CLASS OF 1978 REUNION by Miguel Browne

The past students of the Class of 1978 hosted a reunion this year to mark 30 years since graduating from St. Mary's. The steering committee, chaired by Aidan Gregoire, began working in early January. The biggest challenge faced was contacting alumni. Time and different career paths had done much to separate the year group as compared to 1993 when the first reunion was organized. In addition, a large percentage of alumni were now based overseas. Personal networking and college records proved to be an invaluable resource in this regard.

By April, some 125 email addresses had been collected with the website meetup.com competently managed by Christopher Chin Lee providing a lively forum for members of the year to catch up on old times. On the other hand, a series of mini events, including a dinner and family day, allowed the local alumni to interact on a more personal level as a prelude to the big events.

The Reunion took place over three days in the month of July. On Thursday 17th, the proceedings began with a Mass in the College Chapel with Fr. Anthony De Verteuil and Fr. Arthur Lai Fook as the Chief Celebrants. It was followed later in the evening by a Cocktail Reception and Nostalgia Evening, in the Centenary Hall. An exhibition comprising of books, photographs and college memorabilia (Judgment books, honour cards, testimonials etc.) carried the alumni for an interesting walk down memory lane. Teachers who were specially invited to this reception made the walk an even more memorable one.  

Entertainment in the form of a series of dramatic scenes re-enacting memorable events and personalities of the good old white and blue in the 1970's was also well received.

"Nostalgia Evening" generated an impetus which was carried through to Friday 18th when the venue shifted to the College Grounds. Aptly titled "Break Biche Friday", the event allowed alumni and their families to enjoy a relaxing afternoon of small goal football and swimming.

The Reunion culminated with a formal dinner at Hotel Normandie. Amidst a beautiful blue and white ambiance, with the walls adorned with class photography, alumni delivered heartfelt speeches about their college days and the importance of reunions and maintaining contacts.

The entire three day experience underscored the importance of the alma mater in shaping our lives and moulding us into the personalities we are today. Moreover, the memories of our College days will always link us no matter how time and distance may separate us...

ONWARD MARCH ON!!!