Classes of '46 and '56 show spirit during Alumni Weekend

"Look at this sign -- 'Brains and Beauty Sure Do Mix in '46,'" proclaimed 1946 graduate Evelyn Marcantonio. "This was a new idea in our day. The women in my class paved the way for Penn during its first spring of peace to become such a diverse and wonderful community." As alumni packed the campus last weekend reminiscing about lost college days, the thousands of proud visitors brought hope, excitement, and funds to the University. The 1996 Alumni Weekend will perhaps go down in the record books as one of the best in recent history -- because of the increase of participation and fund raising. A sum of three million dollars was raised by the 14 classes that celebrated their reunions this year. "We expect to raise seven million dollars by June 30," said Penn Fund Director Jerry Condon. "We have been running around 16% ahead of last year. All things considered, I think we are doing quite well." Even though new fund raising records were set by the Classes of 1931, 1941, 1951 and 1966 -- the Class of 1946 seemed to march with the proudest gait during the Parade of Classes. '46 was the class most affected by World War II, but managed to bring 25% of the alumni to the University to celebrate according to the director of the 50th Reunion Program Dennis Disbrow. "The slogan about brains and beauty was our woman's cheer while the men were gone," explained 1946 graduate Elaine Lieberm. "We tried to put broken pieces of the world back together to benefit the future." The class had the unique challenge of dealing with both gender discrimination and the immediate aftermath of the war. Alumni from '46 contributed $200,000 to the University, which is especially significant considering the small size of the class. While the graduates of 1946 simply displayed a large check inscribed with their donation, the class of '56 paraded more flamboyantly with a large float and band. Each member of the 1956 crowd also waved miniature classics on sticks while they generously gave books to bystanders during the jolly procession. The Class of '56 won an award for the best costumes and proved to be the most festive class throughout the parade. All the alumni, even in the less represented classes, appeared to genuinely enjoy the day at the University. "I think we all came because we owe Penn something," said 1951 graduate Oliver Boileau who travelled from Wyoming. "We are trying to fix the world, but I think it is still broken -- probably because of people like Al." Also a '51 graduate, Al Subers explained that Boileau is allowed to tease him because they played in the band together and were both brothers in Theta Xi. 1920 graduate Joseph Schwartz, who is 96 years old, lead the procession as the oldest alumnus to attend the celebration. Following the parade, the alumni gathered on College Green for the more formal part of the day. The Glee Club opened with several traditional University songs while the alumni and guests enjoyed light refreshments. The core of the ceremony came next with several University officials, including President Judith Rodin, requesting the support of the alumni. "We have gathered to look at the past, the present, and the future with increasing gratitude," said Rodin who was celebrating her 30th reunion. "Welcome home." Throughout the weekend presentations were held to update the alumni on various current activities at the University. The alumni, leaving with smiles on their faces, but less money in their pockets, seemed to find only one fault in the fair weathered day. "No wonder the Old Guard is dying off so fast -- they keep us waiting in line for this parade so long," said '56 graduate Donald Busch. Parade of Classes.