How was reunion?
Many alumni reported having an excellent time at Reunion 2008, held June 6-8 on campus. Here is what some of them said:
Class of 2003
“For two days, I actually almost felt like I was back at Mac. The only real difference was that five years had now passed, and people were able to share their most recent evolutions and experiences, which were in many cases parallel. I personally found it very moving that those bonds with old friends were still there, and that people made the trip from as far as the United Kingdom just to be reunited in this place. The campus came alive again in a way that I have not experienced on other occasions when I visited since graduation.”
Leah Sand ’03
“Reunion was great! Our class had an awesome turnout, and I had a wonderful time catching up with everyone. I can't wait until the next one!”
Lucy Dinsmore ’03
“Excellent.”
Tariq Islam ’03
Class of 1983
“How delightful it was to reconnect with so many friends. I enjoyed being able to share my new family, Jack, husband and Jesse, 7 months. Thanks so much to the planning committee for putting on a very successful reunion!”
Anne Schaefer Wussler ’83
So many old friends to see, so much to remember, and so much more to learn about. Why not make an effort to join in?
Shelley Sears Berven ’83
“I really enjoyed visiting with old friends and making connections with new people too!”
Margaret ’83
“Attending a Macalester class reunion provides an outstanding opportunity to connect with classmates, make new friends, and share in wonderful and meaningful conversation. It's also a chance to absorb the beautiful surroundings that make up the campus, like Old Main and the Weyerhaeuser Chapel.”
Michael Dickens ’83
“Reunions are fun, and really the only thing to fear is the sudden realization when you see your old bud’s, that you really are older than you think you are.”
Jeff Adams ’83
“It's fun to go to O'Gara's on Friday night regardless of what year you graduated. Don't be intimidated if you don't recognize your classmates at first, it gets easier as the night goes on and everyone feels the same way.”
Lisa Wales Post ’83
Class of 1978
“Thanks a lot for coming to Reunion 2008! It was great to see you and learn what you've been up to. See you again the next time around.”
Deanne (Bunny) Levander ’78
One of the best parts of Reunion for me was the chance to talk with the student [workers]. They did a great job and were very well organized.
Brett Gemlo ’78
“The reunion exceeded my expectations for the feeling I enjoyed by being back at Mac. It seems like a big effort to attend and it was worth all the effort. The time in college is a precious time and it was important to revisit that historic time of my life. Meeting my classmates was reassuring and invigorating. We had so much in common with our beliefs and values. I understand better why I am, who I am; shaped by my time, studies, classmates and experiences I had at Mac.”
Nancy W. Sweatt ’78
“Even though I did not know a lot of my classmates, by attending reunions throughout the years I have gotten to know some new people. Each time I attend I get to know five to six more. I find that my classmates are very friendly, eager to talk with you and to get to know you as well. Don't let that keep you away from returning to campus. Reunions are a blast.”
Debby Harrer ’79
Class of 1963
“It was amazing to see how many of the faculty we remembered as being important to us -- definitely a sign of a memorable educational experience. Also hearing what everyone has done the past 45 years was fascinating. In the dorm I met a Philadelphian who went to school at St. Francis de Sales, just blocks from where I live. I didn't get her name and would really like to get in touch with her. I think she was Class of ’78.”
Mary Martin ’63
“Macalester Class of 1963: come to the next reunion for a lively discussion on how classmates can and are impacting through service in our surroundings -- in their neighborhoods and through-out the world -- because we have a vision.”
Sara Aeikens ’63
“Hopefully many more classmates will attend the Class of 1963 50th Reunion. Being able to meet and chat about the old days and what everyone is currently doing was great.”
Andru “the Monk” Peters ’63
“The reunion is a wonderful place to get to know fellow classmates that you really didn't know that well while at Mac, as well as a great time to see old friends.”
Anonymous ’63
“In our busy lives, it is always hard to allocate time things like reunions. However, once I arrived, I found the connection with my old friends was wonderful, only eclipsed by meeting my classmates I didn't know very well and hearing what they have accomplished and are passionate about. I can't imagine not going!”
Curt Burckhardt ’63
Class of 1958
“Totally captivating days and people!”
Anonymous ’58
“If you didn't come back to Mac for our 50th you missed a perfect party! We were treated like royalty and guess what? We're all getting older and we look pretty darn good!
Larry and Pat Stotts ’58
“Wow, you [the Class of 1958] are all such wonderful folks -- even better than I remembered you to be. I guess maybe aging does improve a person... or at least those able and willing to show up.”
Jill Trescott Miel ’58
“Every event and experience was very enjoyable. The Golden Scots ceremony, the breakfasts shared together, the bus tour of St. Paul, and most of all, the opportunity to renew friendships and spark some new ones. We were warmly treated and made to feel welcome. I would seriously urge other classes to come, to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity of celebrating their 50th. It is something to be very proud of and thankful for!”
Beverly Adams Milne ’58
“My Macalester experience means more to me now, 50 years later, than it did then. The college wasn't perfect in the 1950s, but it provided an intellectual luxury, now very hard to duplicate. Most of us had a single job -- to learn.”
Karen Dahood ’58
“I thought the [Class of 1958] Reunion Committee did a bang-up job. Kudos to them all. It was a fantastic weekend.”
Jan Taylor Dybdal ’58
“The spirit of friendship and joy that pervaded the campus was a treasure.”
Marcia (Mittelsted) Maguire ’58
“The Class of 1958 50th Reunion was fantastic and extremely well organized.”
Robert A. Shogren ’58
“It was more fun than my fondest expectations! The relaxed conversations over a glass of wine could have gone on for days.”
Rich Melin ’58
“Remember ‘Oskie wow wow! Whiskee wee wee’?”
Dianne Davis Phillips ’58
“I enjoyed meeting all so many old friends and classmates and catching up. Renewal! It was an honor to become a member of the Golden Scots and a distinguished alumnus. I was treated like royalty and I had great time, really!”
John R. Howard ’58
“Over the top! It was wonderful. I could not be more impressed. I feel I know and have spoken more with Dr. Brian Rosenberg than I ever did with Dr. Turk. He is providing superb leadership for this fine college. I feel most fortunate to have been a graduate. I have some appreciation for the hundreds of details, planning and support staff who were in place doing their job to make this wonderful event happen. Great job.”
Don Olson ’58
“I only attended Mac for two years and was thrilled to be included in the Class of 1958. The events that were planned gave us a good chance to reminisce and meet new people. Just being on the campus again almost made me feel like a student again, especially when looking at the old buildings that were so much a part of life 50 years ago.”
Margaret Heilig Dean ’58
“The 50-year reunion was the best -- it was good to have it at Mac!”
Beth Dixon Otto ’58
“A 50-year reunion of a Macalester class is a once in a lifetime experience and should not be missed. The Alumni Relations staff and the class reunion planning committee do an outstanding job of providing an interesting, exciting, and enjoyable program and schedule of activities. Do plan to attend!”
Bruce J. Hedblom ’58
Class of 1953
“We were most fortunate to have attended this liberal arts college and be able to see Macalester flourishing today at our reunion.”
Barbara Johnson Jabr ’53
“We were delighted to visit with our classmates who attended the reunion. We missed those of you who were not able to come.”
Patricia Jensen ’53
“The Alumni Office staff is so helpful and knowledgeable about the college and really makes it a fun time to serve on a reunion committee. If you are asked to serve on a reunion committee, say yes, it is a way to reconnect with the college.”
Charlotte Anderson Tripet ’53