It was a weekend for breaking records. More alums than ever--6,200 and still recounting--turned out for Reunion Homecoming October 19-22, raising more than $64 million through class campaigns. Newly inaugurated University president John Hennessy launched a five-year, $1 billion Campaign for Undergraduate Education. And on fourth-and-goal on Saturday, freshman quarterback Chris Lewis threw a successful end-zone pass for the Cardinal's 32-30 victory over the University of Southern California.
"It worked perfectly," San Francisco Chronicle columnist Mark Fainaru-Wada wrote about the stunning touchdown play. But he could have been describing the entire weekend. On center court at the tennis stadium, Sen. John Glenn and former University provost and Bush adviser Condoleezza Rice headlined a panel on "Politicians, Public Service and Leadership Today." In classroom venues, Classes Without Quizzes drew alums for discussions about robotics, laughter, archaeology, butterflies and Shakespeare. Smaller, more intimate gatherings saw members of the Class of '70 chanting mantras on the lawn of the old Encina gym and talking about Jungian fantasies at Tresidder. Not to mention the libations at Zott's.
Academic departments and cultural centers hosted open houses, and the welcome mat also was out in the newly renovated Bing Wing of Green Library, where curators were eager to lead classmates up the elegant staircase. Some took advantage of guided tours at the Rodin Sculpture Garden and Mem Chu, and others took a detour to the Mausoleum. Many who claimed to have flown paper models off the Mem Aud balcony on Sunday evenings turned out for a thought-provoking "Flicks Night" that showcased documentary films made by Stanford alumni.
The grand finale? Had to be former yell leaders Al Harris, '32, Jim Ransahoff, '38, and Jim Triolo, '35, leading the cheer for the Axe on the Mem Aud stage Sunday morning. Their letter sweaters--see photo--still fit. Superbly.
