Do you remember me?

By Tom Bruce

"Do you remember me?” asked the smiling homecoming visitor. One of my great joys is getting to know many of our students each year. But multiply each new class of freshman by 26 (years) and that’s a lot of names and faces to remember.

Yet, her smile was unmistakable. Judy … yes, let’s see … Williams … uh, Anderson! Her husband, Dean Anderson BA ’80, seemed impressed with my memory. “How could I ever forget you?” I exclaimed. Judy Anderson BA ’80 was one of the first student secretaries in the Office of University Relations when I began my assignment in 1977. Has it been that long? We told each other that we hadn’t changed at all. Actually, for a few minutes it did seem that the years rolled away and we were transported back in time.

What a wonderful surprise to see Judy and Dean who had come from Wichita, Kan., to experience Homecoming and attend the dedication of the Kardatzke Wellness Center. After a wonderful visit, we said goodbye as they spotted another acquaintance. This scenario repeated itself all around the Ward Fieldhouse as thousands of alumni and friends attended the first annual Ravenfest, an idea birthed by the Alumni Council and then produced and directed by Kim Wolfe, coordinator for alumni projects and events, along with staff and students. This post-football event was an enormous success.

Both young and older alumni, children, grandparents and friends filled the room prepared with attractive banners and displays depicting university life during our past 85 years. As I talked with alums from the 1930s and 1940s, I found the same excitement and enthusiasm about their AU experiences as I did in talking with recent graduates. Marvelously we all seem to communicate through the language of the “Anderson experience.” While everyone has their own unique experience and memories of their collegiate days, there is a sense of relatedness through common traditions unique to Anderson University.

During Ravenfest, Cory Edwards BA ’90, writer, director and professional comedian from California, provided a period of side-splitting entertainment. What a great talent. He had both young and old alums laughing at everyday events.

Although scheduled for two hours, alumni lingered into the evening sharing memories and asking that wonderful question, “Do you remember me?”

Please plan to come to Homecoming next year on Oct. 3-4. Come back home to remember and be remembered. You are special.