Published: May 3, 1999

The Alumni Association of the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ at Boulder will host the Golden Anniversary Reunion of 1949 graduates May 13-15, during the universityÂ’s May commencement weekend.

On Friday, May 14, about 75 members of the class of 1949 dressed in full academic regalia will lead the procession that initiates the universityÂ’s 1999 commencement ceremony, upholding a longtime CU-Boulder tradition.

No stranger to initiating traditions, the class of Â’49 enjoyed the first outdoor commencement in CU history. The class, its ranks swollen by returning WWII veterans, was the largest to date with 1,676 degrees conferred.

Spouses of the graduates initiated a tradition of their own, receiving P.H.T. (Putting Hubby Through) degrees at a tongue-in-cheek ceremony on June 9, 1949. More than 600 wives of graduating veterans received the honor.

Following this year's ceremony, President John C. Buechner will address the Golden Anniversary Reunion attendees at a noon luncheon at the Kittridge Commons Residence Hall complex. Other 50-year reunion highlights include receptions, banquets, campus tours and faculty seminars on everything from the life and music of Glenn Miller, who attended CU from 1924 to 1926, to a presentation on the architectural style at CU-Boulder by campus architect Bill Deno.

The Golden Anniversary Club -- whose members have already celebrated their 50-year reunion -- will join the class of Â’49 for the festivities.

For more information, visit or contact Linda Wolvington by phone at (303) 492-8485, or by e-mail at wolvington_l@cufund.

colorado.edu.