The weekend of February 17-18 was a busy one for Rensselaer—on campus, virtually, and at locations across the country—as the community gathered for a variety of events celebrating Rensselaer pride and spirit.
Friday, February 17, was the sixth annual RPI Spirit Day. Members of the community were encouraged to wear their Rensselaer gear to work, school, or play—to share their Rensselaer pride with the world. Photos were posted to social media with #RPISpiritDay. Visit the Rensselaer Alumni Association Facebook page to see the results!
The Rensselaer Alumni Association (RAA) met on campus February 16-17, for strategic planning, work group meetings, and a special evening to celebrate the retirement of Joyce Kelly Martin, who retired in January after nearly four decades of supporting the work of the RAA.
On Saturday, February 18, more than 350 alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents, and community members gathered at the Heffner Alumni House for the Big Red Freakout Ice House. The annual Ice House tradition, held in conjunction with the Big Red Freakout hockey game, featured a buffet dinner and pep rally, complete with visits from Puckman and the RPI Pep Band. The Red & White Student Organization provided face-painting and “tattoo” services, as well as a popular Rensselaer-themed photo booth. Fans were invited to return to the Heffner Alumni House post-game for desserts and snacks, and the chance to meet and get autographs from the team and coaching staff. Alumni around the country also turned out to support the team in their areas, as several local chapters hosted Freakout viewing parties.
A men’s hockey alumni reunion also took place during Freakout weekend. More than 70 former players returned to lace up their skates for the annual alumni game, and to reconnect with teammates. They met the current coaches and team, and were feted in an on-ice ceremony during the game. Rensselaer was especially honored to welcome back former hockey player and Hollywood director Bobby Farrelly ’81. Farrelly hosted current students on Thursday, February 16, at a free screening of his hit movie There’s Something About Mary, which was followed by a Q&A period.