Alumni Association - Lakeland College

Lakeland College Alumni News

Homecoming 2008

Alumni Association - posted on 10/20/2008

More than 225 alumni, friends, and family elected to come home during Homecoming weekend, October 3-5. Not only was the weather picture perfect, but the Muskies brought home a 33-28 win in the football game against Rockford. To top it off, there was plenty of laughter in the air as old friends reconnected, some after many years. After all, isn't that what Homecoming is all about? Click here to see a photo gallery of the weekend.

The four reunion classes, 1958, 1968, 1983, and 1998 began the weekend on Friday afternoon with a lovely champagne reception at the home of President and Mrs. Gould. As the guests mingled and reminisced, they were treated to beautiful piano music provided by Lakeland music professor, Arthur Johnson.

The class of 1958, celebrating 50 years as alumni, then enjoyed a very special dinner in the common room of the new South Hall. Those in attendance included Shirley (Strade) Claypool '58 and her husband Richard, who had traveled all the way from Lansdale, PA for the occasion. Other classmates present were: Edmund Dedering, Bob Hanson, Gerald "Holly" Hollenbeck, Gloria (Jonas) Rieder, Don Stannard, Judy Taylor, Gene Thieleke, Melvin Vilhauer, and the two class reps, Ralph Mueller and Lewis Schmidt. Wonderful memories were shared throughout and after the meal amongst these alumni and their spouses, many of whom are also alumni of different class years.

Meanwhile, Friday night also saw close to 150 people gathered in Bossard for the Athletic Hall of Fame banquet. Two former Lakeland athletes, Dick Imme `72 and Mark Novara `98, and former head women's basketball coach April Arvan `93 brought the membership of Lakeland's Hall to 134 members.

A new feature of Homecoming this year was the presentation of a panel discussion on Saturday morning that focused on an analysis of the upcoming presidential election. Nearly 30 people attended the thought-provoking discussion moderated by former State Representative, Cal Potter '68. Presenters were former faculty member, Dr. Keith Striggow, and current Lakeland professors Rick Dodgson and Adina Schwartz; each focusing on the upcoming election using a different lens.

Saturday's weather cooperated and provided the perfect backdrop for the tailgate, football game, and Parade of Classes. Saturday evening brought everyone together for the All Alumni Banquet and Awards. Three alumni received awards at this event: Rev. Harvey Kandler '55, Professional Achievement Award; Thomas Leonhardt '70, Service to the Community Award; and Mark J. Miller '78, Service to the College Award.

The weekend was brought to a close on Sunday morning with the Service of Worship and Remembrance in the Ley Chapel, led by chaplain Kelly Stone, and it honored those alumni and friends who have passed in the last year.

Believe it or not, the Alumni Office is already beginning to plan next year's celebration. If you have ideas or would like to help organize the event, please contact Charmaine Jankowski, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, at jankowskicm@lakeland.edu or at 920-565-1404.

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