Grown-up tigers always pass their wisdom of the jungle down to the cubs. True to form, Princeton alumni of the class of '52 have taken the class of '02 under their paw, developing a unique relationship that many would say could only exist at Princeton.

The relationship began almost four years ago in recognition of the fact that the incoming P.U. freshmen would be graduating in the same year that '52 would celebrate their 50th reunion.

Joseph Handelman '52 and '52 class president Roger McClaine kicked off the program in the summer of '98, inviting a group of the local incoming freshmen to an informal party.

Since then, '52 has presented lectures, provided career advice, and hosted several parties for their grandchild class. The older Tigers helped some students attain internships, and even invited them to march in the P-rade behind the '52 banner. The older class hopes to maintain their grandfatherly relationship with the students even after commencement, similar to the "father-son" class relationship they've developed with the class of '77.

"It starts with meeting these bright kids," Mr. Handelman said. "Before you know it, you're funding their research." Mr. Handelman said that the '52ers like keeping their fingers to the pulse of the University, and helping the young people with the knowledge they've gathered since graduation. The students are appreciative.

"It's been very fortunate for us," said Ingrid Fetell, a senior in the English department. "They have so many distinguished members in their class. We've got to meet some really interesting people."

However, Ingrid said that the lectures were not the reason she became so involved in the '02-'52 events. Ingrid often seeks her alumni friends' critiques of stories she writes.

They frequently call her for feedback on the '02-'52 events. One of Ingrid's Class of '52 friends even offered her a place to stay when she had to travel out of town for a job interview.

"There's something about having a personal connection with alumni," she said. "That's more why I'm in it, than for the lectures."

"It's been unbelievable," Mr. Handelman said. "We want to perpetuate this idea. It's taken us four years. Hopefully the '56 and '06 classes will start it up, so it isn't a one shot thing, and it's not lost."

As part of the '02-'52 program, Robert Eby, a '52 chemical engineering graduate, returned campus recently for a luncheon and conversation with engineering students.

Dr. Eby talked about change: changes in America, changes in Princeton, and changes in one's own life and how to deal with those changes.

Robert Eby '52 talks with chemiclal engineering students.

He recalled that in 1952, Princeton engineering students arrived on campus three weeks before the A.B. students so that they could take surveying courses. The engineers' best friend was the slide rule, not the personal computer. All students were male. Man still had 17 years to wait before he'd walk on the moon; the public was generally optimistic about atomic energy; plate tectonics had not yet been discovered; and the telephone and the telegraph were the only existing telecommunications technologies.

After examining how vastly Princeton, science, and the world at large have changed since he graduated, Dr. Eby warned students that they must learn to accept change as a part of life. He encouraged the students to "think outside the box" in their life and work.

"Solving is the easy part," he said. "The hard part is finding out what the problem is."