Why I Come Back: Sydney Beveridge ’03

Sydney Beveridge '03 - Before attending her fifth year reunion in 2008, the Alumni Relations office asked Sydney to record her time back on campus and write a blog post about her experience. The blog kept her memories sharp, and the overall experience of the weekend made Sydney a reunion devotee.

I've come back for a whole bunch of reasons, but I think the opportunity to experience campus and Swarthmore in a whole new way, not as a student but as an alumna, is what first sparked my interest. It's going back to school but without the stress of college.

The weekend is also pretty packed and there are a lot of things to do and people to see. I love to meet people and whether I went to a reunion event or just lounged on Parrish Beach I was constantly reconnecting with former classmates and meeting new people. There are lots of little surprises and novelties, eating in Sharples again, seeing people you haven't seen for years, getting to know classmates you didn't know well as a student, and those little enjoyments really made the weekend stand out.

The summer weather's great, campus is beautiful, and you really get a chance to experience Swarthmore in a totally different way than you did as a student.

One memory that stands out is catching up with former professors. You have the chance to relate to them as an adult and not worry about how you still owe them homework. I ran into one professor waiting on the train tracks gearing up for his own reunion. Another professor I spoke with at a reception listened excitedly as her former students updated her on what they were doing. I told her about the projects I'm working on, and though radio drama is far afield from microeconomics, she was delighted to hear about my work.

Also, at my tenth reunion class party, a keg stand discussion (and demonstration) evolved into a debate about Nietzsche. That's what happens when you're back in a room full of fellow Swatties.

I'm not sure if I'm coming back because I was just there for my 10-year reunion! But this is a special event. It would be nice to be a part of this celebration. And I'm curious to see what special activities are planned. Hopefully I'd also get to see some people who didn't make it back for our fifth or 10th reunions. I guess we'll see what happens!