Class of ’56 celebrates achievements

Some hadn’t been back to the Kansas University campus since they graduated 50 years ago.

But this weekend, more than 100 members of the Class of 1956 were glad to return.

The old classmates shared memories and listened to one another’s professional and family achievements since they left KU.

Master of ceremonies Bob Newton read the alumni’s citations during the Fifty-Year Golden Anniversary Luncheon Saturday afternoon in the ballroom of the Kansas Union.

“It’s just like a family reunion,” said Don Shaffer, who lives in Lee’s Summit, Mo. “It’s just incredible what people have done with their lives. We all have particular gifts that we are blessed with, and it’s how we give those,” Shaffer said.

Bev Jackson McCain, who now lives in Little Rock, Ark., said she enjoyed the luncheon and the warm reception she has received from many people on campus.

“Everyone’s been so friendly. The students even jumped us and gave us a good ‘Welcome home,'” she said.

Ruby Schaulis Quarterman, St. Charles, Mo., said she made her first trip back to campus since she graduated 50 years ago.

“The biggest thing we noticed is the change in size of the campus. When we were here everything was on Mount Oread, but it’s still beautiful,” she said.

Quarterman talked with Jo Houlton Price and Mary Jo Huyck after the dinner.

“It’s wonderful to see old friends. We miss the ones who aren’t here,” Quarterman said.

Jerry Kindig, of Leawood, and Bill Brown, of Miami, have a history that goes back to their being grade-school playmates in Kansas City, Mo.

“It’s a very nice job that’s done by the university here bringing us together,” Kindig said.

Brown also noticed the changes since he had last visited.

“I hardly recognized this place,” Brown said. “It’s an experience, and hearing all of these people’s achievements, it’s very humbling and very gratifying to hear that all of these people have excelled.”

During his address to them Saturday afternoon, KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway told the class members they had a fantastic class.

“You just look at the achievements in this room, and it makes you very, very proud to be at this university and know that these are the kind of people you are associated with,” he said.

Hemenway and his wife, Leah, presented each of the class members with a Jayhawk pin and certificate during the luncheon.