Golden Graduates 2010
Could you imagine a more special reunion? Old friends, meeting again after 50 years—you wouldn’t believe the huge smiles, the laughter and the serious “catching-up” shared by the Golden Graduates Class of 1960 during the three days of Golden reunion events.
On Friday, June 4th, class members gathered for a campus tour, Mass and a “Stags Night” reception in Loyola Hall. Though the years had separated most, and their lives and careers, families and hobbies and dreams and accomplishments over the past 50 years were diverse, these classmates all shared the common bond of Cheverus—so strong was that bond that it and drew them together again for a long weekend of Golden Grad events—and it didn’t take but a moment for old friends to reconnect.
Friday night’s informal reception offered the Golden Grads their first glimpse of a much changed Cheverus campus, the new Peter L. Sparta Alumni Room and treated them to an evening of camaraderie over appetizers and beverages. It was also the start of a weekend of tall tales, shared memories and uproarious laughter.
Joe Shevenell and Chuck Heming A group chatting at Stags Night
Saturday afternoon brought everyone back together at The Portland Regency Hotel for a tasty dinner and socializing. Each graduate was presented with a small gift of a clock bearing the Cheverus name and logo, and their 1960 graduation picture. Comparing the “then and now” effect of the photo was quite a hit. Changes in haircut style and attire aside, it looked like everyone held up well through the years!
The highlight of the entire weekend took place on Monday, June 7th: In a very special ceremony, the Golden Graduates were an integral part of the elegant Cheverus graduation of the Class of 2010. The Golden Grads were led into Merrill Auditorium in a group by a student bearing a banner emblazoned with “Golden Graduates,” then each was individually called to the stage to receive his golden diploma.
Golden Grads receiving their golden diplomas on stage at Merrill Auditorium
There were more than a few tears in the eyes of the onlookers as the entire group received a rousing standing ovation at the conclusion of their part of the ceremony. It meant a lot to the graduating class of ’10 to see those graduates of 50 years ago and to hear something of their history, their accomplishments and their lives as people for others.
The members of the Class of 1960 who were able to attend some or all of the events were: Richard Birnbach, Daniel Bonville, Ted Borduas, Phil Conley, Jr., Peter Connolly, Peter Cyr, William Dolan, Paul Emery, Shaun Flaherty, Michael Foye, John Ham, Chuck Heming, William Honan, Philip Jewett, John Kearns, William Kearns, Stan King, Herb McDonald, Joe Moran, John O’Sullivan, Hank Quincannon, Brian Scully, Joe Schevenell, Harold Smith, Peter Turner and Paul White.
It was an honor and a pleasure to have these gentlemen back on campus. Don’t be strangers!
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