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Celebrating
the Past, Building A Future
By Irene Burgo
 Remembering
Villanova yesterday, from all walks of life, from paths as diverse as
courses studied while they were students, alumni greeted the new face
of Villanova today as they returned with family and friends to revisit
their alma mater and renew memories of their college years.
After a week of showers, Friday, June 6 dawned bright and sunny, signaling
a promising start for Reunion Weekend 2003. The events began at noon with
a new feature, Classes without Quizzes, held in Bartley Hall. Several
of Villanova’s dynamic professors offered four classes, each presented
twice. The professors presented interactive discussions covering topics
that were popular yesterday and today. The talks included subjects addressing
the history of the University’s Augustinian heritage, titled “The
Augustinian Connection,” given by the Rev. Peter Donohue, O.S.A.,
’74, chair of the theatre department. Dr. James Murphy, chair of
Irish Studies, discussed Irish history in his talk, “The Worlds
of Ireland.” “Listen, Learn, Lead,” a workshop for all
ages, was led by Dr. Stephen Stumpf, The Fred Springer Endowed Chair on
Business Leadership in the College of Commerce and Finance. Finally, the
Rev. Lee J. Makowski, O.S.A., assistant professor in the Core Humanities
Program, gave an overview of “Christian Marriage: Yesterday and
Today.”
Elsewhere, alumni mingled with old friends and met new ones during the
afternoon at the Wildcat Welcome area of St. Mary’s Hall located
on the West Campus. Celebrations in the evening featured the Class of
1953 Half Century Dinner in Donahue Hall on South Campus. Members of the
Class of 1953 were formally inducted into the Half Century Society and
presented with a special medallion while they posed for a class photo.
The College of Engineering presented awards during the Engineering Alumni
Society. Members of the 25th Reunion class of 1978 posed for class photos
and toasted their anniversary in style at the Montrose Mansion at the
Villanova Conference Center.
The class of 1993, with a theme of “Out for Ten—Together Again!”
rekindled their friendships over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in
the restored Dundale Mansion on West Campus. From 7 to 9 p.m., members
of the classes of 1943, 1958, 1963, 19768, 1963, 1983, and 1988 gathered
at various locations across campus for their official class reunion receptions.
Saturday, June 7, began with a flag-raising ceremony, sponsored by the
Naval ROTC Unit at 7:30 a.m. on Mendel Field, followed at 8:30 a.m. by
the Alumni Memorial Mass in St. Thomas of Villanova.
Afterward, alumni toured the campus via shuttle, attended several open
houses hosted by the Colleges of Commerce and Finance, Engineering and
Nursing.
The Alumni Association Committee on Diversity and University Office of
Multicultural Affairs hosted a special reception for the Black Cultural
Society/Black Student League Reception. At noon Saturday, the Top ‘Cat
Luncheon welcomed graduates of the class of 1952 and earlier. Special
honor was accorded to members of the classes of 1938, 1943 and 1948.
Even the rainy, wet weather couldn’t dampen the enjoyment and festivities.
Fun, games, party fare and a good time was had by alumni and their families
who spent the afternoon with family and friends at the Reunion Family
Picnic that was moved indoors in the Dougherty Dining Room due to inclement
weather. The revelry included face painting, a magic show, as well as
individual performances at tables by the magician.
At a luncheon in Dougherty Hall, the Villanova Singers celebrated their
50th anniversary with a feast as well as a few informal tunes.
Some 60 couples and their spouses made special memories on Saturday as
they took the opportunity to say “I do” again during the “Wedding
Vow Renewal” ceremony. New this year, this special ceremony presided
over by the Rev. Shawn Tracy, O.S.A., allowed couples to celebrate their
marriages by renewing their wedding vows in the St. Thomas of Villanova
Church (The Chapel). The renewal of vows took place at 4 p.m., before
the traditional Vigil Mass and was sponsored by Campus Ministry.
At 5 p.m., the Rev. Edmund J. Dobbin, O.S.A., celebrated the Vigil Mass
and presided the Alumni Awards Ceremony which were held also in the Church.
Alumni and members of the University community attended the presentation
of the 2003 St. Thomas of Villanova Alumni Medal. This year’s recipients
included:
Sean Closkey ’89, a graduate of the College of Commerce and Finance
Ronnie Delany ’58, a graduate of the College of Commerce and Finance
Patty Holloway ’76, a graduate of the College of Liberal Arts and
Sciences
Frank Ryan ’53, a graduate of the College of Engineering
The highlight of the weekend was the Alumni Gala, with its theme, “Celebrating
our Past, Building our Future.” Held at the Pavilion, alumni young
and old dined and danced with special guests and former fellow classmates
to the sound of the John Hoey Orchestra from 7 p.m. till midnight.
After a mass at the St. Thomas of Villanova Church and a farewell brunch
at St. Mary’s Dining Hall on West Campus on Sunday, the weekend
concluded with joyful tears and farewells as alumni bid fellow Villanovans
goodbye for another year.
“It was heartwarming for us to see the support of this year’s
Reunion Weekend, with alumni in attendance spanning seven decades,”
said Gary Olsen ‘74, ‘80, executive director of the Alumni
Association. “Our new events, the Wedding Renewal Ceremony and the
Classes Without Quizzes were well attended. And despite the rainy weather,
our returning alumni enjoyed seeing old friends and rekindling their relationships
with Villanova.”
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