Class of '75
August 2005
Dear Class of ’75,
Phew…what a hot weekend, both literally and figuratively! With temperatures that soared into the 90’s with high humidity and events, including a bonfire and dancing to the Who Knows Band, that had everyone looking for lots of shade and cool drinks all weekend long, it was a time to remember, both from days of yore and for the days to come!
Last minute details were pulled together on Thursday as 25 or so old and new friends started to arrive on campus. The rooms in International were hot, but fans and a cross breeze offered relief to the girls on third floor and the guys on fifth. The basement was a spot for chillin’, both in the cool interior and the deck out the back doors. Everyone hung out and caught up on news and doings. Four yearbooks from ’72-’75 helped guide some to the faces, both old and new versions. A CD player with tunes, old and the new “Class Notes 1975” (more on that later), provided a great background and impetus for some dancing into the wee hours.
Friday morning had coffee, fruit, bagels, and muffins downstairs for those who had not headed out to the golf course. It was a bit cloudy, providing some relief for the golfers on the early holes. Lunch at the clubhouse was followed by the presentation of awards. The sun broke out in full force as folks returned to campus for a few minutes of shut-eye and preparation for the Welcome Back Social.
Familiar voices and faces continued to appear with hugs and smiles greeting each new arrival. A bar in the basement and munchies provided some substance and cool relief. While some stayed on the deck to talk and reminisce, others went to the Southwest Fiesta for dinner on the Ad Green. By eight, the vans were running to Freshman Camp for our Council Campfire Social. Despite the heat there was a fire glowing in the dark, which offered a focal point for all to sit and gab and sing along with the guitar players. Another bar and a truckload of pizzas offered more sustenance. Folks returned to International at midnight, continuing to chatter and dance on the deck for another late night of laughter.
Saturday morning saw more arrivals as all the classes lined up at noon for the presentation to President Flynn of class gifts, the Parade of Classes and photos. 1975 was the largest and loudest, by far! Holly Snow Weatherby led us in a rousing rendition of our class song (from Freshman Orientation, remember, “We’re the Class of ’75, nineteen seventy-five. We’re the Class of ’75; we’re the best alive…”?.)
Charlie Brock’s planned afternoon of Field Day activities had been reduced to just volleyball (Thanks to the Alumni Office for putting up the net!) because of his daughter’s conflicting sports schedule, but even volleyball was out due to the extreme heat. A small memorial service for Joe Morrisey was held by ’74 classmates. Later some attended the beer and wine tastings; others retreated to the basement as the band set up and last minute decorations went up for the class dinner.
We gathered at 5 pm for a second class picture and dinner at 5:30. We had 120 officially registered (A list of attendees is attached.) for our Italian fest! Blow up pictures of selected classmates and Indian print bedspreads on the walls along with low candles and small flower vases helped turn Allied Health Center into a beautiful venue. A reading of those classmates and friends departed was read before a moment of silence. Class business accepted Rick Maynard’s resignation as class president and the election of Kevin O’Sullivan as his replacement. Pat and Diana were elected to be co-chair reunion organizers for our 35th. Kevin then called up President Flynn, who had spoken briefly, and got both President Flynn and his wife to raise a toast with mini-Heinekins with the Class of 1975! Dinner finished by 8pm so we could dance and boogie to the Who Knows Band, led by Keith Naylor’74 and helped by Mike Patrylo ’74 and our own Roger Winkleman and Donnie Gallagher. The music lasted ’til midnight, and those still standing retired to International’s basement and deck for more food and one more late night of laughter and dancing and new memories. Pat posted the compilation of survey results of favorite/best/hardest classes/songs/albums/dorm rooms/professors, etc., for the basement. Ira Mittleman’ 74 even provided his chiropractic services to help folks keep on going!
Those still on campus Sunday morning gathered in Cheney for a wonderful breakfast and a last chance to talk and exchange addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail. Everyone agreed that it had been an absolutely wonderful weekend! Folks who had never been back before and those who have been to several said it was the best ever! Folks from other classes joined us, including many from ’74 and ’76. “Miami Bob” Meconi got his brother to join him for the first time since ’70, so we now have a “Miami Bill” in the crowd! The only problem was that we seem to have lost the ability to stay up really late for more than two or three nights running and recovery takes a lot longer those next mornings! And the only thing lacking was the presence of those who had been unable to make it due to family/work obligations…maybe in five we can get double or triple our classmates back! Some people were able to make it only for part of the weekend by coming late or leaving early, but it was great to see them, no matter how short the visit!
When folks registered at Alumni, they were able to bid on the silent auction items. Our contribution to the silent auction (Diana got a football from the Patriots organization signed by Willie McGinest) earned $275 for the class kitty! Folks could have also purchased a copy of the class CD, “Class Notes 1975.” Unfortunately, FedEx was late delivering one of the two shipment boxes, so 50 copies were unavailable til the Monday after. In order to make sure all the class bills are covered and to, hopefully, start our kitty for the 35th, we are hoping that anyone who didn’t buy one during the reunion or who was unable to attend will take advantage of the order form included here to pick up a copy. It has 33 songs by artists such as Earth, Wind, and Fire, Al Green, Bonnie Raitt, Allman Brothers, Marvin Gaye, J Geils, Dr. John, Rolling Stones, O’Jays, Yes, Van Morrison on two CD’s for only $15! According to the latest news stories, satellite radio and format changes are doing away with oldies stations. This is a great way to get 33 songs that you know all the words to in one place! So use the order form and include $1.30 for shipping and handling to get a rockin’ blast from the past!
Pat is looking for captured memories. Would those of you who were good with cameras over the weekend send copies, especially the digital versions, to her? She is setting up a url account so people can view pictures and even order their own copies, along with setting up pictures on the college web site. And don’t forget to order copies of either of the class pictures from the parade and the class dinner.
As a class, we gave a collective $43,338 to Springfield College this year. (If you’d like to help with fundraising as a class agent – please contact the Development Office. We could use your help!)
So now that we’ve all recuperated, we can take stock and look forward to a bit of a rest before thinking of the next gathering. Some, mostly the locals to campus, will go to Homecoming in October. Others will join ’76 next spring as they celebrate their 30th and maybe even join ’77 the following year! But we all hope that everyone puts June 2010 on their calendars when we will once more head back to Springfield to remember when.
Enclosed is a list of all the people who registered for the class dinner or who showed up at some point and were added to the tally. Also listed are several folks who are listed as being “among the missing.” So if anyone has info on those folks, please forward to the Alumni Office for updating.
And now that you’ve read over the lists and said to yourself, “Hey, I remember…” at least a couple of times, won’t you make a promise to yourself to set aside those days in June 2010 and make sure you’re on the next roll call? We’re already thinking of ways to improve the fun and add to the laughter.
Most warmly and in “Scotchman Spirit,”
Pat O’Reilly and Diana PeckhamClass of ’75 Reunion Co-Chairs
Class of '75 Resources
- Class of '75 Home
- Reunion '05 Nov. Letter (.pdf)
- Reunion '05 March Letter
- Reunion '05 May Letter
- CD & Photo Order Form (.pdf)
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