Writing this in June, when many other classes are holding their reunions, reminds me to look ahead four years from now when we will be celebrating our 50th. News is abundant during reunion years when so many of us gather who would not otherwise see one another and stories abound. This year, however, as I see the plaintive appeal from Allen Denison for information from any of you to fill out his next ’69 Times newsletter, our inboxes are empty. Where are the memories of 50 years ago this fall we are seeking from you? Where are the stories of retirement or continued employment that will better us by knowing what paths our classmates are taking today? Neither of us is idly curious—we really want to know what you are remembering, thinking and doing so we can share this with people who were once our colleagues and may be future friends!

The class executive committee continues to meet on a monthly phone call and discuss many topics but lately the emphasis has been on our connection with the class of ’19 and Homecoming. We have decided to have a presence at the matriculation ceremony this September for the new freshmen and hand each of them a gift (probably a coffee mug emblazoned with the College seal and their class, similar to the beer mugs we all received). Volunteers would be welcomed to participate in this event.

Homecoming is taking shape with more activities and gatherings planned than previous years and confirmation that if you attend you will be able to participate in a repeat of your matriculation ceremony in 1965. President John Sloan Dickey will be there, portrayed by Arthur Fergenson, to sign our version of the original certificate with your name prominently printed on it. Looking further ahead the executive committee has agreed to enlist David Prentice to create a 50th reunion book that will be available a few months prior to that event. Any of you interested in being a part of this project should contact David or any of the class officers.

Peter Elias’ term as our representative to the Alumni Council ended in July and to replace him the committee selected Jim Staros from several applicants for the position. Our head agent for the Alumni Fund, John Myers has expanded his office by adding both Bill Stableford and Tom Hunt to assist him in reaching our goals. As of this writing, a few days before the end of June and our annual campaign, John reported we are very close to reaching the $300,000 goal and our class participation is now more than 35 percent, but not quite to our goal of 42 percent. Please join with John and make this year’s campaign successful before next June.

Also please keep Allen Denison, Peter Elias and me informed of events in your lives and thoughts about what you were doing 50 years ago this month and join us at Homecoming.

Upon sending a greeting to Jon Swenson’s wife, Joan Clark, Rick Willets received a note that reported Jon had passed away in January of this year. So many of us are surprised and saddened by this news.

—Steve Larson, 465 Miller Road; Winchester, VA 22602; (360) 770-4388; wheat69@outlook.com