (and a megaphone), the crowd could be shifted into position.5 Bessie N.A. Mbadugha ’96, P’29 (pictured, maroon shirt) was among those honored for their volunteer efforts earlier in the day at the Celebration of Leopard Leaders. 6

A record number of alumni—more than 1,300—returned to College Hill for Lafayette’s Bicentennial Reunion in June, participating in over 60 events. Alumni of all generations were represented, from the Class of 2025 celebrating its first reunion to the Class of 1951 marking 75 years since graduation.

Throughout the weekend, the Quad was transformed into a festival of music. Alumni enjoyed live performances from New Normal, The Hazmats, Sold Out Six, and Not Enough Jeffs.

Also taking the stage was two-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Maggie Rose. The Nashville-based performer delivered a high-energy set that carried a special Lafayette connection through her bandmate Judd Fuller ’83.

Whether returning after five years or 50, attendees shared stories and reflected on their time on College Hill. That spirit of connection was captured by Wayne Erb ’56, who shared: “I met my soon-to-be wife during my senior year. It was love at first sight! When we left the Lafayette-Lehigh football game on Nov. 17, 1956, to get married, everyone sang ‘The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi.’”

Additional memories were made on the field at Fisher Stadium during Reunion—this time, to honor the College’s Bicentennial.

What began as an idea for an aerial and commemorative photo of “200” was transformed into thoughtful planning by several staff members, the addition of a drone operator to capture images from above, driving golf carts to transport alumni to and from Fisher Stadium, and the use of a megaphone to ensure the photo shoot was a success.

Here is a closer look at all involved.