When they graduated from Guilford College, the Vietnam War was winding down, Bruce Springsteen was heating up and the classes of 1973 and 1974 were ready to take their place in the world. Today, other conflicts have replaced Vietnam, the climate is changing and Generation Z is enjoying its moment on stage.

A half century later, on a sun-splashed weekend at the College, more than 60 Guilfordians gathered to celebrate 50 years as Guilford alumni and rekindle memories of days by the lake, lunch with professors and friendships forged in dorms and classrooms.

A few of those friendships grew into something more. Allen Haworth ’74 was a sophomore when he heard about the transfer student who was coming to Guilford from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. He first ran into Cynthia Fenimore ’74 outside Founders Hall. “It wasn’t quite love at first sight,” says Allen, “but it was close.”

Take a look back at the 50th Reunion of the Classes of '73 and '74

A year later Allen and Cynthia were wed in the Moon Room in Dana Auditorium and moved to Frazier Apartments, where married couples lived.

“So many wonderful memories here,” says Cynthia, a History major. “It’s always nice to come back.”

In between catching up, there was plenty for alumni to do over the weekend. There were tours of the Guilford College Farm, a walk through Guilford Woods to learn more about the Underground Railroad, baseball and men’s lacrosse games and, of course, induction into the College’s Golden Circle.

Many of the honored alumni say Guilford was more than just a college; it was a transformative journey that continues to resonate throughout their lives.

Bob Vinson ’73 says he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do in life when he first stepped on the College’s campus. That changed by the time he graduated. He made a career as a science and math teacher around the Triad.

“Guilford gave me a purpose and direction,” says Bob. “I’ve spent the last – gosh I don’t know how many years – trying to give my students a purpose and passion as a way to pay Guilford back.”

David Wells ’74, an actor living in California, worked on the Guilfordian yearbook and remembers the men’s basketball team’s run in Kansas City to win the NAIA National Championship in 1973 as a memorable moment in his four years at Guilford.

“You couldn't ask for better classmates and friends than the ones you made at Guilford,” he says. “It’s so true when people talk about Guilford being a community.”