Harry’s Gang: The Enduring Bond of Dickinson’s Class of ’63
Harry's Gang, from a Sept. 2022 gathering.
Over 60 years of reunions keep tight group of Dickinsonians close
The class of ’63 has developed a strong bond over the years and nourishes it each year with a mini reunion. When they met on campus in the fall of 1959, they were as eager to develop lasting bonds with their classmates as they were to be challenged by the academic program Dickinson offered. Time has not erased the fond memories of the relationships they formed with peers and professors during their years in Carlisle.
To continue this connection, a group of 1963 Dickinson graduates looks forward to lunch together each September. The annual event started in the 1980s with a few former classmates reuniting when West Coast alums were in the East vacationing at the Jersey Shore. Through the years, the lunch bunch has continued to meet as word spread among ’63 alums and some Dickinsonians from other classes.
Spouses and family members have joined in the trip by car, train or plane to Wilmington, Delaware, which was chosen because of its helpful local and area transportation options. In addition to residents from nearby states, the gathering has included those from farther afield making a special trip or coming from other personal or business events nearby.
The lunch usually draws about 30 participants and provides welcome visits between reunions. It was the place where the idea for the Class of ’63 Scholarship for current students was born. The group also has a Sunshine Fund that supports the sending of flowers and memorial contributions on appropriate occasions.
The get-together is a chance to reminisce about early days on campus when a newly written class song saluted “353 Kids of Glee” and to hold a moment of silence for those fondly remembered. The classmates gave themselves a nickname along the way, "Harry’s Gang," related to the original name of the restaurant where they still meet.
In between Septembers, the Dickinsonians catch up with occasional online gatherings and look forward to their 65th reunion in 2028.
The gang will be holding their next lunch Thursday, Sept. 18. Alumni interested in joining the annual September lunch or virtual meetups are encouraged to contact Emily Zilinsky Wagner at voila5@comcast.net.
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Published September 16, 2025