Class of 1967

Blog #8--(Only 1068 to go!): The Class of '67
     It's not uncommon for alumni to meet regularly with members of their graduating class, usually consisting of friends they had when they were students. There is one class that I find quite unique. From the title of this reflection, you'd probably guessed that it's the class of '67.
     While they were students at Saint Ignatius, they had their share of successes and also “suffered the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” like most other classes. What sets them apart, and makes them a favorite of mine, is what they’ve done in the last 15 years.
     A sizeable subset (math speak) from the class of 1967 has regular gatherings, and the “guest list” is only limited only by class members whose email addresses or phone numbers they have. In February, 2010, they were the first alumni class to meet at the Fornelli Alumni Hall for a pizza dinner, followed by watching an Ignatius basketball game. They were so taken with the room that they decided to chip in for furniture and other accessories to make the room even nicer. To that end, they intend to have a BBQ cook-out in spring
     Last year, they attended the Saint Ignatius Golf Outing as group, went to a White Sox baseball game, and saw racing at Hawthorne Race , during which the 7th race was named in their honor.
     Besides planning to buy furniture for the alumni room, they sponsored one of their classmates, Gus Mauro, in a 30 mile bike ride, contributing $3000 to the school’s financial aid program. For the record, their purpose is not fund-raising. The main thrust is to get together, maintain their friendships and catch up with how each one is doing. Even class members who live far away, keep in touch via email (of course).
     Not every idea works. Since each of the men turned "60" (Yikes!!!) a year ago, one idea was to have a group birthday party. I thought it was a great idea, but it didn’t get off the ground. That didn't dampen the spirit of these loyal Ignatians. While, more often than not, the idea for the gatherings starts with Joe "I've never had a thought that I haven't acted on." Fisher , that's not always the case, and everyone contributes to the success of the events with their attendance and ideas.
     The "efficient cause" (Is that one of St. Thomas Aquinas' "causes"?) is Marc Petrone, who sends out the notices for each event via email (of course).

     So, in closing, I say: Keep going, guys! You’re doing great.If there are any other members of the class of '67 that want to be a part of this group, let me or Sean Maccready know. We'll get your name to Marc.