Jacque Reineri | Reporter
Oct. 18, 2016; 7 a.m.
Photo taken from lindenwood.edu
Golden Alumni will look back on their time at Lindenwood at the annual homecoming reunion and reception.
This year’s homecoming will mark a special occasion for the 1966 alumni, as it hosts its 50th class reunion. Though all of the alumni from 1966 to present time are invited to join in the celebration, according to Michelle Giessman, director of Alumni Relations, a few events have been organized especially for the class of ’66.
Giessman said the golden alumni will be treated to a reception at the Lindenwood House with President Michael Shonrock and his wife Karen, where they can swap stories and reminisce with old yearbooks.
They also will have an extra hour to socialize with some of their favorite retired professors before the general alumni homecoming reception.
“The story content is different, [from that of the more recent alumni],” said Giessman. “But the message is the same. They enjoyed their time here. They made really lifelong friends here. They’re very proud of the way the school was when they were here.”
[perfectpullquote align=”left” cite=”Michael Shonrock” link=”” color=”#000000″ class=”” size=”28″]“We’re bringing people back from 50 years ago and hearing stories of their times at the school. That’s always kind of exciting.”[/perfectpullquote]
One such story is Lindenwood’s recovery from a tornado in October of ’66. No one was injured, but several buildings were caught in the storm, including Parker Hall and Irwin Hall. Students banded together to help repair the damage, according to an archived edition of Linden Bark, the former student publication.
Shonrock is looking forward to the event, saying it’s always fun.
“We love hosting things like this,” Shonrock said. “We’re bringing people back from 50 years ago and hearing stories of their times at the school. That’s always kind of exciting.”
The class of ’66 will gather again on Friday to celebrate Kay Wilkinson of the class of ’60, who will be honored with the alumni merit award.
One alumnus is recognized annually with this award if he or she has a record for giving back to the university, according to the Lindenwood website.
