2024 Alumni Weekend Recap

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By: Valerie Berrios

Bringing Together Our Community of Learners

D-E’s 2024 Reunion Weekend, our annual celebration of D-E alumni and beloved faculty, kicked off with a memorable Annual Legacy Family Breakfast on Friday, October 18. The next morning, the campus was abuzz with students, faculty, and staff for Kraut’s Running of the Bulldogs 5K Run and 1-mile Fun Run, followed by Classroom Dedications for former long-time faculty members, John Stott (History Department) and John King (Mathematics Department).

On Saturday evening, alumni filled Schenck Auditorium for ceremonies honoring recipients of this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award (DAA) and Athletic Hall of Fame (AHF).

The DAA honorees were Jay Lesenger ESB ’69, a stage director, administrator, and teacher; Matt Vita ’74, former sports editor at The Washington Post; and Tara Kole ’94, an entertainment lawyer and professor. This award is presented for exemplary professional and/or volunteer accomplishments.

Mr. Lesenger was introduced by Lynn Lieblich Jeffery Dwight ’69 and Ms. Kole was introduced by D-E History Teacher Philip Swirbul. Meanwhile, Mr. Vita was interviewed in the days leading up to the Reunion Weekend by D-E student newspaper, Spectrum, as part of his acceptance remarks.

The AHF recipients were Ricky Bawa ’04 for tennis, who was introduced by Andy Pink, former D-E Assistant Athletic Director; Hanna Jerome ’14 for cross country and track, introduced by D-E English Teacher Fred Daly; and D-E’s 1984 Girls’ Softball Team, introduced by Bobby Meyer, former Girls’ Softball Coach.

Immediately following the ceremonies, the Alumni-Faculty Reunion Reception was held in the Wharton Lessin Dining Hall, where group photos were taken for milestone graduation years, including those celebrating their 50-year reunion. Alumni gatherings continued throughout the weekend.

We’re grateful to everyone who came out to celebrate with our community of lifelong learners!