Reunion

Medallion Marks 50th

Jim Van Ostrand ’55 recognized more than familiar faces as his classmates gathered for a group photo on the opening day of Meliora Weekend.

“It’s almost like going back to a family reunion,” said Van Ostrand, who traveled from his home in Bellevue, Washington, to take part in his 50th class reunion. “The University has been part of my life since I was born.”

In recognition of such connections to Rochester and to the friendships and camaraderie shared by classmates, Van Ostrand and other members of the Class of 1955 helped inaugurate a new reunion tradition during the College’s three-day campus celebration last fall. During a special ceremony, each member of the 50th reunion class received a medallion presented by President Joel Seligman and G. Robert Witmer Jr. ’59, chairman of the Board of Trustees.

“We’re stating in the most fundamental way we can how proud we are of your achievements,” Seligman said. “You have made us proud. You are a class that will always be part of the legacy of this University.”

Representing the class, Joan Dutcher Hoffman ’55 reflected on the changes that had occurred over the past 50 years. And she noted the tight bonds that developed among members of the class.

“Great things are still happening in our lives today as well as at the University,” she said.

And while the classmates said they appreciated the University’s thoughtfulness in recognizing their class and its 50th reunion, they were just as interested in the chance to reconnect with old friends.

“The 50th reunion is always a landmark reunion,” said Nat Wisch ’55. “This may be our last big reunion, but it’s certainly not our last reunion.”