Emotions and memories tend to bubble to the surface when people reminisce about their college years. For many, those halcyon days were the foundation upon which an entire lifetime has been built. With Homecoming and Reunions weekend approaching this Oct. 7-9 (the latter for those whose classes end in zeroes and fives), we quizzed reunion class chairs and volunteers about their fondest remembrances of years past.

“I was a high school dropout who was allowed into USD on strict probation. Dean Irving Parker was the one person who had faith in me, and he really made me tow the line. I got two F’s the first semester and he said, ‘That’s it, Mr. Bowman. You have one more chance.’ Next semester I got A’s and B’s. All my professors had a real impact on my life; I taught English for 38 years, and they were my inspiration. I love the school. I’m very loyal to it and I always will be.”
— John Bowman ’60

“Back when I was a freshman in 1961, Bishop Buddy would wave to us, and it was just so special. In those days, it was still women on one side of the street and men on the other, but we had lots of mixers. I especially recall the Ball d’Fleur, the huge ball that the women’s college put on; it was spectacular. I always look forward to reunions, and I go to all of them. It doesn’t seem possible that it’s been five years since the last one.”
— Maureen Buckley ’65

“As class agent for a number of years, I’m practically required to go to the reunions. I’d encourage my classmates to come, not just to reconnect with old friends but to check in with old acquaintances. So much has changed with the university that it’s always worth a visit; there’s so much new to see. Plus what’s not to love about visiting San Diego?”
— Rosemary (Masterson) Johnston ’70

“I go to all the reunions. I love them. College was such an important time in my life, and it’s really nice to reconnect with people. My favorite was my five year reunion in 1990. I was a Political Science major, and the Berlin Wall had just fallen. It was so interesting to talk to PoliSci professors at such a pivotal moment in history. “
— Heather (Lampron) Garganus ’85

“I’m looking forward to seeing my old friends; there are so many people I haven’t seen in such a long time. The military has moved my family all over, from Japan to Nevada to the East Coast, and now I can’t wait to see the changes to the campus. Believe it or not, one of my fondest memories of USD is getting chicken pox during freshman year. I was living on campus and the entire building took care of me. They’d bring me food, my homework, whatever I needed.”
— Julie Ann (Pineda) Ripley ’90

“Even though I live in San Diego, I rarely, if ever, get to USD. I’m really looking forward to the reunion; so many people were a big part of my life in college. I’m hoping those people will be there so I can see how everyone’s doing.”
— Eric Ludwig ’95

“This will be my first reunion, and I’m really looking forward to it. I can’t wait to see how everybody turned out, who’s made their long hair into short hair, who’s gone from the surfer look to the business look. Though some classmates have fallen off my radar — moved to different states or disappeared — some are in the same industry as I am. Even though they’re my competitors, USD has such a good culture that I know alums are solid leaders in their respective industries.”
— Joseph Galascione ’00

For a complete list of Homecoming and Reunions Weekend events — which include receptions, a tailgate party and football game, and dinner with the president — go to the University of San Diego Homecoming website.