The Class of 1974 Reflects on Reunion '04

I had the best time catching up with old roommates and reacquainting with old classmates.

At first, I was scared that no one would know who I was, but within five minutes of arriving, I felt at home. I cannot wait for our thirty-fifth reunion. Keith and his band served as an added bonus and all of the guest musicians were so talented. The Class of ‘74 tent was the place to be. I'm sure glad I was there.

The reunion was just great! I've got June 2009 already marked on my calendar.

You can count me in for all upcoming reunions and probably a few homecomings, too. It really was a special couple of days!

I had a great time seeing old friends and hearing about what everyone has been doing for the past thirty years.

It is so nice to realize that, after so many years, we are all still very much the same and our individual lives are more alike than different all because of our experience at Springfield College. It was great seeing so many people from our class together having such a good time and really enjoying each other’s company.

Who knows where I'll be in five years? Close to retired (I think), but if I can, I will be back!

Great weather, great people, and lots of fun. I was happy that Dave Hoover and Jean made the trip, Joe Kacevich returned to campus, Keith's band (with guest stars, including Jim Mahoney) sounded great, Jim Drake arrived, from LA, Coach Anderson was there, and Donnie Pingree was able to get Gayle Emanualson to return (Marilyn's old roommate).

I smile when I just think of Norm, Howie, Buzzy, and Fran. I laugh out loud thinking of Murph and Smitty. The list goes on.

Reunion was an AMAZING weekend! Some of us (Bugsy, Miami, Jack, and I) turned it into an old-fashioned SC weekend, by starting Wednesday night. And, we made it through alive! After all, we are trained professionals. We all had a blast. You guys did a great job organizing the weekend. I feel sad for the people who weren’t able to make it.

Well, here goes.

It may seem a little strange coming from the nonconformist of the class, but I guess the one thing I could always do was speak from the heart. In the past I kind of avoided any talk of reunions, thinking, “Man, they must be boring!” Around the time of our twenty-fifth reunion, I decided that it had been too long and I really felt like seeing my best friends who I had lost touch with. Then, the unthinkable happened: my daughter made the state track tournament and I was unable to go. I decided that barring death, I would make the thirtieth.

“Wow” and “awesome” are the best words I can use to describe our experience. I use the word “our,” as that's the one thing I had forgotten over the years - that no matter what group you were in, you were all still a part of the triangle. Imagine me, “Miami Bob,” saying that! It's true, from the moment I hit campus, the smiles and laughing started, and it never ended until I decided to sneak out in the dead of Sunday morning as I knew the goodbyes would bring too many tears. You see, reunions aren't just about your group or your homies, they’re also about the people who were friends, but maybe didn't hang out with your group regularly. From the moment I got inside the dorm and walked out of my room, I heard this roar from down the hallway, “MR. MECONI!” I knew exactly who it would be when I turned around. “MR. LEWIS!” I replied. Mr. Lewis, forgotten until that moment, was a friend whom I had taken classes with.

From that point on, it just kept getting better.

Like Mike Hoover, who spent so much time in my dorm room. There are too many names to bring up, but in the end, I really was friends with everyone.

I can't even describe in words how well this event was organized, from the eighth floor hospitality room to the vans bringing us out to freshman camp. There was more than enough great food and the music was better than you can imagine. Finally, I can’t forget to mention the party which started on Thursday and lasted right up until I left, literally! So, that should give you a good idea of the fun, friendships, and love we all shared. It was the best. Barring sickness or death, I will never miss another. Thanks to everyone who helped and thanks Ira for the adjustments, Wingo for the awesome CD, the Golf Committee, the band, and to anyone who had a hand in helping. Good luck to Pam Miller, our new reunion chair. Best time ever, until the next!

Lowell and I had a great time. Not just with each other but with everyone else. You guys did a great job and we will be back. Thanks for all of your work.

Class of '74 members who are on the fence about the thirty-fifth reunion, I have one message for you: you must attend!

If you have never been to a reunion, you absolutely must go in June 2009. If you have been to reunions before, especially the extravaganza in 2004, then you know what I am talking about and there is no need to prompt you. I was a class of '74 “wanna be,” having graduated in '73, but since my good buddies talked me into coming back to campus for the first time in twenty-six years in 1999, I took them at their word that I would have an excellent time.

