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Past Events

2^nd Annual SVD Alumni Association Reunion

Toledo Area

April 7, 2001

by Robert Engemann

        After reading about last year's Perrysburg reunion I vowed that I would not miss the next one. I am glad I kept that promise. It had been 36 years since I last saw the Maumee River. Thirty-six years since I saw, or had contact with many of those whom the SVD had brought together on the banks of that river.

        Going back after all these years had my mind replaying many years of memorable experiences. Some were good memories-like sledding down the hill to the river. Some not quite as fond-like doing dishes for a week. Yet they are all great memories. The anticipation had the better of me. Nick Schroeder and I drove to where the Seminary had been. It was sad to see what progress has brought. We walked around the area where the buildings had been. You could almost hear the music coming from where the Chapel had once stood. Wow things have changed!

        As everyone started to arrive on Saturday, I was relieved to still recognize most everyone. I began to realize the more things had changed the more fellow seminarians had stayed the same. As the day went on it was remarkable how the memory started to kick in. The stories began to flow at a rapid pace. Somehow ten demerits and a week of dishes doesn't seem that bad now. As is the case many times, there just was not enough time. Many more stories started to come to mind on my drive home.

        For those who have not been able to attend a reunion, it is time to come back. Make plans to return next year-I know I'll be there! The date of the Toledo Area Reunion is April 13-14, 2002. Thanks to the SVD and Lenny Uhal for planning this. It was both a physical and spiritual renewal for me. A time to reflect and a time to unwind and enjoy what we had as seminarians. Who really remembers what "shagging" was all about. Plan on being with us next year. That will ensure the stories told about you are somewhat correct.

Attendees: