Alumni from 1950s create space for classmates to reunite

By Deborah Lilly

According to Judy (Wells) Renbarger BA ’57, students at Anderson University in the 1950s tended to be very close. “We didn’t integrate into the town as much socially,” she explains. “Most of the social life was on campus and was sponsored by the college.” That’s why she and other classmates from the 1950s work hard every year to create a gathering place for alumni from the 1950s during homecoming.

Before Macholtz Stadium was built, people gathered all around the football field at the games, mostly sitting on the ground since bleacher seats were limited. During the homecoming game, people would walk around the perimeter of the field and greet old friends. With the new stadium came enough seating for people to watch the game from the stands. While the view was better, there was no longer that opportunity to roam and meet former classmates. With the campus getting bigger, it became possible for alumni to return to homecoming and never see familiar faces from their own school days.

“I decided we just needed a central point for people to meet,” says Renbarger. “So I contacted some people, and based on their enthusiasm, we took that leap of faith and decided we’d get a large tent.” They furnished the tent with coffee pots, cider (hot or cold, depending on the weather), tables, and decorations. They also found a two-sided blackboard for alumni to jot down their names and post messages. From the beginning, the tent has been located just inside the entrance to Macholtz Stadium.

The tent has become a popular spot during homecoming for alumni from the 1950s, and Renbarger hopes alumni from other decades join them in future homecomings. “I envision the entire perimeter of the football field surrounded with canopies or tents for alumni from other decades to meet.” Renbarger added that these meeting places would add to the experience of homecoming. “To me, homecoming is all about renewing friendships.”

Classmates from the 1950s also get together every summer during North American Convention of the Church of God on campus in June. The gathering began in someone’s home, but has since outgrown it. They now meet in Decker Hall Commons after one of the evening services. At homecoming, the tent attracts between 75 to 100 alumni; approximately 150 people attend the campmeeting gathering.

“There’s no way we could do any of this without the Alumni Office,” says Renbarger. If you are interested in creating a gathering place on campus during homecoming for your decade, contact the Alumni Office at (765) 641-4100.