BOONE, N.C. — In the Parkway Ballroom of Plemmons Student Union this past weekend, Appalachian State University alumni from the Class of 1969 and their families gathered to induct about 40 new members into the university’s Black and Gold Society.

Encompassing more than 400 members, this organization honors alumni during the occasion of their 50th class reunion and fosters continued engagement with the Appalachian Community. Induction into the Black and Gold Society is commemorated with a gold medallion emblazoned with the university logo.

The ceremony served as the marquee event of the annual Black and Gold Reunion Weekend sponsored by Alumni Affairs, which hosted 100 alumni for a full slate of events, including a welcome session, a luncheon and campus tours.

This year’s Black and Gold Society inductees represented the totality of the Appalachian Experience: former Appalachian roommates, retired Appalachian professors, alumni couples simultaneously celebrating 50 years of marriage and 50 years since graduation, legacy families and even a former Yosef mascot.

Dr. Randy Edwards ’77 ’78, vice chancellor for university advancement, remarked, “It is a privilege to be among Appalachian friends and family. Appalachian is still today doing what I hope it did for you, which is providing a transformational academic experience. Appalachian changes lives.”

Class speaker John B. Rogers Jr. ’69 ’80 ’84 opened his remarks with a simple yet powerful question: “How many of you feel as blessed as I do?” Without hesitation, every hand in the room lifted high, a visual testament to the gratitude of Appalachian graduates.

That same sentiment echoed throughout the evening. Elaine Toney ’69 met her husband David ’70 ’73 at Appalachian, two of her siblings also attended, and this fall, she’ll welcome her granddaughter, Caitlyn, into the Mountaineer community.

“(The most surprising thing) is how much (the campus) has grown,” Elaine Toney said. Her husband joked, “You could have fit the whole campus in this one building when I went here!”

Kay Rogers ’69 ’76, sister of class speaker Rogers, said, “The school has become so much more. Part of that is growth and part of that is changing times, but having so many other extended opportunities makes a difference. It gives (students) a bigger view of the world.”

As John Rogers said so passionately in his remarks, “This place changed our lives. We are who we are because of our time here. Go Apps!”

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Appalachian Alumni Association

The Office of Alumni Affairs provides networking opportunities, affinity program discounts, alumni chapter gatherings and special events, merchandise and travel tour options to Appalachian State University alumni.

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Appalachian's History

Learn the history of Appalachian State University, from its founding in 1899 as a rural academy to its growth into a destination of choice for high-achieving students.

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Celebrating 50 years — Appalachian’s growth in university status and its Class of 1968

June 18, 2018

Appalachian marks its transition from teachers college to multipurpose regional university, while the Black & Gold Reunion celebrates the classes of 1968 and prior.

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About the Office of Alumni Engagement

Appalachian State University’s Office of Alumni Engagement creates and fosters communities of App State alumni. Its programs provide all App State alumni populations with meaningful engagement opportunities to network — connecting Mountaineers with each other and their alma mater. The university’s Alumni Association consists of more than 150,000 living alumni. Membership is free and automatic for all App State graduates. Learn more at www.alumni.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.