SALEM, Mass. - The Salem State College Alumni Association is inviting all its alumni and their friends and family to a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 13 at the Sheraton Ferncroft in Danvers.

" The Grand Reception" is a free event that will feature hors d'oeuvres, entertainment and a cash bar in the semi-formal setting of the resort's living room. "We're hoping to see a large gathering there," said Tom Walker, director of alumni affairs at the college. "And people should feel free to bring along guests," he added.

With Salem State College preparing to celebrate its 150th anniversary next year, "we thought this would be a good way to get some people back in touch with the college," Walker said. "It's a good time to share some old stories." A Web site has been set up for alumni to visit and share memories at www.salemstate.edu/150

The reception is the first of its kind at Salem State. It will be a part of this year's annual Alumni Weekend featuring The Outstanding Educator Awards on Thursday, June 12 and an evening at the Boston Pops on Saturday, June 14.

To attend the reception, call Walker at (978) 542-7532, Jim Dennis, director of gift and estate planning, at (978) 542-7596 or Eileen O'Brien, assistant director of alumni affairs, at (978) 542-7529.