Reliving History, Renewing Bonds
Spring Reunion Weekend drew 370 alumni back to campus.




From left, Jim McGinn (C53, GC58), Tommie King Spear (WCAS53), Ann Champlin Martin (SESP53) and her husband, Bill Martin (EB53), Janet Hughes Morrow WCAS53), Lynn Stephenson Carver (C53) and Joanne Peterson Robinson (J53) prepare for the Commencement procession.

Photo by Jasper Chen

As the class of 1953 observed its 50th reunion during last June’s Commencement, perhaps none felt more excited than Roxelyn Miller Pepper (C53) and Richard Pepper (McC53).

Back in 1953, the then newlyweds received their degrees at McGaw Memorial Hall as her father, University President J. Roscoe Miller (M30, 31), presided. In June 2003 they marched into Ryan Field as reunion co-chairs, along with their longtime friend Patricia Holmes Buehler (C53).

Just as on June 15, 1953, when 2,592 men and women made the transition from undergrads to alumni, the weather was clear and comfortable as reunion class members donned caps and gowns and lined up for the Commencement entrance procession.

This year 370 members of the classes of 1943, 1948 and 1953 participated in the spring reunion. As part of the weekend tradition, 50th reunion celebrants were accepted into Northwestern’s Half Century Club, joining alumni from previous classes. This year’s induction followed a spring reunion address by University President Henry S. Bienen.

At the class’ 50th reunion dinner at the Glen View Club in Golf, Ill., alumni reminisced and got reacquainted with the help of a “then and now” yearbook to which class members had submitted personal photos and life stories. They also took part in an auction for a framed piece of Northwestern’s famous Rock.

As the weekend came to a close following an architectural boat tour on the Chicago River, final embraces became longer and tighter, and promises to remain in touch were exchanged.



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