63            Number of classes represented
44            Number of states represented
13            Number of countries represented
110          Number of events held during the weekend
14            Number of golf carts driven by students over the weekend
1,400+     Alumni Weekend attendees

Old friends reconnected, and new friends were made at Alumni Weekend 2010. Alumni displayed their films and art and gave talks on topics such as “Unintelligent Design,” the future of education, folk songs as social history, and viruses and cancer. Music flowed all over campus, including the folk music of Merry Lyin’; the Class of 1990’s “Quaker Cabaret”; Joe Raciti and Andrew Rose Gregory ’04 with piano and vocals at the Class of 2005 party; and a performance by Nathan and the Narwhals. More than 30 intrepid alumni joined Roger Latham ’83 for a guided tour of the Crum Woods.

On Friday evening, alumni gathered for an outdoor cocktail party and dinner, before making their way to one of three faculty lectures. The lectures were given by Eric Jensen, associate professor of astronomy; Patricia Reilly, associate professor of art history; and George Lakey, Eugene M. Lang Visiting Professor for Issues of Social Change 2006–2009.

Saturday morning presented the opportunity to participate in President Rebecca Chopp’s first Alumni Weekend “Conversation with the President (watch).”

The traditional Parade of Classes, with parade marshals Matthew Armstead ’08 and Scott Storm ’08, was led by Rebecca Croll Cronlund and Sally Smith Sheffey, both of the class of 1935. The parade processed to the Scott Ampitheater for Alumni Collection, where service and reunion-giving awards were presented. The 2010 Collection speaker was Ann Brownell Sloane ’60, whose talk was titled “Composing our Lives in Interesting Times: Hail, All Hail Swarthmore.”

Ann Brownell Sloane ’60, the 2010 Collection speaker.

Throughout the afternoon on Saturday, there were events to suit every taste, including an open microphone event in the amphitheater, a variety of department and affinity group receptions, an art exhibit, and a kids’ carnival on the lawn. A performance of Mozart’s Requiem—a perennial favorite—was led by Associate Professor of Music John Alston. Reunion class dinners offered alumni the chance to re-engage with old friends and make new ones.

Alumni Weekend would not be possible without the dedicated efforts of class volunteers, and we thank all of them for their hard work. We also thank the students, staff, and faculty who make this event so special for alumni and their families.

Mark your calendars now for Alumni Weekend 2011, scheduled for June 3 to 5. We hope to see you there!