THE CLASS OF ’86
RAISES THE BAR FOR TLF Graduation 1986 was a harbinger of big changes for Lawrenceville – Head Master Bruce McClellan H’57 ’60 GP’10 would retire a few months later after 36 years at the School, 27 of them as Head Master, and the first girls would arrive in the fall of ’87. Outside the gates, “We Are the World” won the Grammy for song of the year and some 5,000,000 Americans from New York to California linked hands to raise money to battle hunger and homelessness. This was the backdrop for the Class of ’86 as they left campus for a diverse collection of colleges and, eventually, careers. But despite time and distance, their shared experience of Lawrenceville and life would bind them together. Three decades later, this class is still going strong, as evidenced by the overwhelming support of their 30th Reunion in both attendance and giving. The $490,571 in reunion giving to The Lawrenceville Fund by 1986 shattered the previous 30th Reunion record by more than 100 percent, and the reunion turnout of 45 classmates may hold the record for attendance 30 years out. In addition, 1986 took home the Class of 1925 Award for the class that gave the most dollars to The Lawrenceville Fund in 2015-2016.
Of course, these Lawrentians had a great head start. Their 25th Reunion was highlighted by a Rolling Stones cover band that had the whole campus rocking, and a 30th Reunion planning dinner in New York City brought together more than a dozen classmates to regale a new Head Master, Steve Murray H’55 ’65 ’16 P’16, with stories of vintage hijinks and memories of beloved masters and Housemasters. Classmates often network among themselves, and 13 of them have added P’ years to their alumni designation. The record fundraising was led by Reunion Committee members Michael Chae and Dan Tapiero P’20, with back-up from fellow members Jake Bramhall P’15, Craig Forester, Mike Glen, JC Keeler, Fitz Lee P’17, James Loutit, Mike Riben, Kirk Rule P’15 ’20, Chip Smith, Harley Walsh and Lee Underwood. We thank all of you for the support you inspired, and we congratulate you on your record-breaking success!