PHILADELPHIA – The Class of '68 and '69 Heavyweight Rowing crews came together on Friday night, May 11 to celebrate their respective national championships. Over forty guests enjoyed activities ranging from an afternoon row to an evening dinner. 

"I cannot believe that it has been almost 50 years since the '68 and '69 crews won the IRAs and were National Champions" said Phil McKinley, C'68 who led the planning for Friday's reunion activities.  "What an accomplishment. We won many races together and enjoyed our victories but what is really important is what we learned in those thousands of miles rowing on the Schuylkill River in all kinds of weather."

Two boats of alums went for a row on the Schuylkill River in the afternoon which was followed by a cocktail reception at the Penn Boathouse.  Dinner took place on the dock of University Barrage Club with incredible skyline views of the city.

The evening concluded with a speaking program featuring Phil McKinley, C'68, Nick Paumgarten, C'67, David Young, C'71, Canadian Olympian Rick Crooker, W'72, U.S. Olympian, Luther Jones, W'71 and Ken Dreyfuss, W'69, GED'77. 

The Alumni Weekend row and dinner has now become an annual tradition which started with the 50^th reunion for the Class of '65.