More than 50 members of Guilford's Class of '72 showed up for a 50th reunion on campus. The festivities included induction into the College's Golden Circle.
“The professors knew us by name, the students knew the professors. Everyone was like a family. Coming back and nothing has changed.”
On a postcard-perfect weekend filled with old friends and lots of sunshine, more than 100 Guilford College alumni, faculty, students and guests celebrated their alma mater during the Class of ’72 reunion April 28-29.
Graduates of 50-plus years ago connected over food and festivities throughout the weekend, celebrating their Guilford milestone.
For many, the highlight of the weekend was their induction into the College’s Golden Circle Saturday afternoon. More than 50 members of the Classes of ’71 and ’72 class received their medallions from President Kyle Farmbry in the Carnegie Room of Hege Academic Commons.
“I’m proud to be a part of a College that produces such distinguished graduates as this group assembled today,” said Kyle. “For half a century you have been ambassadors for the College, putting your Guilford education to work in making positive change in the world. You are indeed change-makers and innovators who have continued to live out the Core Values of this institution beyond graduation and for that we are proud and thankful.”
Check out our slideshow of Guilford’s Golden Circle Ceremony for the Class of ‘72.
Karen Staker ‘72, came from Acworth, Ga., for the reunion to catch up with old friends and classmates. “What I loved about Guilford is that the school was so small and everybody knew each other,” she said. “The professors knew us by name, the students knew the professors. Everyone was like a family. Coming back and nothing has changed.”
Retired faculty and staff, including Geology Professor Cyril Harvey, History Professor Paul Zopf, English Professor James Gutsell, Math Professor Elwood Parker ’64 and Director of Continuing Education Ann Appenzeller attended some of the festivities.
At the Golden Circle ceremony, John Parker ’72 of Greensboro, who was designated as the class speaker for the reunion, thanked professors and others for helping the Class of ’72. “Thank you not only for teaching and guiding us but also for engaging and investing in us,” he said. “Thank you for giving us safe spaces so we could express contrasting ideas in turbulent times … thanks for sharing your passion in your disciplines while inspiring us to be better human beings.”
Helen Daley ’72 of Cohasset, Mass., said she’s been looking forward to the reunion since it was first announced. “Guilford was a wonderful experience,” she said. “I made longtime friends 54 years ago and it’s wonderful to continue 50 years later following the school.”
In addition to the induction ceremony, alumni enjoyed an opening reception, tour of campus, Underground Railroad tour, pig pickin’ and brunch with the President at Ragsdale House.