The twenty-fifth and thirtieth reunion weekends have got to go down as the most fun I have had, well, ever! After the June 1999 reunion, I switched my class designation to ‘74, joined the Baltimore-Washington D.C. alumni group executive board, and worked as a co-president with my new good buddy and alumni group co-president, Howie Gilson. You will get reconnected beyond your wildest dreams if you go back to campus. If you have never been back, June 2009 is the weekend to go. If you have gone back to campus for Homecoming or reunions, then you know exactly what I am talking about--no prompting necessary!

This was my first reunion but definitely not my last. I cannot believe that I waited thirty years. It was great to see everyone and I was reminded of how wonderful my time was at SC. Everything was well- planned and organized. I enjoyed connecting with old friends and classmates. Thanks.

As a '74 “wanna be,” as well as someone who directly benefits from the way people feel about their alma mater, words cannot describe the good that came from a beautiful and fun weekend together. Great job, and can't wait to stop time again in five years.

I haven't returned for a class reunion in quite awhile. I wasn't sure what to expect and if my wife should come along also.

Carol Doyle and Chris Higgins started an e-mail blitz for the thirtieth reunion and I finally decided to return to SC for this one. I am so glad I did! My wife and I had such a great time all weekend.

All of the events and get-togethers were really fun. It was great seeing old classmates, discussing the old and new, and just having a grand old party. It was amazing how our class just mixed together so comfortably, as though it was still 1974. Everyone was so friendly, and they made my wife, Jean, feel so welcome. There were so many highlights and great events that it would be unfair to try and name or rank them, but if you have never participated in the golf tournament, then you should! It was a lot of fun. The gatherings on the International deck for happy hour and seeing old friends were also fun. The Friday night gathering at camp was great too. I have to say that Keith Naylor's band on Saturday night in the tent was unbelievable!

They were so good. I will definitely return again with my wife for the 35th without any arm-twisting. Jean told me, “There is no way you will be able to leave me behind - it was so much fun!"

OK….add my name to people who immensely enjoyed our reunion! It was so much more than I had anticipated! The reunion committee is to be congratulated for hosting such a wonderful event! I so enjoyed catching up with folks and reminiscing! I guess we are fortunate to be able to remember as much as we did! I know this took many, many hands, hearts, and a wonderful sense of humor to pull it all off! Thanks so much for all that everyone did. It was GREAT!

Pinch me! Was that reunion real or did I dream it? But, how can it be a dream? I didn't get any sleep! There is NO better party than a Class of ‘74 party! I can't tell you what a joy it is to see ear-to-ear grins from the time you step on campus until the time you have to leave. The smiles are contagious, and you guys are great for the soul. I feel totally blessed to have so many friends back in my life, old and new! For those who attended the thirtieth, you know what I mean. For those of you who were unable to make it, don't think for one minute that you weren't thought of! You were!

Lobster buffet, wine tasting, and the Sunday farewell brunch should be institutions! Reunion brought back so many emotions and so many memories. I'm really proud to be part of a class that is doing and has done so many wonderful things for other people. Just knowing a few of the folks there made it all worthwhile. A retreat back in time to when we were the age my sons are today. Thanks again!

A well-organized and fun-filled weekend! Not to be missed again. The finger cymbals added to the parade of classes. As we get older, we do get better. Thanks for providing everyone with an outstanding weekend.

The thirtieth reunion was the fourth reunion that I've attended, and even though I enjoyed each of the previous ones, this was the best! Seeing all the Class of ‘74 people on campus was great.

Being out on the golf course and hearing the voices of classmates from two holes away letting out a huge laugh (and finding that the laughing was very contagious), followed by the whoops and hurrahs on the next hole as another classmate made an unbelievable putt, was great.

Then, being on campus socializing at one of the impromptu get-togethers or one of the more formal gatherings and catching up with classmates and folks from other classes, made me realize after awhile how much my face hurt from smiling and laughing so much. The food was great, the campfire was fun, the music was awesome, and our classmates are the best! Thank you!

The worry lines disappear under grins and smiles, no one sees the grey, and no one can move that fast anymore. Come back to the best four years of "camp" that you ever had. While I'm officially Class of '75, my heart belongs to '74. I am looking forward to the next reunion in 2009.

If you've never attended a '74 reunion, you may wonder "Why do these folks take such great pleasure in reconnecting with our alma mater and classmates?" If you come back for one reunion, I think your question will be answered. Over the years, I have forged great friendships with people I barely spoke to in college. It's a remarkable phenomenon. Join us June 4-7, 2009, and see for yourself.