Alumni Association Greeting

Donald Burden ‘63
Past President of Gettysburg College Alumni Association

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On behalf of the approximate 24,000 members of the Gettysburg College Alumni Association, I extend congratulations to the Class of 2009.  And a very special thank you for your record breaking 92% plus participation in your Senior Class Gift.

To the many family, friends, faculty, administrators and all members of the Gettysburg College community, I also extend congratulations and thank you for your support and encouragement to insure our "new alums" leave today with diplomas in hand.

Every college boasts of its traditions.  Here at G-Burg, your alumni association has gifted each graduate with a "Stole of Gratitude".  Become part of this cherished tradition by bestowing this token of appreciation to someone-family, friend or perhaps a faculty or staff member-who played a significant role in helping you achieve your goal of graduating from Gettysburg College.

Most of you have spent four challenging years here on campus.  Some of you experienced the luxury of studying abroad in the name of Gettysburg College.  Regardless, you have shown pride in the "Orange & blue".

You have worked hard and---no doubt you have played hard!

Now continue to stay forever young.

Recall the lyrics of my Jersey Shore neighbor-

Bruce Springsteen in "Forever Young"

May you build a ladder to the stars

And climb on every rung

Any may you stay forever young

May your hands always be busy

May your feet always be swift

May you have a strong foundation

When the winds of change shift

May your heart always be joyful

May your song always be sung

And may you stay forever young

You'll soon be leaving Gettysburg but I want you to remember that Gettysburg will never leave you.  Gettysburg will quietly stand by you as you embark on your career, further your education, marry and a raise a family, and experience the many other challenges and joys of life.  Gettysburg will be there with you-Orange and Blue. 

Four years ago when you stepped on this campus, you many not have been thinking about it but people had already invested in you.  You see, it's this sense of community that keeps Gettysburg students and alumni connected.  And as you make this transition from student to alum, I encourage you to remember this tradition.  Recall those who believed in you and allowed you to obtain this well earned degree.

Please, continue to support your Alma Mater.   Continue to give back to this college to insure that subsequent classes reap the benefits you have enjoyed. Invest your time and resources as your fellow alums have been doing for 177 years.

Stay connected to Gettysburg College and in turn Gettysburg will stay connected to you.

Don't wait until you're on the cover of Rollin Stones Magazine to return to this place.

This is a unique place- and I encourage you to "Come Home" as often as you can.

Walk these pathways and revisit these buildings.  Recall the names of Schumucker, Staley, Stevens, Sunderman-and Brua, McCreary, Plank, McKnight, Weidensall, Breidenbaugh, Huber, Musselman, Lincoln and Eisenhower.  Bike or jog out to the battlefield, walk across the covered bridge, or hike up to the Peace Light.  Listen to the clamoring of the Gladfelter Bell. Chat with a former professor. Down a pint at Mama V's, The Parrot or The Pub. 

This Fall, swarm back here to campus for Homecoming Weekend.  Take a dip in the pool or grasp the challenge of the climbing tower in the new athletic center.

And now

From the Music by Kool & The Gang

Celebrate good times, come on!

Let's celebrate

There's a party going on right here

A celebration to last through the years.

So bring your good times and your laughter too

We're gonna celebrate your party with you!

Let's all celebrate the Class of 2009, our newest members of the Gettysburg College Alumni Association!