A few class members did get together in San Antonio on October 20, 2011. Here is what Lionel Youst had to say about the gathering:

To Class 61D (what's left of it). Four of us made it to the 50th Anniversary -- Bob Kennison and Elena; John Loring and Rose; Jerry Clemons and Lynda; and Lionel Youst and Hilda. We did our best to represent the rest of you -- a very nice event in the lobby of the historic Gunter Hotel in downtown San Antonio. Wish you had all been there. The food was lousy, but the company and atmosphere was unimpeachable.

The group with wives, left to right, Loring, Youst, Clemons, and Kennison.


Left to right, Clemons, Loring, Kennison, and Youst.

CLASSMATES: It is with considerable regret that I inform you of the cancellation of the subject Reunion. I do this because I was unable to secure more than seven (7) commitments from the class. With this number, I was unable to secure the favorable hotel/restaurant/tour/transportation rates originally quoted. When I began, it appeared that there was interest by more than two dozen and I had hoped to secure about 3/4 of them. In summary, I failed. Please understand that I am not John Henry Newman and this note is not "Apologia Pro Vita Sua".(I feel certain that Denis will verify the references and comment acerbically.) I received many replies about interest but inability to commit due to health, previous plans, children, and other very understandable situations. If there is any blame, it is certainly mine. Unlike a certain political person, I choose not to send the problem to a committee for resolution. If any of you make it to San Antonio in the future, please contact me for a get-together. My cell phone is 210-289-3939. Thanks and regrets. Bob

CLASSMATES: Sorry for the delay. My wife is presently on her fourth hospital stay & second operation, so idle time has been at a minimum. Anyway, I've scheduled the accommodations. We will be based out of the Hotel Contessa, 306 West Market Street, San Antonio, Texas, 78205, phone 210-229-9222. Our rate per room is $123.76 per night (5 nights = $618.80, for the arithmetically challenged). My wife and I have stayed there and liked it. It is downtown on the River Walk and very nice.

I would like a headcount ASAP, so that I can complete the nail-down. A previous headcount was 26 couples. Stay tuned for more.
All the best.
Bob Kennison

“BACK TO THE BEGINNING” 50th REUNION

CLASSMATES:
Hope you can join us in San Antonio during the week of 16 October 2011. By then, the heat should be gone (but the drought will probably still be with us). With the help of some young officers here, we intend to display “how it is now” and compare it to our own “it was different and tougher in the Old Days”. Under consideration are the following:

• Several breakfasts, lunches, and “Happy Hour” sessions.
• A dinner in barges on the San Antonio River downtown (bigger and fancier than you may remember).
• A trip to nearby San Marcos for shopping at the high-end Discount Mall there (men MAY accompany).
• Base tours.
• Downtown tours.
• A “few” briefings of interest.
• Golf for the athletically (?) inclined.
• Bus transportation for all events

One of my daughters-in-law is in charge of the travel/reservations/etc. business for HACU (Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities), so I believe that I can get some good hotel rates for classmates and their dates. A headcount this month would help, as would ALL suggestions. Please advise.
Bob Kennison

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Bob has volunteered to put the 2011 reunion together and is asking for a head count and desired month of attendance. Please drop him a line at gringo@satx.rr.com.

In only a couple of days there has been an enthusiastic response from potential attendees; check the list on the Information Page. Most of the respondents expressed a desire for a reunion of only the 61-D graduates, therefore, planning will proceed along those lines.

As they notify us possible reunion attendees will be added to a list on the Information Page.

Denis Golemis has suggested that we consider a combined reunion with classes 61-C and 62-A; he will send a message to their class representatives if our class has enough interest.

This web site is now active to record the progress of planning activities.

Bob Kennison is currently exploring some of the possibilities and has asked for an approximate head count of those interested in attending.