The Old Guard: Looking Back, While Leading the Way

The Old Guard is one of Stevens' most active alumni clubs, with a growing membership nearing 3,000. Having blazed their own academic trails more than half a century ago, members proudly lead the next generations of alumni today, both by example and through participation in campus events. The Old Guard's members include all undergraduate alumni who graduated from Stevens at least 50 years ago.

Each spring, during Alumni Weekend, members of the class currently celebrating its 50th reunion are officially inducted into the club and presented with commemorative Old Guard pins. The group's longest-running tradition is its series of luncheon meetings, which have occurred twice annually since 1965.

In recent years, the Old Guard has established a newer tradition whereby the members are invited to lead the undergraduate processional during spring Commencement, then observe the presentation of diplomas. It's an emotional moment, completing a circle of sorts for the Old Guard members — who perhaps recognize something of their young selves in these new graduates about to enter the world, fully prepared by their Stevens educations.