When the Class of 1962 graduated from Saint Peter’s, the world was a very different place. The Philips Company of the Netherlands invented and released the first audio-cassette; the first Target store opened in Roseville, Minn.; average monthly rent was $110.00 per month; and gas was 28 cents per gallon.
Half a century and 1,772 Target stores nationwide later, the Class of 1962 returned to Saint Peter’s for their 50th reunion. Alumni Weekend, held from Friday, September 21, to Sunday, September 23, offered alumni a chance to reconnect with alma mater and witness all the exciting changes taking place at Saint Peter’s University.
Members from the Class of 1962 returned to the Jersey City campus from locations across the nation. They were treated to a weekend filled with exciting events, such as campus and The Mac Mahon Student Center tours, a quaint indoor BBQ at the Roy Irving Theatre, a Gala Cocktail Hour/Dinner Dance and free tours of the new and old Jersey City with Alumni Board member John Hallanan ’03.
In speaking to the Class of 1962, Director of Alumni Relations Gloria Mercurio said, “Alumni typically attend alma mater events to nostalgically reminisce about their college days, to fondly remember school activities, to bring each other up-to-date on what has happened since they have graduated, and or to see the changes that have taken place on campus and in the area while getting a glimpse of the future of the University.”
She added, “For whatever reason you are returning, we’re glad you’re here. It is a pleasure to see how connected Saint Peter’s University alumni are to their classmates, friends and to the Jesuit community. I hope you will continue to come to our events and encourage your fellow alumni to do the same.”
The capstone affair of the weekend – the Golden Peacock Mass and Brunch – took place on Sunday, September 23. Mass was held at St. Aedan’s: The Saint Peter’s University Church and was led by Rev. Vincent Sullivan, S.J. of the Jesuit Community at Saint Peter’s. As part of the Mass, a member from the Class of 1962 read the names of deceased classmates.
During brunch, the Class of 1962 was inducted into the Golden Peacock society, one of the University’s most highly respected groups. Alumni were presented with certificates and medals for reaching this 50-year milestone.
In addressing the crowd during the Golden Peacock Brunch, Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., president of Saint Peter’s University, told alumni that while Saint Peter’s name has changed, the University’s commitment to educating and fostering future leaders has not.
He said, “Since your days here on campus, much has changed. I’m sure you saw or heard a lot about these changes this weekend. But our mission of providing an outstanding liberal arts education in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition continues to guide all that we do, just as it did when you were students here.”
He added, “Your presence here today sets a strong example for our current students. As all Golden Peacocks know, even though you may have only spent four years at Saint Peter’s College, Saint Peter’s will always be ‘home.’”
As part of the brunch’s festivities, Class of 1962 member Peter Hoffmann addressed his former classmates during an inspiring an exciting speech.
Hoffmann, who came from Hawaii to attend the reunion, said of the event, “Alumni Weekend is a great chance to relive the experiences we had while at Saint Peter’s and to keep each other up-to-date on what’s been going on in our lives. It also keeps us informed of the progress occurring at Saint Peter’s.”
He added, “I encourage all to remain active as professionals and community members. In doing so, we continue to live out the knowledge and values we learned at Saint Peter’s, which made us great people of service, family members and individuals,” words spoken in the spirit of Magis.
The success of Alumni Weekend provided the Class of 1962 with wonderful memories to add to their recollections of Saint Peter’s. Alfred F. Peruzzi ’62 expressed, “The Gala and the breakfast after Mass were all first class, and I think it really made the guys feel special – even before they received their medals.”
To view photos from the Class of 1962’s Alumni Weekend, click here.