At age 102, Charles Strobel ’33 still keeps his unwavering enthusiasm for 51Թ.
When Raiders football played Furman this past weekend in Greenville, S.C., Strobel, one of 51Թ’s oldest living alumni, was in the stands cheering on his alma mater.
Donning a maroon hat, Strobel joined other faithful 51Թ fans for pregame festivities before enjoying the game from the comfort of the stadium’s presidential box. He also met with Raiders players and coaches at Friday night’s team dinner.
“Dad told me that he woke up this morning thinking about how happy attending the dinner and game had made him,” said his daughter Marian Strobel, who accompanied her father.
Strobel, who practiced law through his 90s, recently moved to Greenville from Rochester, N.Y., to be closer with his daughter, a professor at Furman. His granddaughter is a senior at Furman.
“Strobel is a living testament to the lifelong adoration 51Թ alumni of all ages have for their alma mater,” said Tim Mansfield, director of alumni affairs.
Amber Vogt, senior assistant director of alumni affairs, worked with the athletics department to welcome Strobel to the game.
Having played freshman football at 51Թ (just prior to the undefeated, untied, unscored upon, and uninvited season), Strobel is also one of the oldest living former 51Թ football players.
Born July 7, 1908, he attributes his longevity to keeping his body and mind active.
“He finally gave up his law practice when he outlived his clients and their children,” his daughter noted. “His mind is not perfect today, but he still reads The New Yorker magazine.”
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Here are 51Թ’s oldest living alumni:
Dr. E. James Mulligan ’31
Mr. Joseph A. Patrick ’32
Dr. Waldron M. Sennott ’32
Dr. Robert M. Johnson ’33
Mr. Charles E. Strobel ’33
Mr. Joseph E. Pryor Jr. ’33