F&M Stories

True Blue Weekend Marks Milestones

Video by Andrew Bilindabagabo

An estimated 2,100 students, parents and alumni filled Franklin & Marshall’s campus Oct. 27-29 for True Blue Weekend. The annual Homecoming and Family Weekend offered something for members of every generation. 

The weekend marked several F&M milestones, including the 50th anniversary of the Class of 1973, the College’s first fully coeducational cohort. Visitors got their first glimpse of construction at the Lombardo Welcome Center, slated to debut next spring.  

Throughout Friday, F&M visitors enjoyed open classes, coffee hours, campus tours and reunion gatherings. The Fall Academic Research and Student Experience Fair spotlighted the internships, entrepreneurship and research experiences of more than 60 students. 

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

In opening remarks at the Alumni Association awards ceremony, F&M President Barbara Altmann emphasized the College’s strong presence both globally and locally in its home city of Lancaster.

“Think about how we can engage with your organization, or how you can come back and demonstrate how you put your own education to good use. Inspire others to do the same. It's really because of the community that we represent, that this is such a powerful institution,” Altmann said. 

View the gallery below for more highlights. For more photos, view the complete 2023 True Blue gallery

Related Articles

September 15, 2025

Diplomats Share True Blue Wisdom

We asked our alumni what advice they would share with their first-year selves, and their timeless words of wisdom will resonate with every generation of Diplomats.

September 9, 2025

Samuel Ossa Rodriguez ’24 Guides Next Generation of Students

F&M opened the door to a career in education for Samuel Ossa Rodriguez ’24. Now, he helps the next generation of students unlock their potential as a college adviser at nearby J.P. McCaskey High School.

September 4, 2025

F&M Welcomes New Board Members

Franklin & Marshall College is pleased to welcome three new members to its Board of Trustees: Scott A. Sommer ’85, Christopher W. Rile ’91, and Yusong “Sebastian” Deng ’22. The Board of Trustees plays a vital role in guiding the College’s mission and ensuring that F&M continues to thrive for generations to come. Its newest members are all alumni whose deep connection to the College and impressive professional accomplishments will strengthen the Board’s leadership and service to the F&M community.