Posted By Sarah Kirkpatrick on Jan 27, 2018 | 1 comment

Penn Hall was illuminated for the occasion (Photo Sarah Kirkpatrick / The Gettysburgian)

By Sarah Kirkpatrick, Staff Writer

As members of the Gettysburg Class of 2021 paraded from the ballroom to Pennsylvania Hall Friday evening, they officially became part of a network of 28,000 Gettysburg alumni that came before them.

This annual tradition, known as the Twilight Hour, took place on Friday, January 27 at 6:30 pm. The evening began in the CUB ballroom where professors, alumni board members, and student representatives from the class of 2021 addressed the group.

“Traditions are the essence of a community…They bind people together through shared experiences,” explained Associate Professor of Chemistry Tim Funk ’00. “Tonight is a great time to consider how you want to shape your experience in the coming three and a half years.”

Other speakers emphasized similar points, encouraging first years to take advantage of
Gettysburg’s strong network to find a mentor, make global connections, and pursue their
passions in their remaining time at the college.

Members of the Four Scores a cappella group led the Class of 2021 in singing the Gettysburg College Alma Mater (Photo Sarah Kirkpatrick / The Gettysburgian)

After these remarks, the class learned to sing the Gettysburg College Alma Mater with the help of Four Scores a capella choir. The lesson brought back memories for senior members of the group like Sam Genova who has performed at four Twilight Hours during his time at Gettysburg. It reminded both seniors and first years that they will always be part of a single college community, even after graduation.

Finally, the class processed towards Penn Hall along pathways illuminated by
upperclassmen and alumni volunteers.

There, first years presented President Janet Morgan Riggs with their class scrapbook and serenaded her with the alma mater. The evening ended with a reception in Glatfelter Hall, complete with cookies, hot chocolate, and t-shirts commemorating the tradition.

“I feel very excited and honored to be a Gettysburg alum,” reflected Erik Gutshall ’21 at the end of the night, “The traditions here have been a great way to relieve stress and make friends.”