Ruth Holland Walsh
Dear classmates,
Our Class of 1950 celebrated its 69th anniversary in September — can you believe that?! Though our numbers back on campus were relatively low, that did not deter those in attendance from having a great Reunion.
Our beautiful campus was aglow with memories of days gone by! We cheered the excellence of those days and viewed and marveled at the Emera Astronomy Center, the Advanced Structures and Composites Center, and so much more!
Al and Dottie Lord Hopkins and Ruth Holland Walsh were not in attendance because of illness.
On the second day of Reunion, after a chance to meet with and hear from current students, we held our Memorial Service, paying tribute to those classmates who have died since our last Reunion.
Prexy Henry Saunders opened the annual service, and Woody Beach, Doug Morton, and others took part in the moving tribute to our classmates. Bill Fink ’83 sang “Proud to be an American” with Danny Williams ’91, ’94G at the piano.
Woody Beach intoned the music of the pipes during the tribute, closing the service with “Taps.” Truly, there was not a dry eye in the house! Also sharing the wonder of our Class of 1950 were members and honorary members Doug and Joyce Wilson Morton, Renee H and Len Minsky, Al Mosher, Jill Sampson ’77, ’50H, Karen Marie Reilly H, and other friends of the class.
Our classmates and honorary members were an integral part of the service and we were so honored to have a representation of University of Maine Alumni Association and Foundation staff.
Our Memorial Services have continued to be a highlight of our reunion format and we honored all as we sang “God Bless America.”
Though our numbers have decreased, our enthusiasm and dedication to our university and its importance in our lives continue! We are moved by the lore of the University of Maine, our camaraderie, and joy of all who experience and have continued to honor and be proud!
In non-reunion news, we were proud to note that classmate Richard Bubier, one of the earliest members of the Civil Air Patrol, recently donated his uniform to the Brunswick Naval Museum and Memorial Gardens. Richard continued his service in the Army during World War II, and after earning his mechanical engineering degree at UMaine, worked on airplane design and shipbuilding. Proud of you!
Please try to get to our 70th celebration and join in the wonder of the University of Maine!
It will be a gala and then some more!
Love to you all,
Ruthie