More than 400 alumni and friends of the College returned to campus on the weekend of June 3–5 to reconnect with each other, celebrate each others’ achievements, and have fun on the Hill.
Some relived their college days by staying in the residence halls. Many painted the anchor; some even took a painting class while sipping pinot with Jenny Toth, professor of art. The alumni choir rehearsed and performed at the annual memorial service. Alumni who wanted to learn about today’s Wagner could take campus tours, learn about transformational programs with Provost Lily D. McNair and faculty members, and chat with President Guarasci.
The College and the Alumni Association honored outstanding graduates for their professional achievements and service to Wagner and to the world. (Read about them on the Alumni & Friends website.)
And there was plenty of time to relax and play, from a beanbag tournament to a beer blast to a 1920s-themed cocktail party and dinner dance.
“We have an intense shared experience, and we have lived lives of interest that I would like to hear about.”
Each milestone reunion year had the chance to gather at designated tables for their classes at the Saturday lunch on the Oval.
Wagner’s newest class of Golden Seahawks, the class of 1966, enjoyed a well-attended dinner together on Friday evening. Bob O’Brien ’66, a former trustee of Wagner College, and David ’66 and Naomi Klc ’66 Pockell led the 50th reunion effort.
Because David Pockell fell ill, they were not able to come to the reunion. “It was very regrettable that I couldn’t attend,” he said in September, noting that he’s ok now. David and Naomi met at Wagner College and were married the day after graduation, June 6, 1966, so they had planned to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with classmates.
“The older you get, the more you like to see people from those days,” he says. “We have an intense shared experience, and we have lived lives of interest that I would like to hear about.”
Class of ’66 members recorded a video message for the Pockells, which meant a lot to them, David said.
The class also contributed a sizable reunion gift to the College, totaling up to more than $1.8 million, including a planned gift of $1.5 million from Nils Larson ’66. The majority of this spectacular 50th reunion gift will support the College’s endowment.
The class of 2006, celebrating its 10th anniversary, used the occasion to come together and remember Kira Marshall ’06, an inspiring friend who died much too young, in April 2011. Many of them attended the dedication ceremony for a bench placed on campus in her memory. Members of the class raised an extraordinary sum of more than $108,000 in honor of their 10th anniversary. Some of it funded the Kira Marshall memorial, but most of it helped provide for general educational needs through the Wagner Fund.
