More than 1,000 graduates and their guests came to campus to “treasure their past and discover their future” at the pirate-themed Blue and Gold Alumni Weekend on Friday and Saturday, May 2-3. As promised, the weekend was packed with activities for all ages, including the 50-year reunion celebration for the Class of 1958 and the class members’ induction into the Golden Dragon Society.

The 16th Annual University City 5K Run, supporting the Nicholas P. Pipino Memorial Scholarship Fund, kicked things off on Saturday morning. The 5k run helps raise money for the scholarship fund and to honor Nick Pipino, a Drexel student who was killed in 1991.

Approximately 500 guests braved low temperatures and chilling winds, to spend the afternoon at the alumni family picnic, enjoying food and entertainment under a massive tent set up on The Quad.

At Saturday afternoon’s Alumni Association Awards Ceremony, President Papadakis joined the Alumni Board of Governors in recognizing the outstanding achievements of alumni and in presenting scholarships to seven distinguished students. On Saturday evening, at the culminating event of the weekend, Behrakis Grand Hall was transformed into an enchanting pirate’s cove for the annual black-tie University Gala.

Plans are already under way for next year’s Blue and Gold Days, May 1-2, 2009. To find out more, go to www.drexel.edu/alumni.