Upon the 50th anniversary of an alum’s graduation from RPI, he/she becomes a member of the 50 Year Club.
The purpose of the Club is to help keep the spirit of Rensselaer alive in the older alums.
50 Year Club Projects
An example of the Club’s involvement is the creation of a display case in the Rensselaer Union that each year honors the class that becomes eligible to join the 50 Year Club. It is hoped that this display will provide a link to Rensselaer’s history for current students, and even prospective students and parents who pass through the Union.
The display case is located in the RAA Lounge area of the Union. Each annual display will feature the honored class’s photos and memorabilia related to their time on the Rensselaer campus and in Capital Region communities.
The project was also supported by the Rensselaer Union, the RAA, and the Office of Alumni Relations. The inaugural display case committee included Ray Kukfa ’50, chair, Dick Lupi ’51, and Harry “Bud” Hovey ’52, who worked with 50 Year Club President Ken Mortenson ’47 and consultant Carl Westerdahl.
We are always looking for ways to foster programs for older alums across the country. For example, in Troy there is an active Retirees’ Club that meets to go on plant tours and have lunch. We would welcome the opportunity to work with members of the regional alumni groups to organize similar groups in your area. If you want more information, or if you have any other ideas on how the 50 Year Club can relate to the alums in your area, please let us know. Send your ideas to us at
alumni@rpi.edu.
50 Year Club Dues
Fifty Year Club All alumni who graduated 50 years ago or more are automatically a nominal member of the 50 Year Club. To become an active member and support the activities of the club requires a one-time dues payment of $50. Dues defray the expenses of mailings and partially subsidize events such as the annual Florida luncheons and the Annual Meeting and Induction of new members at Reunion.
Send your dues to Treasurer Bill Blanchfield ’60, 2610 Sunset Avenue, Utica NY 13502-6009. You may contact him at
bblanchfield@hsettlement.com if you have questions.
Class Reunion at Reunion & Homecoming Weekend
Class Reunion has moved to the fall and combined with Homecoming to create a very special weekend. All members of the 50 Year Club are encouraged to return for the festivities, especially for the induction of the newest members of the club. A special invitation is extended to those members of 50 Year Club who are in Reunion year classes. Visit the Reunion and Homecoming pages for more details. If you have questions about your Class Reunion, or the entire Reunion & Homecoming program, contact Kathy Kinsey in the alumni office at
kinsek@rpi.edu or (518) 276-6205.
50 Year Club Board of Directors
In addition to the Annual Meeting in June, the Board of Directors meets in September, December, and April, with all meetings held on or near campus in Troy. For logistical reasons, most Board members reside in or near Troy.
To contact the Board, contact us at
alumni@rpi.edu or (518) 276-6205.