Reflection on the Alumni Luncheon

For 30 years, I have received invitations to the annual Alumni Luncheon at Oakland City, yet I never attended—busy summer plans and the unknown of attending topped my list of reasons not to go.   Now, after putting the Luncheon on my July calendar, I realize what I have been missing for the past three decades. 

The feeling of belonging permeated the afternoon.  While visiting with classmates and former teachers, I found myself recalling such pleasant memories that had been shuffled to the back of my mind. 

By no means did I know the sixty or more grads in attendance, but we all shared similar experiences on the shared backdrop of the campus.  Some memories were brought to light by the photo slideshow that Dr. Randy Mills created.   

While the event lasted less than three hours with the songs, the meal, and awards, the experience was timeless.  As I drove home, the rolodex in my mind was racing through names of classmates that I hope to see at the 2024 Alumni Luncheon.  Even though the dining hall is no longer in the basement of Dearing Hall and many of the buildings have been improved, together we would laugh and remember the feeling of belonging we shared decades before.