Happy Together While Apart

Class of 1970 celebrates 50^th jubilee reunion in virtual style

“Happy Together,” The Turtle’s classic 1967 hit, opened a slide show of yearbook memories for 20 members of the Eastern Connecticut State College Class of 1970, who celebrated their 50th Jubilee Reunion on Nov. 20. The reunion was originally scheduled as part of the annual Eastern Celebrates Reunion Weekend in May, which was cancelled due to COVID-19.

“We couldn’t let the entire year pass without doing something for the Class of 1970,” said Michael Stenko, director of alumni affairs, “so Alumni Affairs, the Development Office and the ECSU Foundation created a plan for a ‘virtual reunion.’”

Class president Tony Andrade ’70 and class treasurer and yearbook editor Fred Souza ’70 helped with the planning. “We were so disappointed when the May reunion was cancelled,” said Andrade. “When the Alumni Office called and said, ‘we have an idea,’ we didn’t know what to expect, especially for a virtual reunion. But it was really wonderful!”

Eastern President Elsa Núñez greeted the class and highlighted Eastern’s expanded academic programs, new buildings and accolades the University has received. President Núñez also looked back at 1970 — a turbulent year in our nation’s history — noting that 1970 marked the first observance of Earth Day and the creation of PBS and the EPA. The year also saw the tragic shooting of four students at Kent State University, an event that nearly resulted in the cancellation of Eastern’s commencement.

Describing the challenges that have made 2020 so difficult, President Núñez expressed hope the year would also be remembered as a time when people came together and supported each other. Speaking directly to the class, she said, “For the Class of 1970, I want you to remember this year as a time when, despite the challenges, you reunited with your friends and your Eastern family to celebrate our shared connections, values and common commitment to making this a better world.”

Prior to the reunion, class members received a gift package courtesy of the ECSU Foundation, Inc., including a bottle of sparkling wine with commemorative 50th Reunion glasses and Eastern’s traditional “Golden Diploma.” In his remarks, Andrade explained that the class had been through a lot together, and that whatever happened to each classmate after leaving Eastern was influenced by what had happened while they were on campus. As students, they supported one another, and they valued the relationships they had with each other and with the faculty. He made a toast “to all of us who helped one another through Eastern, for those who were there for us, and those who left us too early. We remember them.”

Following the toast, Andrade introduced special guest Ralph Yulo, senior class advisor in 1970. Yulo worked with Andrade and others to make sure commencement took place as planned that year. Yulo shared a very moving tribute to teachers with the reunion class titled “Walk Proudly.”

The group then watched a slide show of candid photos from all four class yearbooks selected by Souza, and Music Professor David Belles live-hosted choral selections pre-recorded by the Eastern Chamber Singers. The Class of ’70 spent the remainder of the evening sharing updates about their families and careers, and remembering the people and events that shaped their lives.

Even though the “Happy Together” Virtual Reunion was deemed a success by those who attended, the class will be invited back to campus at a future date to celebrate their reunion in person.