Photos by: Jim Lyga

The Parade of Classes delivered participants to Eaton Chapel for the Alumni Assembly.

Alumni welcomed the opportunity to renew old friendships.

Dean of Students Bill Flanagan was named an honorary alumnus for 25 years of devoted service to Beloit.

With sunny skies and temperatures hovering in the high ’70s, Beloit College was the place to be during Homecoming/Reunion 2005. Nearly 400 alumni made the journey back to campus, where they reconnected with old friends, visited favorite haunts, and spent a fair amount of time just catching up. Family seemed to be at the heart of the celebration, as many returning Beloiters brought spouses, children, and even the family dog to partake in the weekend’s activities.

The Real Dirt on Farmer John, an award-winning documentary about the life of John Peterson’72, shown twice on Friday, generated a substantial buzz throughout the weekend. Directed by Peterson’s long-time friend, Taggart Siegel’81, the film received enthusiastic applause for its sensitive retelling of Peterson’s long struggle to hold on to his family farm.

At the Saturday morning Alumni Assembly, the first three rows in Eaton Chapel were reserved for the extended families of John Erickson’49, Clyde Boutelle’55, Gene’65 and Phyllis Wolff Banucci’65, and Jai Balkissoon’80, who were each presented with Distinguished Service Citations, and Judy Logback’95, recipient of this year’s Young Alumni Award.

“This is the third citation our family has received,” Clyde Boutelle told the audience in Eaton Chapel. His wife, Nancy Wormley Boutelle’57, and daughter-in-law, Ann Bausum’79, are past award recipients. “I thought you might be interested in how we do it,” he said. Amidst audience laughter, he counted down the list of immediate and extended family members who attended Beloit, calling them “a voting block of 12,” and joking that, “You have to plan ahead—these things don’t just happen.”

Bill Flanagan, vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students, was named an honorary alumnus in recognition of his 25 years of service to Beloit College. In her introduction, Alumni Association President Jane Karr Threinen’56 described Flanagan as a friend to everyone and cited his “warm and engaging, supportive and challenging approach to cultivating strong relationships between the College and those it serves.”

“I knew when I arrived on this campus in 1980 that it was a special place,” said Flanagan, upon receiving the award. “It’s a feeling that I have today. I love this great college.”

The camaraderie continued at Saturday’s afternoon football game at Strong Stadium, where the Buccaneers battled Lawrence in a nail-biting contest that saw the Buccaneers prevail 28-27. Although victory was sweet, it marked the last Homecoming/Reunion game for Head Football Coach Ed DeGeorge, who will retire at the end of the season, having led the Buccaneers to more than 130 victories and six North Division Midwest Conference titles during his 29-season career at Beloit.

Photo by: Dan Lassiter

Generation—an exhibit of art by alumni, students, and faculty members—opened with a reception at Gallery ABBA in downtown Beloit.

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RELATED LINKS:

Alumni and Parents home page


"Home Ground: Farmer John Gets Down to the Real Dirt," Beloit College Magazine, Fall/Winter 2005

"Six Alumni Recognized for Distinguished Service," Beloit College Magazine, Fall/Winter 2005

"Ed DeGeorge Calls 2005 Football Season His Final," Beloit College Magazine, Fall/Winter 2005

EMAIL:

Jane Armitage - Director, Alumni Affairs

Susan Kasten - Editor, Beloit College Magazine