VN_SPR SUM_06 covers FINAL.indd - Villanova University

spouses through this weekend highlighting all that Villanova meansin their lives—went home filled with memories, not only from yearsand decades ago, but newly imprinted ones as well.benefits derived from my education were just beginning. Many ofmy lifelong friends and business associates are people that I havemet through my connection to Villanova.”When the string band’s last notes faded away, alumni knewjust where to head: Klekotka Hall, for a special late-night postgalagathering.Let’s keepin touch!On Sunday, June 11,the St. Thomas ofVillanova Church welcomedalumni to Mass.A brunch at St. MaryHall gave them thechance to bid warmfarewells, make promisesto upload theirweekend’s photos rightaway—and call andThree alumnae pause for a photo opwith the Wildcat mascot.e-mail one another. Then they checked out of Klekotka Hall. TheseVillanovans—who had encouraged classmates to return, danced allevening, renewed their marriage vows and guided their children andAt the Alumni Gala, GaryR. Olsen ’74 A&S, ’80G.S., executive director ofthe Villanova UniversityAlumni Association andassociate vice presidentfor Alumni Affairs, greetsalumni, family and friends.What worked, what didn’t?Then came time for those on campusto assess this year’s Reunion.“The weekend more than met ourexpectations,” said Olsen. “Ourreturning alumni enjoyed themselvesimmensely. They were happy to beback on campus and to meet our newpresident, Father Donohue. Theywere enthusiastic about reunitingwith fellow classmates. We could nothave asked for better weather or abetter group of alumni,” he added.Christine Acchione ’88 A&S,Alumni Affairs’ director of campuspartnerships and programs, plannedReunion. “It was a wonderful weekendoverall with high attendance,with a lot of people enjoying themselvesand having lots of laughs,” she noted. “We are pleased tosay that so many Villanova staff and volunteers helped makethe weekend a success. There was extraordinary service by allcampus departments involved. We’ve already received many,many complimentary phone calls and e-mails about the weekend.”And, Acchione noted, she has already begun planningnext year’s program.Navy Cmdr. Colleen Gallagher Thomas ’86 Nur.:“Thanks for all your hard work. I really had a great timeand it was great to see so many people I hadn’t seen inliterally 20 years. I look forward to coming back soon.”Peter J. Armstrong III and Sarah Armstrong (both ’91 VSB):Alumni Affairs “put together a fantastic weekend.Please pass on my congratulations to everyone.”John F. Hamilton ’61 A&S:“My wife and I had a wonderful time. I’m so glad I couldbe a part of the committee trying to get the class together.I really felt comfortable back on campus. I heard manytimes ‘My, how things have changed’ or ‘Boy, this place hasgrown.’ Everyone I met up with was having a good time. Iam sure looking forward to the next one.“My renewed spirit makes me feel like coming evencloser to Villanova and becoming more a part of thealumni activities. So, feel free to call upon me if I canhelp you with other activities….“Thank you for putting up with us. I know that sometimesit was like trying to herd cats.”Spring/Summer 2006 57