Alma Mater Magazine - Fall 2004
Old Guard Reunions
The members of Virginia Tech's Old Guard hold a reunion on campus each May, between commencement and first summer school session.
Those typically quieter days around campus following commencement allow the Alumni Association Staff to dedicate full attention to alumni who return for the annual Old Guard Reunion. Having witnessed change, enjoyed Hokie spirit, and provided support throughout the decades, the Old Guard is made up of all alumni who graduated 50 years ago or more. The members of the Old Guard, numbering more than 8,000, are the foundation for our 180,000 living alumni.
As former civilians or cadets, men and women, a new class joins the Old Guard at their 50th Anniversary Reunion each fall. This year, the Class of '54 will be inducted into the Old Guard at their reunion banquet in October. All members of the Class of '54 will then be eligible to return to campus each May to reunite with the Old Guard. The reunion is planned by the Old Guard Advisory Board, a group of volunteer leaders currently representing classes from the '30s to the '50s. Their goal is to showcase the latest and most exciting happenings around campus while allowing plenty of time for friends and classmates to get reacquainted and meet members of other classes.
The members of Virginia Tech's Old Guard hold a reunion on campus each May, between commencement and first summer school session.
Those typically quieter days around campus following commencement allow the Alumni Association Staff to dedicate full attention to alumni who return for the annual Old Guard Reunion. Having witnessed change, enjoyed Hokie spirit, and provided support throughout the decades, the Old Guard is made up of all alumni who graduated 50 years ago or more. The members of the Old Guard, numbering more than 8,000, are the foundation for our 180,000 living alumni.
As former civilians or cadets, men and women, a new class joins the Old Guard at their 50th Anniversary Reunion each fall. This year, the Class of '54 will be inducted into the Old Guard at their reunion banquet in October. All members of the Class of '54 will then be eligible to return to campus each May to reunite with the Old Guard. The reunion is planned by the Old Guard Advisory Board, a group of volunteer leaders currently representing classes from the '30s to the '50s. Their goal is to showcase the latest and most exciting happenings around campus while allowing plenty of time for friends and classmates to get reacquainted and meet members of other classes.
In addition to conversations with faculty, participants get to meet current Cadets, student athletes, international students, University Honors students, and others. These bright young scholars make it easy to see how the traditions, academic excellence, and spirit of service carry on today much as they did 50 or more years ago.
At the heart of each Old Guard Reunion is the reconnection of old friends and classmates. Many alumni come together each year and use the event as a central meeting place to maintain friendships that have stood for more than 50 years. On the Wednesday evening preceding the official start of the reunion, several classes organize dinners to recognize special anniversaries. 55th, 60th, and 65th anniversary reunion dinners are often organized by members of those classes - this year the Class of '34 gathered for their 70th reunion! The main program is on a Thursday with conclusion on the following morning.
The fellowship of alumni; celebrating friendships that have spanned decades and taking pride in the accomplishments of the university are some of the things that bring members of the Old Guard to the reunion each spring. It is a special time on campus.
The 2005 Old Guard Reunion will take place on May 19 & 20 with special anniversary gatherings for the Classes of '35, '40, '45, and '50 on Wednesday, May 18. So save the date. Look for registration materials in February 2005. We hope to see you in May for our Old Guard reunion!
By Richard Hastings
Assistant Vice President
for Alumni Relations