I WAS HAPPY TO SEE I was happy to see on Facebook that Bucknell dedicated a new solar array. Although modest by comparison, here is a photo of one of the earliest, if not the first, solar collectors on campus. It was constructed by mechanical engineering graduate student Bill Aungst ’81, M’81 in 1981 and subsequently used by me for my mechanical engineering master’s thesis. It was mounted on the roof of Dana Engineering and supplied all of the building’s hot water needs.

Gary Fritz ’82, M’83
Midlothian, Va.

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That was a consistent “main sell line” that graced the January covers of the health-and-fitness magazines I helped publish for nearly two decades. Displayed in a large, bold font and a bright, lively color to capture a sense of energy and possibility, it was an editor’s faithful favorite because, frankly, it was effective. (Newsstand sales said so.)

Indeed, the transition from one year to the next inspires many people to reflect on the past and set intentions for the future. For the readers I once served, those intentions often materialized as lifestyle goals — from the modest (like consuming more plant-based protein) to the momentous (qualifying for the Boston Marathon).

Big or small, each goal held the promise of a better future. Helping people live fuller lives was the mission of Rodale, the publishing company that was my professional home for 18 years, and I embraced it wholeheartedly. I spent most of my career at Runner’s World magazine sharing readers’ stories. My favorite features had a common thread: A simple act — putting one foot in front of the other — had a profound impact, enabling people to overcome challenges, unlock opportunities, and find inspiration, purpose and community.

After making a career transition into higher-ed communications five years ago, I realized my work, at its core, remains the same. I share stories that help people overcome challenges, unlock opportunities, and find inspiration, purpose and community — only now the common thread is the profound, life-shaping power of education. Attending college is one of the most significant, consequential decisions a person ever makes. Education’s tremendous lifelong impact is a compelling story that’s rewarding to share.

As I write this note, 2022 is drawing to a close, and I’m reflecting on the idea of “new year, new me.” 2023 holds excitement and promise as I settle into my role with the talented Bucknell Communications team as the new caretaker of Bucknell Magazine. I have tremendous respect for its most recent editor, Sherri Kimmel. Her commitment to editorial excellence and passion for thoughtful storytelling is apparent in each issue she produced.

Storytelling has the power to stimulate us intellectually and emotionally. It informs and educates while also deepening our connections with each other. I recognize that Bucknell is more than just an institution of excellence; it’s a forever home to a passionate community of people who have a special bond because of their shared experiences here.

I am grateful for the opportunity to help strengthen those connections through the pages of this magazine. I look forward to sharing your wisdom, your accomplishments, your memories — in other words, your stories.

Bucknell Magazine’s production schedule will be shifting slightly following this issue. One of the benefits of this adjustment is that Class Notes for the Fall issue can now be collected after Reunion.

Here is the new schedule:
SPRING ’23: April
SUMMER ’23: August
FALL ’23: November
WINTER ’24: February