Benedictine University was honored to host the 50th Reunion festivities for the Class of 1969, our Golden Eagles, during Homecoming 2019 weekend (October 10-13, 2019). Attendees were able to see the many changes that have taken place over the years since the days they spent roaming the halls of what was then St. Procopius College during a tour of the Lisle, IL Campus. Many in attendance were amazed at the growth of the institution and pleased with the diversity among current students.
69ners were also astonished at the preservation of the many specimen kept at the Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum, many of which were on display in their classrooms while they were students. Next, our Golden Eagles stopped by the classroom (Birck-228) they so generously sponsored with a gift years ago!
Later that evening members of the class of 1969 were honored at a special dinner in the newly remodeled Krasa Student Center. There, they were welcomed by Benedictine University President, Charles W. Gregory. After the welcome address, attendees were given their ceremonial Golden Eagle 50th Reunion Lapel pins. (Click here to download a pdf of the Bio-Booklet)
A ceremonial check was presented to President Gregory with the collective class giving of $32,560 up until that point. This represents a 50th Reunion giving record at BenU! The dollar figure has grown since Homecoming and we continue to accept gifts to support Benedictine students.
The following day began with the blessing of the commemorative Class of 1969 brick placed in front of the Neff Alumni Center. Golden Eagles then gathered in front of the Alumni Tailgate Tent for their customary port and chocolates prior to the Homecoming Football game where our Eagles crushed rivals, Rockford University (48-13). Later that evening, the Proco men gathered for dinner, followed by class of 1969 trivia and laugh inducing stories of their times spent roaming the halls of St. Procopius College (Benedictine University).
The weekend concluded with a mass held at St. Procopius Abbey where the deceased members of the class of 1969 were honored. Afterward, our Golden Eagles received a tour of the Abbey and enjoyed light refreshments before departing.
For more information about upcoming events, visit the alumni events pages or
contact the alumni office directly at alumniconnections@ben.edu or call 630.829.6077.
Jon-Pierre (J.P.) Bradley
Director, Alumni Relations
Phone: (630) 829-6077
E-mail: jbradley@ben.edu
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Deb Smith,
Director, University Development Events
Phone: (630) 829-6080
E-mail: dsmith@ben.edu
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
