The Morning of June 2nd, Jean and I drove the Jeep 20 miles up to Riverdale High School where she taught Spanish and Physical Education to fund our last 2 years at Ohio Northern University. Not surprisingly, the school had grown; with the original high school now being a grade school and a new building constructed on the campus to accommodate the high school students. Took us a few minutes and excursions into each building to figure this out.
June 2, 2017: Former Riverdale High School, Mt. Blanchard, OH
June 2, 2017: Jean with photos of students that she taught at Riverdale High School in Ohio
Since this log is aimed primarily at Jeep trekking, we won’t dwell very much on the actual initial impetus for our trip – the 50th graduation reunion. So, just a few words: We had the opportunity to share three days with about 40 fellow members of the Ohio Northern University graduating Class of 1967, other alumni, students, faculty, and administrators of this college of 3,000 students through a continuous series of well-planned meals, tours, and side activities. Among the attendees of the Class of 1967 were 8 members of the College of Engineering. A decent turnout when one considers that the engineering graduating Class of 1967 consisted of a total of 41 Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil engineering students; at least 8 of which are deceased.
As one can imagine, with only 41 engineering students in the graduating class, we and the professors all knew each other quite well. Throughout the weekend, great stories of 50 years past were retold and fond friendships were renewed. My comment “gee, you don’t look as old as I thought you would” went over pretty well with the men – but not so much with the ladies.
The reunion culminated with a farewell breakfast on Sunday morning June 4th at which parting well wishes and hopes of future engagement were exchanged.