Graduating seniors do not have to worry about losing touch with the University – the organization called The Organized Classes keeps alumni up to date. The Organized Classes, which promotes alumni classes' activities, held its annual dinner Friday night at the Faculty Club. The fancy affair included entertainment, award presentation and keynote speakers. It gave alumni an opportunity to gather together, reminisce old times and share Quaker spirit. The dinner began with a warm welcome from Organized Classes President and CGS '74, Lee Shlifer and was followed by award presentations to deserving classes. The Classes of 1964 and 1981 received awards for having an extraordinary newsletter. And, the Class of 1943 earned the Award of Merit. But, awards and welcomes were not the only entertainment for the alumni. Penn Pipers performed for the crowd and Philadelphia Mayor Edward Rendell and Men's Varsity Basketball Coach Fran Dunphy spoke. Both speakers praised the University and were optimistic about its future. The mayor even led the alumni in the singing of "The Red and Blue." Shlifer, in a meeting prior to the festivities, also spoke. He praised Judith Rodin's selection as the next University president and seemed just as excited about Rodin in comments to reporters. "This is a very exciting time for the Organized Classes because we have have a new president of the university coming," Shlifer said. "There's a great deal of anticipation for Judith Rodin. All of the alums are excited." Many former students said they were excited to see their college friends. "It's always interesting to come back because there have been so many changes," George Magee, Wharton Class of '34, commented. He added that he was optimistic to celebrate his 60th year reunion this year. "We had a great 50th year reunion and [I'm] hoping we duplicate it," he said. Carol Fitzgerald, program coordinator and College class of '63, was enthusiastic of both the program and the evening's affair. She said one of the reasons The Organized Classes was successful because of everyone's cooperation. "I think its a core program," she said. "Every undergraduate alumna or alumnus has a class and they identify with their class." Even current University students said the evening was a success and seemed pleased an alumni organization exists for their future. "It's nice to see so many alumni here for Penn," Chris Friese, a Penn Piper and Nursing class of 1997, remarked. "I'm glad that I was able to be a part of it." Both coordinators and attendees of the alumni dinner said they were pleased with the evening. They said they are optimistic about the upcoming years.
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