Every year the College hosts a summer Reunion which brings former students who have been "out" for 5,10,15 etc. years back to campus for a series of events and celebrations. This past weekend was a huge success and since Reunion usually coincides with Burlington's Jazz Festival, there were so many people who came back to share memories, renew friendships and enjoy the uniqueness of Burlington. I have now been at the College long enough to have connections with 5 returning classes. The Class of '84 was really the first class that I was close to. They invited me (and Jennie Cernosia) to join them for their dinner and their induction as "Silver Knights" on Saturday night but Friday afternoon found several of us (George, Glenn, Erin/Bill, Sharon/Andy, Tom, Joe/Nicki sitting down on the water's edge at Splash, a local bar/restaurant right on the water. I was with them for about 3.5 hours and can only imagine how long they all stayed and enjoyed being together again. Saturday morning all of the returning classes gathered in the Ross Sport Center as each class presented the President with their class gifts. The class of '59 (Golden Knights) was out in full force and their comments, and the comments of each class representative who spoke addressed the impact that Saint Michael's College HAD and continues to HAVE on their lives. It is amazing to listen to these people, some of whom have been "out" of college for 50+ years talk about their time at Saint Michael's College. They remembered the fun times, celebrated the lives of those they have lost from their classes and pledged that this place they attended so many years ago WILL continue because they see that the values that they learned here so many years ago are still alive and well on campus today. Talking with old friends, meeting spouses, seeing pictures of their kids, remembering, remembering, remembering AND celebrating being back together - all of these things made this a huge success.
On Saturday morning I had been asked to present what the College calls "Back to the Classroom" - this is an opportunity for one of us to present information on a current topic to those alums who might be interested. My topic was Academic Achievement and Gender and even though this took place at 9:30 on a Saturday morning after a fun-filled Friday night, I had several folks who showed up and who not only showed up, but who actively participated in the discussion. Priscilla Miller from the Office of Institutional Advancement was the facilitator and her presence was much appreciated. I was particularly pleased that some of the '84 returnees were there as were some of the Golden Knights from the Class of '59.
All in all, another great weekend at Saint Mike's - I continue hearing from recent alums and fortunately, some are reporting employment - others have heard from graduate schools - hopefully this trend will continue. Alan WAS accepted in the Saint Michael's College Clinical Psychology program for the fall -
take good care, be well, and please keep our service men/women and their families as well as all of our veterans in your thoughts and prayers.
Dave
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Posted by: writing up dissertation | June 25, 2009 at 12:49 AM