**
&
cr*
H,
W,
«.'<*?.**.
^S^C*-
&
S^<\>2S
«k
fOr
of Stetson University
Special Reunion Issue, Summer 1994
'SiZFC0**
Volume XX No. 4
ces
Reunion Weekend '94: My university says * welcome home'
By Mike Fronk,
Class of '74
Re-un-ion
Week-end - n.
A gift of renewal
of the mind, the
body and the
spirit. A weekend
full of activities to
create the perfect blend of reflection
and rejuvenation.
lhe
Lhe Friday kickoff began with a
barbecue on the Hat Rack patio in front
of the Carlton Union Building. The
Stetson Jazz Ensemble played in the
background as each of us anxiously
embraced old friends and professors as
they arrived for the start of what would
become a memorable weekend. After the
cookout, the classes headed off to their
respective parties. This was an opportunity to kick back and relax with classmates, as well as add the final touches to
our class skit presentation scheduled for
the next morning. We all had a great
time laughing and joking! I had forgotten
the incredible sense of belonging that
came so easily in my days at Stetson.
The years melted away as we played the
guitar and sang the songs of our generation. It was a great opportunity to get
reacquainted with people we hadn't seen
in 20 years.
At Convocation on Saturday morning
each generation of alumni gathered in
Elizabeth Hall Chapel. Each class
presented a skit that reflected life on
campus during their days at Stetson. This
was perhaps one of the most moving
experiences at this year's Reunion
Weekend. The Class of 1944 reenacted a
radio broadcast and asked us to pray for
all our family and friends who would be
risking their lives in World War II. I
prayed with them as I remembered my
friends and family who risked their lives
in another war almost 30 years later.
Bob Walker and Connie Clark Donlon from the Class of '59 show the audience
their smooth moves during their class skit at Convocation.
Some of the remembrances were
hilarious and others brought mist to the
eyes and a lump to the throat. I was
moved by the thought of that chapel over
the years holding her children during
times of both joy and tragedy.
Reunion weekend was not only a time
of remembering the significant things
that happened to and in my world
between 1970-1974, but a touching
reminder that I have been remembered
by a university that shaped the way I
have looked at the world ever since. Even
though it seems I've forgotten to write
home for the past 20 years, Stetson
welcomed me like the Prodigal Son: T-
shirt instead of ring, barbecue instead of
fatted calf.
I made new friends I'll
enjoy for the next 20
years and more,**
It was a wonderful time — a time for
both remembering and forgetting. I, of
course, looked forward to seeing old
friends not thought of for years. The
laughter of every: "I can't believe we
used to"...; or "Didn't you date...?"; or
"Remember that Saturday night...?" It
was no surprise that the reunion with old
friends was as enjoyable as expected.
But the serendipity of Reunion
Weekend for me was what I had forgotten. I was most grateful for forgetting all
of the reasons why I didn't get to know
other people in my class. Throughout the
weekend I made new friends that I'll
enjoy for the next 20 years and more.
The weekend was a time to revisit my
favorite places on campus and to see all
of the beautiful improvements and
additions. It was a weekend in which my
school could show off and say, "Don't you
think I look great for my age?"
However in a most quiet and wonderful way, Stetson University, my Alma
Mater, my school, was saying "Welcome
home, I've never forgotten you, never
will! Don't stay away so long next
time...You're still my children. You are
still a part of me. You still determine my
future. Don't forget me."
Photos throughout this publication are
courtesy of House of Hatton Photography.
