This article originally appeared in the winter 2014 Harker Quarterly.

In November parents of Harker’s most recent graduates assisted the alumni office in an annual tradition of assembling college care packages for current college freshmen. This year, 30 parents united to send an array of interesting items to the Class of 2014.

Among the products included in this year’s packages were friendly notes and well wishes from advisors, teachers and the class dean, as well as sweet and salty snacks. Goodies included Rice Krispies Treats, fruit snacks, granola bars, chocolate chip cookies, popcorn, Emergen-C, hot chocolate mix, candy, gum and lollipops. The packages were designed to give the former students a boost of encouragement just before their finals began, and help them finish out their first semesters away from home on a bright note.

Also in the packages were custom-designed gum packages with the message “Harker Alumni – We Stick Together,” custom alumni M&Ms and a bookmark printed with the words “The journey is never truly over, it just changed course,” courtesy of Harker’s librarians.

According to Karri Baker ’84, director of alumni relations, several Class of 2014 agents were instrumental in helping to get the care packages to the alumni’s university mailboxes.

“We wanted to let the Class of 2014 know that we are thinking of them and sending good thoughts their way. The care packages were assembled with love from parents of alumni and alumni volunteers,” Baker said, adding that she hopes the packages will encourage the 2014 alumni to stay connected with Harker through participation with the Alumni Association.

She urged alumni to “please come back and visit, or drop a line and let us know how you’re doing!”