Rensselaer.MAG - September 1999

175TH ANNIVERSARY

The Celebration Continues!

Metro NY
Michael DePietro '97 and John Auletta '93 joined 350 Metro New York alumni on a sunset cruise around the tip of Manhattan.

Rensselaer's 175th Anniversary celebration was in full swing this spring, with regional events bringing hundreds of alumni together to commemorate the Institute's important milestone, take part in a unique event, and enjoy each other's company.

On May 17, 350 alumni and friends sailed around the tip of Manhattan for a sunset dinner cruise on the Spirit of the Hudson. Carl Westerdahl, co-author of Rensselaer: Where Imagination Achieves the Impossible, and Alan Balfour, dean of architecture, described Rensselaer's historical and architectural impact on New York City. From the Brooklyn Bridge to Grand Central Station, many of the city's most famous landmarks have been influenced by Rensselaer alumni.

Alumni in the Baltimore area cruised Chesapeake Bay.

More than 100 alumni and friends in the Baltimore area took a cruise around Chesapeake Bay June 12. Board of Trustees Chairman Sam Heffner '56 talked about some of the exciting initiatives going on at Rensselaer today, while historian Carl Westerdahl filled cruisers in on some of the notable alumni from the local area. The event was made even more special by the attendance of three current students and their families, as well as two prospective students and their families.

On June 24, the New Jersey chapter welcomed nearly 300 alumni and guests at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City for a celebration honoring area Rensselaer Medal winners. Kevin Craig, associate professor of engineering, congratulated the Medal winners on their significant achievements in math and science. Dave Aiello '89, New Jersey chapter president, Ray Weisner '75, New York City's outgoing president, and David Bohan '82, director of alumni relations, also spoke. One highlight of the program was a visit from Rensselaer's new president, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson.

Jersey
The New Jersey chapter gathered at the Liberty Science Center.

Regional events celebrating Rensselaer's 175th are planned for Atlanta, Chicago, Hartford, Conn., Westchester County, N.Y., and Washington, D.C. You can find out more information and contact your chapter representative through AlumServ at www.alumni.rpi.edu. Or contact Heliena Fox at (518) 276-2794 or foxh@rpi.edu.

The 175th Anniversary finale will take place on campus Friday, Nov. 5, as Rensselaer commemorates its founding with a fun-filled birthday bash. The day will include a talk by IBM President Lou Gerstner, who will receive an honorary degree from Rensselaer, events to coincide with Family Weekend, and a special celebration at that evening's hockey game. For details, contact Jerry Mahone at (518) 283-7102 or mahonj2@rpi.edu.