Franklin & Marshall College

10 years…..an entire decade. That’s how long it’s been since many of us have been back to campus or have seen each other. That’s how long it’s been since Microsoft released Windows 95 and OJ Simpson was not found guilty for murder (“If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit!”). It’s a wonderful thing to be able to come together and reminisce after ten years which have certainly gone by much too quickly. 10 years since you “atriated” and had a cheese steak at the Common Ground; 10 years since you sat on the quad on that first warm spring day pretending to study; and 10 years since waking up 5 minutes before class and showing up in your pajamas seemed totally normal!

Although the spirit of the school has remained the same, the campus’ geography has changed considerably. Even the places we remember studying, eating and sleeping look different – the campus looks amazing and has certainly changed over the past decade as have so many of our lives…

Our experience as the Class of 1999 did not include wireless internet connection, cell phones, Facebook or Twitter. Rather, we thought “spell check” in Claris Works was super high-tech and made our academic lives so much easier. We worked off of large computers in the library or in our dorms. Parents were not able to contact us on our cell phones 24/7, but rather –our roommates were forced to make up excuses as to their son or daughter’ whereabouts when Mom or Dad rang to say hello at 9am on Sunday mornings!

We were spoiled with the brand new Athletic Sports and Fitness Center which was a place to play, have fun and work-off pizza and beers from the night before. We did a great job of keeping up with some old traditions too--we went on late-night Turkey Hill runs, we carried around discreet “water” bottles on Spring Arts weekend, and once we were old enough (or had a card that said we were old enough), we spent many late night hours at Hildy's and Brendee's. As bad as both places smelled and looked –it was an honor to be able to enjoy a beer or shot at either establishment. Who could ever forget the spaghetti pizza at “My Place” Some of us spent long hours in Shad-Fack or the Science Library during exams, and then hit the basement of Ben’ Underground for some cheese nachos and Ben’s Bread–although the smell of Ben’s seemed to linger for days after. All in all, we had a terrific four years together and it’s wonderful to be back to share these memories.