The gentlemen in the Class of 1971 reached a major milestone last week.

They celebrated the 50-year anniversary of their Academy graduation in tandem with the Class of 2021’s commencement ceremony.

Fourteen alumni from 1971 were on-hand at Tuesday, May 18’s graduation to personally congratulate the Class of 2021 and distribute the CBA challenge coin to each senior. The CBA challenge coin tradition was started with the first class to celebrate its 50-year reunion, the Class of 1963. Each new graduate receives a coin that they are challenged to return with in 50 years, when they will present that same coin to the Class of 2071.

The Class of 1971 continued the festivities on Wednesday, May 19 with a reunion dinner at Cross & Orange in Asbury Park.

On Thursday night, they wrapped the celebratory week with a reunion party on campus with 20 alumni and spouses joining. They were accompanied by special guests Br. Frank Byrne, Br. William Martin, Vinnie Cox, and John O’Shea.

Congratulations to the Class of 1971, whose Colt pride is as strong as ever!