In early 2013, when we agreed to take the helm in organizing and planning the Carleton Class of 65’s 50th Reunion, we had great dreams—of attracting classmates back to the campus to renew friendships, attending fascinating programs and workshops featuring classmates, and recreating memories of ourselves as young 18-year-olds starting out on a new adventure. And mostly we wanted everybody to feel welcomed and have fun.
Well, our dreams were not only realized but surpassed. The Class of ’65 50th Reunion was awesome!!!!!
First, the weather cooperated. Classmates from other parts of the country saw the campus at its most beautiful—lush and green. They admired the updated facilities and the greatly improved food service. Some walked in the Arb, others went to see the Wind Turbine; many just enjoyed strolling on campus.
Our programs were very well attended; it seemed that we really wanted to learn about the work of many of our classmates.
And conversation around the meal tables was lively and interesting. We reconnected with old friends and made many new ones.
Can you believe that at our Saturday dinner, we ended the evening by holding hands and singing “We Shall Overcome” as Marcia Moore and Elise Bickford Jorgens led us in song and Charlie Brook and Dave Erbstoeszer accompanied us on guitar?
A major reason things worked so well is that we had the privilege of working with a wonderful Steering Committee—29 classmates who served on the Outreach, Program and Gift Committees. We enjoyed working together so much that we have already planned a Steering Committee Reunion for next winter.
An objective was to bring as many classmates back to Northfield as possible. And 121 showed up including 25 classmates who had never before attended a Class of ’65 Reunion. Each had made a special effort and/or taken a risk by coming back 50 years after leaving the campus. And we celebrated each of them.
And we could not have put it all together without the leadership and help provided by Carleton staff members Mari Aylin, Mary Niebur, Jennifer Foth and Catie Gardner.
We would like to once again thank everybody who worked hard to make Reunion a success. And thanks to each of you who joined us on campus last month.
See you at the 55th!
Art and Sarah
Miscellaneous photos from the reunion can be viewed here.