What a weekend - part II

     On Friday of last week, following morning Mass and a funeral liturgy in the parish, I began my 50th High School Class Reunion at Saint Vincent College.  As I mentioned in the last post, I attended the Saint Vincent Preparatory School of Saint Vincent College from 1961 through 1965. The Prep was part of the original educational ministry of Father Boniface Wimmer, the founder of Saint Vincent.  He had established a seminary program, a classical preparatory level program and a college academic program, all beginning from around 1847.  The Prep closed its doors in 1974.  The class of 1965 was the 119th graduating class of this all boys school, and the first class of students that were preparing for the seminary.  Every other year, the Prep Reunion, an all school and classes event, is held on campus, and the significant years are celebrated.

     The Reunion began on Friday evening with a gathering at the science center facility following registration.  After mingling and interaction, there was a welcome and presentation by Archabbot Douglas Nowicki and Brother Norman Hipps, the President of the College.  This was followed by drinks and a traditional German buffet (the Benedictine Sisters that formerly cooked for the community were from Germany, and this buffet paid tribute to their culinary ministry to those of us who remember).  Even though I am a picky eater, I really enjoyed the spread.  Some of us sat around and talked, but many took advantage of a presentation at the science center planetarium, before bringing the festivities to a close for this first day.

 





     At our table for dinner we had Mr. Chuck Manoli and his wife.  Chuck was a professor of ours at the Prep and was celebrating his 70th anniversary as a Prep Graduate (class of '45).  Also at table was Mr. Leo West (Class of '46) who was a delight to talk with.  Leo is on my right in the above picture (in the tan coat), along with Dan Rafferty (with the tie) and my classmates Chuck Peters, Marty Mullen and Rich Stillwagon.