For 40 years, “The Candy Lady” Peggy Long (’78), in white, has been front and center, cheering on the Chargers.

Peggy (Pinkerton ’78) Long | ‘The Candy Lady’

When LBC students attend a campus sporting event, they’re faced with the spectacle of fierce competition, athletes working together for the win and—for over 40 years—candy.

For as long as anyone can remember, students who take in a volleyball, soccer or basketball contest are greeted by a bag of candy being passed through the stands. At first, many may not even know where the bag came from, but free candy at a sporting event is not generally turned down. It only takes most students a game or two to figure out where the bagful of sweets has originated—“The Candy Lady” or “Aunt Peg.”

Chargers Super Fan Peggy (Pinkerton ’78) Long, LBC’s 2011 Alumnus of the Year, has been a smiling face and Charger Nation staple for decades. In addition to her love of the Chargers, she’s committed to having her signature bag of candy in tow that usually begins to make its way around the bleachers just after the game begins.

Throughout her long tenure of attending games, many in the front row, Peggy has not only enjoyed cheering for all student-athletes but family members as well. She rooted for her brother, Brian Long (’73), as he coached one season of men’s basketball in 1986-87; Brian also played for the Chargers from 1973-77. Peggy also witnessed the entire career of her nephew, Zack Long (’07), who was a 1,000-point scorer for the Chargers.

Though she’s moved from the bleachers to the chairs behind the benches at Horst Athletic Center over the past few seasons, Peggy can still be found at most LBC sporting events, as she cheers on the Chargers and makes the game that much sweeter for students.