F&M Stories

Diplomat Spirit Soars at True Blue Weekend

 

Diplomat spirit embraced every corner of Franklin & Marshall College Oct. 21-23, as students, parents and alumni were warmly welcomed back to campus for True Blue Weekend. The annual Homecoming and Family Weekend offered something for every class year.

Nostalgia rippled across campus in varied shades of blue. It could be found reflected in the windows of campus buildings adorned with Diplomat decals. In the cobalt Adirondack chairs on Marshall Green and Hartman Green, inviting alumni to sit and reminisce. In the sea of blue jerseys at Shadek Stadium, where current students cheered alongside members of the 1972 undefeated football squad, bridging 50 years of liberal arts education.

Throughout Friday, visitors to campus enjoyed open classes, coffee hours, campus tours and various class year gatherings. The Fall Academic Research Fair spotlighted the internships, entrepreneurship and research experiences of more than 50 students.

Alumni, friends and families made their way to dozens of events across campus Saturday, including athletic competitions, academic department meet and greets, and a lively tailgate.

F&M President Barbara Altmann welcomed community members with remarks in the Barshinger Center for Musical Arts.

"This year, there is a tremendous feeling of optimism, excitement, and good cheer on campus," she said. "Just by being here this weekend, you are helping us to live our mission as a lifelong learning community."

"We are all Diplomats forever, and our continued engagement with the College matters," Altmann added.

View the gallery below for more highlights. For more photos, view the complete 2022 True Blue gallery.

 

Related Articles

July 29, 2026

A Diplomat’s Return to Lead: Matt DesChamps ’93, P’28 Begins Service as Board Chair

Matt DesChamps ’93, P’28 has spent more than three decades giving back to the College—as a volunteer, mentor, fundraiser, trustee, and advocate. Now, that enduring commitment has brought him to a new role: Chair of F&M's Board of Trustees.

July 24, 2026

Meet F&M's Alumni Association Board

The Franklin & Marshall College Alumni Association Board represents 30,000 Diplomats from around the world. The newest members of the Alumni Board began their terms July 1.

July 16, 2026

Decoding the Genome: F&M Public Health Alum Investigates Hantavirus

Anna Catherine Grady ’19 arrived at F&M with veterinary school aspirations. A few public health courses later, she discovered a love of research and a holistic approach to the discipline that reoriented her career path.