Page 33 - Alumni Horae: Vol. 93, No. 4 Summer 2013

on Hugh Anderson’s online reunion gear
site (the T. Noe shirt outsold all other gear
combined by a long shot). T. would take
us through the weekend like a spirit
animal, with style, charisma and grace.
Every form should be so lucky.
Friday night at the Rectory was wonder-
ful. There were reports of some nerves
– for some it was the first time back since
graduation – but those quickly washed
away and gave way to kindness, a per-
vading sense of welcome, and genuine
interest in each other. It wasn’t just that
people picked up where they had left off,
but also that people were open to and
engaged by each other, even people they
might not have known well 25 years ago.
We had a great time catching up with
formmates, as well as famous faculty and
staff faces from the past – the Callahans,
George Carlisle, the Davises, Macy Fox,
the Matthewses, and Brian “Murph”
Murphy. At the conclusion of dessert,
we retired to the Courtyard Marriott for
some restrained merrymaking, with an
eye on Saturday. And, yes, Tom Noe
turned out the last light.
What to say about Saturday? It started
out strong, and it only got stronger. There
was a large turnout for the Alumni Serv-
ice of Remembrance – always nice to be
in Chapel – then the parade (we even had
our own bagpiper – thanks, Hugh!). Next
was the photo, then clusters scattered
here and there. A form boat did make its
way along Turkey Pond, and there was
Mike Ricard holds his son during the Parade
some alumni baseball, lacrosse, and tennis,
as well as a number of naps, before we
reconvened for Saturday night at the
Courtyard Marriott. At this point, Hugh
Anderson worked some magic. He gath-
ered a band that included contributions
from form members Dennis Lynch, Pete
McBride, Marshall Neilson, Tom Noe (was
there ever a doubt?), Sarah Park, and Sarah
Richardson, and our former teacher, Terry
Wardrop ’73. It opened with Tom’s amaz-
ing romp through “With a Little Help from
My Friends,” and ended with Sarah bring-
ing down the house with “Don’t Stop
Believing.” There was dancing (even an
amazing dance off between Pete McBride
and Harlem Logan that frankly left every-
one else feeling a little inadequate), as
well as catching up and reconnecting. It
was difficult to peel away, and hours after
the music stopped and the bar closed,
people still gathered in the lobby.
Sunday was bittersweet. Some left before
dawn (before a select few had gotten to
bed, in fact), while others milled in the
hotel breakfast area. Spouses and child-
ren reported they enjoyed themselves
and felt welcome. Hugs and contact
information were exchanged before
eventually going our separate ways,
hopefully better for the experience.
But trust me on the Tom Noe part. If
someday I am so lucky – “lost in wonder,
love, and praise” – to cast my crown
before the Maker, I hope Tom is there.
It will be reassuring to know everyone
is glad to see me.
JANA F. BROWN
Harlem Logan and Pete McBride go all out for the 1989 dance off
Alice Campbell, Colleen Fellows, Gretchen Guimarro, and Sarah Richardson in the Parade 33