By Margaret LeRoux

History was made at Commencement 2001 when members of the Class of 1951 led the procession of graduating seniors and dignitaries. Dressed in navy blue blazers, khaki pants and natty, straw bowlers, the all-male class made quite a fashion statement. Their generous $250,000 scholarship gift, however, made an impressive statement of their gratitude and commitment to the College. Additional funds raised by the class were contributed to the College's annual fund.

Donations from the 274 members of the Class of '51 funded 25-$10,000 scholarships for students who received degrees this year. Scholarship recipients met with members of the Class of 1951 at a reception last fall. 

In a letter to members of the Class of 2001 sent before graduation, the golden jubilee class noted what an honor it was to share the day. 

"We proudly pass the torch and the challenge to you, happy in our achievements and optimistic for your success," the letter states. "Fifty years from now, remember us and the shoulders on which you stood."

In the letter, members of the Class of 1951 described themselves as, "Depression babies, reared in a period of grinding unemployment and poverty, teenagers in a world at war."

Among those who attended their 50th-reunion festivities were a former deputy director of the CIA, politicians, legislators, corporate executives, judges and priests. The Class boasts more than 150 advanced degrees.

They have now made history by being the first class to observe its reunion during Commencement Week. This year, the 50th-reunion festivities began Wednesday with campus tours, a reception and golden jubilee dinner in the Hogan Center Ballroom. A panel discussion with members of the Class of 2001 and an upscale barbecue were featured on Thursday; following graduation ceremonies on Friday the class was feted with a farewell luncheon.

After the reunion, members of the Class of 1951 joined the prestigious Purple Knights, the designation given to those alums who received degrees more than 50 years ago. The success of hosting this year's 50th-reunion celebration during Commencement Week 2001 was especially gratifying to the alumni affairs staff, who have faced  logistical challenges during the traditional Reunion Weekend, which occurs two weeks after graduation. 

"Reunions are a special time in peoples' lives," says Patrick L. McCarthy '63, director of alumni affairs, "and a 50th reunion is a milestone. We're delighted the Class of 1951 shared this special event with our newest graduates. It presented a wonderful sense of symmetry and tradition. It showed the Class of 2001 that the friendship and loyalty you find at Holy Cross truly last forever." 

Margaret LeRoux is a free-lance writer from Worcester.