Gilman alumni — 55 representing multiple decades — hand-delivered graduation ties to the homes of 120 members of the Class of 2025 on June 4. The tradition of face-to-face, home deliveries was born out of necessity during the pandemic. In five years, it has taken hold and quickly become one of the most widely enjoyed and highly anticipated alumni events of the year. This year's team of drivers did not disappoint!

It was an early start for several alums. James Edwards '91 was first on the scene, crossing the Carey Hall threshold at 7 a.m. on the nose. Hot on his heels were Brian Cootauco '92 and Alex Lawson '19, primed to surprise their son (Nate) and brother (Nicky), respectively, with the ceremonial neckwear. James made arrangements for a breakfast presentation to his son, Michael. Same goes for Charlie Edwards '20 delivery to little brother — and Michael's cousin — Timmy. The early bird gets the worm in the Edwards family!

Dr. Jeremy Pollock '03 also got off to an early start. After a daybreak swim (he is preparing for an upcoming triathlon), Dr. Pollock hustled to the home of Julian Jennings. Julian also knows his way around the pool; he was a star of the Greyhound swim team and the North Baltimore Aquatic Club (NBAC). Dr. Pollock arrived bright and early to find Julian up and at 'em. A common characteristic for physicians, perhaps? Julian is heading to the University of Texas on a pre-med track. Hopefully, the two swapped pointers — aquatic and medical!

Dr. Ben DuBois '71, like Jeremy, a cardiologist, had a long Wednesday ahead of him, as he mentioned in an email ahead of delivery day, "These [darn] day jobs always get in the way!" The circumstances called for flexibility and extra coordination so that Ben could surprise Peter Eiswert with a dinner-time tie delivery. Ben showed up proudly sporting a Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) T-shirt, especially chosen for Peter's sake, who'll be heading there in the fall. Ben had just recently been to WashU to attend his 50th reunion and was eager to share insights and celebrate the other alma mater he will share with Peter.

College choice was a common denominator for delivery-recipient pairings this year. Several matches unfolded, yielding valuable connections and a wealth of idea-sharing and guidance. Alumni volunteers in this category included Thomas Lee '24, Justin Bonner '23, Kaikai Du '23, Ben Weinfeld '23, and Adam Smith '20. Brandon Croxton '96, First Vice President of the Alumni Association Board of Governors (BOG), is a regular on the tie-delivery circuit. He was especially pumped to deliver a tie to Cam Brown, who, like Brandon once did, will play football at Howard University. Said Brandon of his delivery encounter: "I was over there for 30 minutes talking about his journey and my experiences. It was really special for both of us."

Because the experience is even more special when the student knows the alumnus knocking on his door, several Class of 2025 alumni fathers made deliveries to both their sons and their friends! Will Zerhouni '94, BOG President, was happy to deliver a tie to his son, Gabe, and to Brian Checkley, whom he hosted for Senior Encounter (and whom he'll watch follow in his footsteps to Harvard!). Don Schline '91 got to present his son, Harrison, with a tie, then proceeded to do likewise with Harrison's future University of North Carolina classmate, Matt Feola (Don is a Tarheel, too!). Said Don of the experience: "What a great honor to be part of this tradition. Please add me to the roster for next year!" Don's comrade from the Class of 1991, Donell Thompson, sought out three of his son Ellis's classmates. Doug Schmidt '85 did the same for his son, Bennett ("It was fantastic – loved it," said Doug). Cheo Hurley '92 logged many a mile on I-695 to surprise four of his son Chase's buddies.

Also on the pairing program this year: neighbors! Two Greyhounds surprised their next-door neighbors to welcome them to the Alumni Association: Dr. Jordan Angell '97 to Connor Frank, and Michael Brennan '92 to Ben Schatz. What else might link these two volunteers? Service on the BOG! Jordan served on the BOG from 2016-2022, while Michael is joining on July 1 to begin his first term.

Jordan and Michael had the shortest commute for their deliveries. What was the longest? That's a tie between several dedicated and determined alums.

• Nathaniel Badder '94 ventured northeast to Bel Air for two deliveries, and later in the day, northwest for two more in Westminster!
• Matt Tucker '93, past-president of the BOG, travelled the western reaches, all the way to Dayton. No, not that Dayton. He explored the Howard County municipality (still 40 miles from Gilman!), though the Wright brothers would be proud of Matt's adventurous spirit!
• LJ Shapiro '16 criss-crossed the Baltimore metro area for five deliveries, ultimately putting 86 miles on his tires.

Other noteworthy performances:

• Oldest delivery driver? Tom Beck '64
• Youngest deliveryman? Bobby DeWeese, not quite 11 months old, who joined dad Alex DeWeese '11 for a delivery to Alex's advisee, Mason Van Dyke.
• Most alumni involved in one delivery? Three! Clinton Daly '74 and Doug Nelson '74, fathers-in-law by marriage, joined classmate and good buddy, Andy Brooks '74, for the presentation to Andy's son, Bohlen.
• Most well-represented class? The Class of 2023, with six drivers.
• Most ties presented? Six, by Jeff Gouline '00.

When it was all said and done, Gilman alumni visited six Maryland counties and entered 43 zip codes. Alumni faculty and staff (17) and alumni relatives (18) formed the backbone of the driving roster. Thanks to everyone who took time out of work and their daily lives to carry on this beloved tradition. The Class of 2025 was well-equipped for Baccalaureate and Founders Day and received a warm welcome to the alumni brotherhood.

We look forward to watching another large pack of Greyhounds traverse greater Baltimore in 2026!

View more photos from these special deliveries