Class Notes

It was a beautiful June weekend – the magnolia tree in front of Monroe Hall was in full bloom, the evening sky twinkled with stars, and the fragrance from the linden trees perfumed the air, as we trod those familiar paths we walked more than 65 years ago.

There were six of us: Elaine “Sally” Heritage Jordan came with her daughter and son-in-law; Vivian Wilkerson came with Janice Sullivan, daughter of the late Mickey Dixon Sullivan; Janice Worsley Mayberry came with her son, Paul; Ann Briesmaster Robertson and Gerleen Verlander Ferguson came with Ann’s daughter, Carol; and I came with daughter Kate. I understand that Elizabeth Stallings Sharpe had hoped to attend but couldn’t because of a foot problem. We missed you, Liz.

We couldn’t find anyone when we arrived from Connecticut at about 7 p.m. Friday but finally found Sally in a dining room. She was being taken care of by a group of student volunteers who were at our beck and call all weekend. We posed for a class picture at the Saturday picnic. At lunch, there was much conversation and many names mentioned and memories recalled, but we were all thinking of you, our classmates, and wishing you could be there. At the evening banquet, the Class of ’66, led by Mary Parsons Black, gave a rousing rendition of the fight song: “Let’s give a cheer for Mary Washington …”

Five percent of the money accrued from the donations of the Class of ’46 goes to a scholarship, and Sally receives a note each year from the student recipient.

Must we wait another five years? Can’t we have a reunion again next June?

The last issue of University of Mary Washington Magazine had Dorothy Adams Kiger of Santa Ana, Calif., recalling college days. She recently moved with her two dogs from her home of more than 50 years to a two-bedroom apartment. One of her two granddaughters, who married, lives in her old home. Dorothy still is active in church, Presbyterian Women, and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County. One of Dorothy’s daughters is a Presbyterian minister in St. Joseph, Mo., and the other is a teacher in Santa Ana. Dorothy said that life is good most of the time. She would like to renew some of the contacts she has lost with Mary Washington friends. “My four years at MWC were important years in my life, and memories will always bring smiles and pleasant thoughts.”