 1972 Reunion-Front left to right: Marianne (Delp '72) Linford, Sandy (Schwartz '73) and Terry Jenkins ('72), and Nancy (Linton '71) Underwood. Second row from left: Debbie (Leasher '72) Schneider and Jennifer (Rowsley '73) Funck. Back from left: Jack Schneider ('72), Gary Funck, Milton ('72) and Barb (Deacon '72) Estelle, and Larry Linford. |
Traditions sometimes grow from unplanned beginnings. Many members of the Clarion University Class of 1972 have learned that fact over the last 25 years.
In 1976, Barb (Deacon '72) and Mick Estelle ('72) were visiting Mame (Delp '72) Linford in Chester County. A spontaneously planned picnic at the Brandywine Battlefield Park soon expanded to include other band alumni who lived within driving distances.
Soon the picnic included Nancy (Linton '71) Underwood, Deb (Leasher '72) and Jake Schneider ( '72), and Sandy (Schwartz '73) and Terry Jenkins ( '72). The close-knit group decided they had enjoyed their "reunion" so much that it was suggested that it become and annual event.
Barb Estelle volunteered to host a planned overnight reunion at her home in New Jersey the following year. The event was held and the core group, which also includes Jim ('72) and Anne (Rutkoski '72) McKelvey rotates the responsibility for hosting the event annually.
Over the years, they have invited band friends from "the West" to join in, and Mary Ellen (Demchak '73), Bill Stumpf ( '71), Linda (Gnegy '72), and Paul Stahlman ( '72) have attended. Jennifer (Rowley '73) Funck, who lives in Lancaster County joined the group a few years ago.
The gathering has always included an overnight stay and is a family affair. Those attending bring sleeping bags, tents, RV's, and pop-up campers. The ritual group photo began with alumni only, but soon included babes in arms, then toddlers, then teenagers, and eventually fewer and fewer of the kids as they assumed summer jobs, went off to college, or got married and moved away from the area. Now the photo has come full cycle and includes just the alumni again.
Because 1997 marked the 25th anniversary of the Class of '72, a graduation theme marked the reunion hosted by Mame Linford in Chester County. Those unable to attend were asked to sent letters or e-mails, which were passed around and read. As a sign of the times, all of the RSVPs for the 1997 gathering were received in that fashion and most of those unable to attend corresponded in that fashion too. Those attending were asked to bring memorabilia from their Clarion years.
Retired band director, Dr. Stanley Michalski, was invited, but was unable to attend the gathering. He sent an e-mail message and band caps that were awarded as door prizes.
The 1997 gathering included a Clarion State College scavenger hunt, featuring things both blue and gold and things from 1972, that pitted the women against the men in a competitive reunion tradition. There was a "Name That Tune" contest featuring Clarion State College band recordings, a nostalgic band clothing fashion show, an 8-to-5 marching and minstrel turn exhibition, a spirited sing-off featuring the "Alma Mater" and "Carry On for Clarion" (where most, if not all of the words were remembered correctly), and the usual photo albums, videos, and reminiscing.
The tradition will continue in 1998 at the Underwood's home in Chester County.