The Magazine for Alumni and Friends of Calvin College
Big 50-Year Attendance Fuels
Reunion Season
The grand tradition is catching on.
A few years ago, the Association changed the class reunion schedule so that the 50-Year Reunion Class gathered on Commencement Weekend in May. The class members enjoy a Friday social, dinner and program and on Saturday attend an Anniversary Commencement Ceremony, followed by marching in the college's Commencement event.
The Class of '50 turned out in large numbers, catching the excitement of this legacy experience—and because of an active and creative volunteer reunion planning team.
"The leadership team of the 50-year class did an outstanding job," said reunion coordinator Robin Van Diepenbos. "The Calvin staff tries to handle all of the details, but the success of any reunion is based on the work of the class leaders. The '50 bunch was terrific."
Mike Ruiter chaired the ambitious planning team, assisted by Ray Prins, Mart Vandenberg and Ted and Myra Zwiep.
For the first time, the "Heritage Class" (those graduating more than 50 years ago) met on a different weekend than the 50-year group and the midday gathering went well, with Jake Eppinga '39, providing plenty of chuckles and a panel of alumni reminiscing about college days.
In all, seven classes celebrated reunions in the spring and summer, with the 25-year Class of '75 yet to meet—that class traditionally meets during Parent's Weekend in October (this year slated for October 20-21).
The 50-year class wasn't the only group with a creative flair. At the other end of the reunion spectrum, the 10-year Class of '90 also enjoyed a fine response and warmed up alums with a variety of skits of typical campus occurrences (such as scanning the "Bod Book" for new acquaintances).
A special mini-reunion took place within the Class of '90: Kappa 12 roommates Pam Achtyes, Lisa Gossman, Lynne Heerema, Mary Griffioen Rhoda, Sherri Poll Woznick and Lynelle Hutt Yntema had a great time sharing residence hall days stories.
Plans are already underway for next year's reunions. The Heritage Class and those of the years 1951, 1956, 1961, 1971, 1976, 1981 and 1991 will need planning committee members to make the celebrations special. If interested, contact Donna Oberle at doberle@calvin.edu or call 616-957-6803.
Mark your calendar:
Heritage Class (Class of '50 and earlier) gathers on Friday, June
22, 2001
Advance notice:
50-year Class Reunion Class of 1951 May 18-19, 2001
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