On the eve of the first official day of fall, nearly 1,000 Gettysburgians reconnected with their alma mater during Gettysburg College’s Homecoming and BOLD Weekend on Sept. 20-22. Exploring campus once more, alumni and their families attended events and activities where they relived the moments that made Gettysburg their home. Amidst the celebratory atmosphere were class reunions, scholarly receptions, and athletic ceremonies. Check out highlights from an exciting Homecoming Weekend!
BOLD returns
BOLD (Burgians of the Last Decade) alumni formed the majority of the attendees eager to reconnect and celebrate their time at Gettysburg, highlighted by special events for the 5th (2019) and 10th (2014) reunion classes and the first reunion for the Class of 2024. They traversed across campus recounting memories alongside their classmates and reconnecting with Gettysburg staff and faculty. BOLD alumni who recently donated to the institution also had the opportunity to make an exclusive gift at the Innovation and Creativity Lab.
Remembering Peter Carmichael
Family, friends, colleagues, and former students gathered in the Majestic Theater to pay a special tribute to Robert C. Fluhrer Professor of Civil War Studies and Director of the Civil War Institute Peter Carmichael, who passed away unexpectedly in late July. Former faculty colleagues relayed the impact of Carmichael’s scholarly and professional endeavors, while alumni spoke of his mentorship and unwavering support. An announcement was also made about the creation of the Peter S. Carmichael Endowed Scholarship, a need-based academic scholarship for Gettysburg College students with an interest in history and the Civil War.
Campus connections
From special exhibits in Schmucker Art Gallery and Musselman Library to open houses at the Garthwait Leadership Center and Eisenhower Institute, the breadth of the Gettysburg College campus was open, allowing visiting alumni to reconnect with their alma mater and favorite organizations. Receptions were held for alumni who were involved in Greek life, the Center for Public Service, Student Senate, and academic departments. The Gettysburg Alumni of Color Council (GACC) also hosted a karaoke and game night before Homecoming closed with the All-Campus Party in The Attic.
Hall of Athletic Honor
Hosted by the Orange & Blue Club, the Hall of Athletic Honor welcomed six new members—Tedra Fazendeiro Clark ’97 (field hockey), Heather Gallagher Raley ’03 (women’s swimming), Ryan Moore ’02 (football), Garrick Robinson ’83 (men’s lacrosse), Andy Sheely ’88 (baseball), and Carol Cantele ’83 (coach, field hockey, women’s lacrosse). More than 200 people gathered in the CUB Ballroom to honor these distinguished former student-athletes.
Happy anniversary!
The Bullets Marching Band and Owl & Nightingale Players welcomed back a host of alumni as part of anniversary events recognizing more than a century of greatness for both organizations. Owl & Nightingale celebrated its 110th reunion, with over 60 alumni taking part in activities ranging from panel discussions to open mic performances at Kline Theater. More than 100 alumni joined the Marching Band to celebrate its 115th anniversary in style, parading through the middle of campus on the way to the football game and performing alongside current students during pregame festivities.
Back on the field
Fans filled the stands at Musselman Stadium to watch the football team battle Christopher Newport University before heading over to Clark Field for a Centennial Conference soccer doubleheader against Swarthmore College. Women’s lacrosse alumni also picked up their sticks to play a friendly game against current players, while baseball alumni hit the batting cage to take a few swings before offering career advice and insight to this year’s team.
Supporting students
A key aspect of Homecoming and BOLD Weekend was the opportunity for alumni to engage with current students. Alumni panels provided insight into potential careers and how to achieve professional goals, while other opportunities for networking between students and alumni persisted throughout the weekend. Hosted by the Office of Multicultural Engagement and Gettysburg Alumni of Color Council, the Myra T. Herron Brunch highlighted students who are recipients of the Myra Taylor Herron Fund, which supports experiential learning opportunities on campus.
Come back and visit us during Family Weekend on Oct. 25-27!
By Corey Jewart
Photos by: Corey Jewart, Doug Huber ‘06/ProArts Media, Jason Minick, Ashley Carbonier ’25, Diptiman Das ’27
Posted: 09/30/24