October 15, 1999

Vern Twombly, a 1949 Colorado College alumnus, spoke to members of the 50 Year Club during Homecoming weekend. There are a total of 158 graduates from 1949.

 Welcome to the members of the Class of 1949 and their guests.

 I want to thank the alumni office staff and all other members of the Colorado College staff, in particular President Kathryn Mohrman, for their efforts extended in our behalf so that we can enjoy this celebration here in beautiful Shove Chapel.

 I feel that we all are very fortunate to have attended Colorado College and to be here today.

 It is my hope that all of you have the same warm feeling about Colorado College as I do. This facility has never strayed from important objectives. The school has always remained a great small liberal arts college that has been well staffed and managed on a sound fiscal basis. The values pursued by Colorado College are simple but effective. I wish that all other colleges could do as well.

 My life has been enriched by the Colorado College experience, as have been the lives of three of my children, who have also attended Colorado College.

Thank you.

Below is a poem written by Vern Twombly on his 50th Reunion.

50th Reunion
A dream or not a dream I wish I knew
surreal or real
time so short
so close the feelings yet so far the years
who are you who am I
after 50 years no games we need to play
so much the fun it can't be real
again to be but twenty years
some so close and some so far
minds the same bodies old
why can't I know you when you know me
why can't you know me when I know you
where are the ones I need to know again
replay this game but one more time