They came from across the river and across the country. They even came from around the world. More than 600 alumni from the School of Consumer and Family Sciences returned to the West Lafayette Campus October 25-27 to celebrate the school's 75th anniversary. The school's "Diamond Jubilee" was held Homecoming weekend and coincided with Discover Purdue Week, the beginning of a year-long campaign to highlight Purdue's achievements and potential.

Events got underway with a reception on October 25 that featured Purdue cheerleaders, Purdue Pete, and members of the Purdue Bands. Friday opened with a session led by Tami Heim, a 1980 consumer sciences and retailing graduate and president of Borders Books and Music Stores and borders.com. Throughout the morning and afternoon, many distinguished alumni were featured speakers at "back-to-class" sessions.

Friday's luncheon turned the spotlight on contributors to the planned giving campaign. The success of the $10 million campaign (which has raised $14.8 million so far) gave everyone a reason to celebrate. President Martin C. Jischke presented three individuals and one corporation with Pinnacle Awards, Purdue's highest acknowledgement of support for donors who give more than $1 million to the University (see pages 8-9). Stephen G. Marriott, senior vice president of culture and lodging sales recruiting at Marriott, spoke at lunch.

Later that evening, close to 600 alumni attended the Diamond Jubilee Dinner in the Purdue Memorial Union ballrooms where the school's 75 Hidden Diamond Award winners were revealed. California alums Deborah Durham, BS '70, MS '71, and Anne Cooper Ready, BS '70, brought a little of Hollywood with them to the dinner and presented a humorous version of the school's very own Academy Awards. The evening ended with an outstanding performance by the Purdue Varsity Glee Club.

On Saturday, the annual CFS Tailgate got everyone warmed up to cheer the Boilers on to their Homecoming victory over Northwestern.

"We are deeply indebted to the many participants in our 75th anniversary celebration," Dean Savaiano said. "To the committee who planned all of the great events, we say "thank you" for helping us celebrate a great history of success. To the donors who exceeded our goal by almost 50 percent, we say "thank you" for insuring the future of the school and its dedication to families, consumers, and the industries that serve them."