At Alumni Day on Feb. 21, Ryan Ruskin ’90, president of the Alumni Association and chair of the Alumni Council, unveiled the commemorations for the 200th anniversary of the association, which was established in 1826 when former U.S. president James Madison ’1771 *1772 was named its first leader.
“Our 200th anniversary celebrates all that we have accomplished and the growth we’ve shared over the years in close partnership with the University,” Ruskin said during the Alumni Day luncheon in Jadwin Gymnasium. “Our goals for this milestone celebration are simple: to engage as many alumni in the celebration around the world as possible, and to encourage alumni to log into TigerNet and forge connections.”
The Alumni Council, in partnership with the University, is planning an extended celebration and series of events that will last more than 200 days and culminate with Orange & Black Day on Oct. 22. The Alumni Council also established the Spark Fund to help ignite alumni activity around the world with funding for classes, regions and affinity groups to organize 200th anniversary events. On campus, the University will celebrate the association’s bicentennial with special activities planned around notable events, including Reunions and the home opener for Princeton football on Sept. 26. There will be commemorative giveaways over the next eight months, specially branded merchandise with the 200th logo, which can be purchased at the U-Store’s online store, celebratory banners across campus and on Nassau Street during Reunions, and fun treats available at participating town vendors.
“The affection that Princetonians have for their alma mater is one of the University’s great strengths, and the Alumni Association has helped focus that passion and generous spirit for two centuries,” said Jennifer L. Caputo, deputy vice president of Alumni Engagement and director of the Alumni Council. “We hope this extended celebration will invite even more Tigers to connect with the University and each other.”
Staying in touch with fellow alumni has been made even easier since the relaunch of TigerNet and the introduction of the new alumni directory in October. TigerNet features landing pages for all affinity groups, classes and regional associations as well as conversation forums on more than 160 topics. Current students can also join any alumni group and start building alumni connections.
In Jadwin, Ruskin shared a special video narrated by Charlie Gibson ’65, and there was an audience-participation segment on Princeton trivia. The 200th logo and a special 3D foam sculpture were unveiled, a banner was hung on Maclean House and celebratory pins were distributed to wear at Reunions and throughout the length of the celebration.
A themed website was also launched to promote association bicentennial events in the regions, provide fascinating historical trivia, house a digital toolkit and photo board, and track volunteer hours to inspire Princetonians‘ shared commitment to service. In addition, alumni groups can purchase unpainted fiberglass tigers to decorate in spectacular fashion. Planning for the 200th celebration was organized by the Ad Hoc Committee on the 200th Anniversary, co-chaired by Jennie Thompson ’90 and Melissa Zdrodowski ’94, which aims to amplify the joy and pride of Princeton’s alumni network by leveraging peer-to-peer engagement for all 100,000+ alumni.
“Today, 200 years since our founding as an association, we honor our shared history, our cherished traditions, and the partnership between us and our University,” Ruskin said at the Alumni Day closing reception at the new Princeton University Art Museum. “We affirm our enduring commitment to our alma mater and our confidence that the next 200 years will continue to be transformative.”
The 200th festivities will conclude on Orange & Black Day (Oct. 22), the annual celebration of the signing of Princeton’s charter. In a year of historical milestones for Princeton and the nation, this Orange & Black Day marks the University’s 280th birthday.
