WPI welcomed back alumni of all ages for a weekend of nostalgia and live-for-the-moment fun. From the oldest attendees (Carl F. Alsing '28 and Diran Diranian '29) to the spirited classes of '84 and '89 (who transformed the stately Higgins House gardens into a Caribbean paradise), a good time was had by all.

The '49ers were inducted into the 50-Year Associates, and received medallions from President Parrish. Meanwhile, down at Higgins House, a Mardi Gras extravaganza was in full swing, complete with Cajun cuisine and the jaunty sounds of the Ragtime Rowdies.

Reunion co-chairs Al Papianou '57 and Charlie Stasey '57 challenged a sharp breakfast crowd with WPI Trivial Pursuit. Then the graduates' shared some undocumented episodes in the unofficial history of the University, including firsthand accounts of pranks and predatory professors.

Before outgoing Alumni Association President Bob Maynard '63 handed over the gavel to Patricia Graham Flaherty '75, he elicited the approval of alumni for the bylaw changes necessary to restructure the association. The meeting concluded with an address by President Parrish. "Our job," he said, "is to prepare technological humanists for success in life and in their life's work."

At the annual Reunion Parade, the Class of '39 affected a naval look with maroon windbreakers and sailor's caps, bolstering their motto, "Sailing Into the Next Millennium"; members of the 1959 class were striking in crimson button-down shirts. But it was the '49ers and their gold rush theme who stole the show with western-style neckerchiefs and a banner depicting a figure panning for gold. They captured the Class of '17 Attendance Cup and also walked off with the Hospitality Award.

While younger alumni enjoyed barbecues on the Higgins House lawn, some of WPI's best and brightest were presented with awards at the annual luncheon in Harrington Auditorium (see page 11). President Parrish gratefully accepted gifts from several classes returning for Reunion. The Class of '49 boasted a participation rate of nearly 60 percent with its $1.2 million gift; the Class of '74 set a new record for the 25th anniversary gift program with $733,830; and members of the Class of '59 proudly presented a gift of over $690,000--representing commitments from 48 percent of the class. A highlight of the day was 1939's 60th Reunion gift of $1,188,893--almost four times its 50th gift. Other Reunion class gifts: 1944, $220,485;1969, $61,732; 1979, $137,769; 1984, $76,965; and 1989, $12,705.

After all the receptions, performances, tours, trips and class banquets, Reunion '99 wound down gently on Sunday morning with a jazz brunch and a remembrance ceremony for departed classmates.