By Kendall Lambrecht · Copy Editor
One week ago today, Grove City College celebrated its 150th anniversary with a special birthday party coordinated by the college’s Crimson & White society and the Alumni Council.
Preparations for the college’s 150th anniversary began all the way back in 2023. While the gala in Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Museum occurred last month, Grove City honored the college’s actual founding day on April 10.
Junior Amanda Tangelder, rising president of the Crimson & White society, explained the effort that went into the affair. “The birthday party was one of the events that we brainstormed within this group, but the main execution of the party didn’t begin until spring semester,” she said.
The birthday party began promptly at 10:45 in the morning with party favors, ice cream, beverages and a table with a banner for all to sign. Students, professors, alumni and others got to sign the 150th banner with their name and graduation year, marking their existence at Grove City College forever.
Tangelder, alongside Alumni Coordinator Amanda Sposoto ’00 and fellow junior Katie Hillebrand, met together to discuss details for the event. The three discussed what they wanted the day to look like, including which student groups on campus should be involved, the food, the prizes and more.
“As for my role specifically,” Tangelder said, “once we finished the brainstorming period, I was in charge of sourcing some of the event signage, yard games and worked with (Amanda) on discussing our marketing efforts.”
Involving the students, Tangelder coordinated how many volunteers would be needed, as well as creating tasks for them and time slots. From 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tangelder acted as the key point of contact.
April 10 didn’t mark just the college’s birthday, as freshman Payton Allan and her mother, a Grove City alum, also celebrated their own birthdays. “It really makes the connection between my mom and I, and the school that has played such a huge part throughout my whole life, seem so much more special,” Allan said, “like one huge birthday party.”
“It is a crazy link between family legacy and tradition — I figured it would make a good story,” Allan said.
While the main focus of the party was centered towards students, the Alumni Center was present and helped with engaging alumni who may be in the area to celebrate.
The climax of the party took place at 11:55 a.m., when students and faculty gathered around to listen to the fight song play and sing “Happy Birthday” to Grove City. Quickly afterwards, President Lingo ’00 cut the twelve-foot-long cake.
“I was so happy to see how excited students were to be there and how upbeat the atmosphere was with the band playing!” Tangelder said. “I also really enjoyed getting to work alongside our current and new Crimson & White members – we have such a wonderful group of students who are willing to joyfully serve!”
Grove City College’s 150th anniversary birthday party was definitely one for the books. “From planning to seeing the event come to life,” Tangelder said, “I feel incredibly grateful to have been a part of such a meaningful milestone for a college and community I love so deeply.”
Thank you, Tangelder, Sposato, Hillebrand and the Alumni Council for throwing such a meaningful event for the Grove City College community!
