October 3 - 6, 2013
Virginia Tech vs. University of North Carolina
Registration $165 | Game Tickets $50 each
Class of 1963 Bugle Form (PDF | 104KB)
Connect with the Class of 1963 on Facebook!
Catch up with classmates, share your favorite story of your time at Virginia Tech, and make plans to see each this fall at the reunion!
Dear Classmates,
The 50th anniversary of our graduation from VPI is here and we are planning a very special weekend of activities. There will be time to share with friends, rekindle past friendships, and see and learn about this internationally recognized research university that is our alma mater. The dates are October 3 thru October 6, 2013. Not only will the weekend celebrate our 50th anniversary and induction into the Old Guard, but it will be Homecoming at Virginia Tech that will include an exciting football game against ACC rival North Carolina Tar Heels.
Activities will be centered at the Holtzman Alumni Center and The Inn at Virginia Tech. Many classmates have expressed a desire for more time together so registration will begin on Thursday. An optional golf outing at the nationally recognized Pete Dye River Course will be held that afternoon. Guided bus tours of the campus will also be available beginning at 3 PM. A hospitality room will be available for socializing and sharing memorabilia from ‘our times’. Reuniting will formally begin Thursday evening with a dessert and cocktail reception featuring music by the Southern Colonels.
Friday morning will begin with breakfast and an introduction into how our alma mater is Inventing the Future. Some of Tech’s world renowned faculty will share some of their research and we will learn how Tech has evolved locally and globally. Friday will have time for individual exploration of the campus along with activities to further enhance your familiarity with the university. Friday evening will feature a reception, class photograph, the Reunion Banquet with induction into the Old Guard, and live music for our listening and dancing enjoyment.
Saturday will be a busy day beginning with an open breakfast, the Homecoming Parade, a pregame tailgate, football, and a post-game celebration and farewell.
We are not raising money for a specific class gift; however, we encourage you to make of gift in honor of our 50th reunion. There are opportunities to support what class members have supported over the years – academic colleges and departments, the Corps of Cadets, the Alumni Association, and other named scholarship or professorship endowments. All class member gifts for five years leading up to our reunion will be designated as the Class of ’63 gift and will be acknowledged at our banquet.
The Alumni Association has reserved lodging at The Inn and tickets for the game but quantities are limited so we encourage you to register early. The class will be seated together and recognized during the game. The Alumni staff will produce a special Reunion Edition of the Class of ’63 Bugle for all attendees (can be ordered if you cannot attend) so please complete the enclosed form and return it with a photo, or send electronically. If you need special assistance during the reunion or have special dietary requirements, please note it on your registration or contact Gilda Machin-Scarpaci at gmachins@vt.edu. If you would like additional information or help contacting a classmate, contact David Lowe at davidelowe@verizon.net or Greg Fansler at 540 231-6285 or gfansler@vt.edu.
We have tried to be sensitive to the overall costs of the reunion weekend while assuring a first class experience for you. We have used the remaining money in our class account to help with the overall expenses, resulting in a registration fee that is less than last year’s 50th. The Alumni Association tells us that this is the ‘most extensive’ 50th reunion ever. Your registration fee covers all meals for Friday and Saturday along with two evenings of live music, campus transportation, and more.
Please join us for this ‘once in a lifetime’ celebration. The VPI of 5,000 students that we left has grown into Virginia Tech and a student population of over 30,000 with programs that are among the best in the world. While much has changed, the qualities that define our alma mater have endured – a commitment of service embodied in “Ut Prosim” and a strong sense of family that the world has come to know as The Hokie Nation. We look forward to seeing you in October.
