Class of 6W8 Celebrates its 50th Anniversary

The Class of 6W8 had many highlights as they celebrated their 50th anniversary of graduating from Williamson Alumni Weekend, including the presentation of their class gift of $68,000, marching in the Commencement processional, and being among the guests of honor at the President’s Breakfast on Alumni Day.

Their celebration began Friday, June 1, marching in gold robes so they would stand out in the Commencement processional for the graduation of the Class of 1W8 and then standing for a round of applause as President Michael Rounds recognized them from the podium. Class member Terry Lieb gave the invocation.

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That evening, the class held their 50th reunion at the Concord Country Club in West Chester. The evening began by renewing old friendships and making new friendships during a reception. President Michael and Mary Nell Rounds and members of the Advancement Office were on hand to interact with the classmates and their wives. Rounds thanked the class for their support of Williamson and shared some “fun facts” about each classmate who was present.

Words of welcome were given by Ron Wildasin followed by an invocation by Terry Lieb and a class toast by Francis Monahan.

After an enjoyable dinner, Michelle Martella, director of annual giving and events, presented several Williamson gifts to a special guest of honor, John Cellucci, who taught construction technology at Williamson when the class was there.

Then, Arlene Snyder, vice president for institutional advancement, told the class how happy she was to be there with them and thanked them for their support of Williamson. She told them of the importance of the alumni in keeping Williamson strong and encouraged them to join the Wanamaker Society, a society whose members have included Williamson in their wills and other planned gifts.

Snyder and Michael Treston, director of major and planned gifts, then presented 50th medallions to each class member for them to wear around their neck and handed out door prizes.

Stacy Starr, a member of the class’ 50th Reunion Committee, described the fundraising efforts and announced they had succeeded in collecting an impressive class gift, but had not yet reached their goal of $68,000, an amount selected because they graduated in ’68. He encouraged his classmates to reach deeper into their pockets if they were able. [By the next evening, at the Alumni Banquet, they had reached their $68,000 goal. Congratulations, 6W8!]

Next, Francis Monahan led the group in a moment of silence for their “fallen brothers” after he talked a little about each of them. Then Martella handed out several door prizes. After the singing of the alma mater, Lieb closed the evening with words of appreciation.

At Alumni Day the next day, 6W8 class members were the guests of honor at the President’s Breakfast under the tent and were easily recognized by the 50th reunion medals they wore.

That evening, at the Alumni Banquet, Ed Speer, Stacy Starr, and Ron Wildasin presented their 50th anniversary gift of $68,000 to President Michael Rounds and closed the evening leading the group in the singing of the alma mater.