David Lowe, President
Sykes Dehart, Vice- President
John Bates III, Treasurer
Reed Schweickert, Secretary
Jim Hill, Cadet Committeeman
Tom Young, Ring Dance Chairman
George Chandler, Civilian Student Body President
Tentative Schedule
Thursday, October 3, 2013
- 10 AM - 8 PM
Reunion Registration and Information
Holtzman Alumni Center, 1st Floor, Foyer - 10 AM - 8 PM
Hospitality Area and Memorabilia Display
Holtzman Alumni Center, 1st Floor, Museum
**Please Bring Photos and Memorabilia to Display Throughout the Weekend - 12 PM
Optional: Golf
Pete Dye River Course
**Additional fee payable at course - 3 or 4 PM
Optional Campus Bus Tour with Guide
Space is limited please be in the Alumni Center 15 minutes prior to departure - 4 PM
Optional: Tour the Holtzman Alumni Center
Meet at Registration Desk - Evening Dinner on Your Own
For reservations at Preston’s Restaurant at the Inn Call, 540-231-0120 - 8 - 10 PM
Dessert Reception
The Inn at Virginia Tech, Latham Ballroom A
**Cash bar available
Music by The Southern Colonels
Friday, October 4, 2013
- 7 AM - 7 PM
Reunion Registration and Information
Holtzman Alumni Center, 1st Floor, Foyer - 7 AM - 6 PM
Hospitality Area and Memorabilia Display
Holtzman Alumni Center, 1st Floor, Museum
**Bring Photos to Display Throughout the Weekend - 8 – 9 AM
Breakfast
The Inn at Virginia Tech, Latham Ballroom A - 9 – 10:30 AM
Virginia Tech TODAY
The Inn at Virginia Tech, Latham Ballroom A
Presentations:
- College of Engineering
- College of Business
- College of Science - 10:30 AM - 12 PM
Free Time with Shuttle to Center of Campus
Visit the Corps Museum in Rasche Hall, the VT Bookstore or other points of interest. Bus shuttle will run continuously between The Inn at Virginia Tech and War Memorial Chapel. - 12 PM
Lunch
The Inn at Virginia Tech, Latham Ballroom A
Presentations:
- Alumni Association Welcome featuring “Century of Tradition”
- “Corps of Cadets Today” with Major General Randy Fullhart
- Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Patty Perillo - 2 - 3:15 PM
Free Time with Shuttle to Center of Campus
Visit the Corps Museum in Rasche Hall, the VT Bookstore or other points of interest. Bus shuttle will run continuously between The Inn at Virginia Tech and War Memorial Chapel. - 3:15 PM
Remembrance Service Honoring All Departed Classmates
War Memorial Chapel - 3:45 PM
Corps of Cadets Regimental Parade in Honor of the Class of 1963
Campus Drillfield - 6 PM
Reunion Reception with Host Bar
The Inn at Virginia Tech, Latham Ballroom A - 6:50 PM
Class Photo
The Inn at Virginia Tech, Ballroom Foyer
(Class Members Only) - 7 PM
Reunion Banquet with Special Guest President Charles Steger
The Inn at Virginia Tech, Latham Ballroom A
** Presentation of Class Gift
** Induction into Old Guard
** Entertainment by Timeless
Saturday, October 5, 2013
- 8 - 10 AM
Reunion Registration and Information
Holtzman Alumni Center, 1st Floor, Foyer - 8 AM - Kickoff
Hospitality Area and Memorabilia Display
Holtzman Alumni Center, 1st Floor, Museum
** Collect Photos Displayed Throughout the Weekend - TBD
Pre-Game Breakfast
The Inn at Virginia Tech, Latham Ballroom A
** Spirit Rally with Hokie Bird - TBD
Optional: View Homecoming Parade
** Parade Route: Proceeds Down Main Street to Alumni Mall and Ends at Approximately Burruss Hall - TBD
Homecoming Tailgate
Holtzman Alumni Center Lawn - TBD
Bus Shuttles to Lane Stadium
Front of The Inn at Virginia Tech - TBD
Virginia Tech vs. North Carolina Tar Heels
Lane Stadium
** Shuttle at the South End Zone to The Inn at Virginia Tech Begins at the End of Each Quarter and Continues Until After the Game - After Game
Post-Game Dinner
The Inn at Virginia Tech, Latham Ballroom C
** Cash Bar Available