Class of ’74 Reunites and Reminisces

A spirited Class of 1974 50th Reunion brought nearly 30 alumni and their guests back to campus to celebrate lasting friendships and share memories of their days as students. 

The festivities got underway on Friday when a handful of reunion classmates met at Lake Waramaug Country Club for a round of golf before the entire group gathered for dinner at Lucia Ristorante in New Milford. Other weekend activities included touring the campus and engaging with our current Saints during a student panel. Two events were especially meaningful to Reunion alumni:

• Former Canterbury teachers and Vietnam veterans Peter Bordonaro and Jack Gaudreau presented “Views from Vietnam” to share and discuss their service experiences there. One of the Reunion attendees was Laura Burke ’74, whose brother, David Burke ’65, was killed in Vietnam. His name appears on a plaque in The Chapel of Our Lady “in honor of Canterbury alumni who sacrificed their lives in the service of their country.”
   
• The Class of 1974 Memorial Service was led by Rev. Judith Sullivan ’74 in The Chapel of Our Lady for members of the class who have passed away.

Former faculty members J.P. Mandler P ’91, ’94, ’99 and Marc Vanasse ’73 also joined the Class of ’74 for the weekend.

On Saturday evening, a cocktail reception and private dinner in the Brodie Room on campus gave reunion alumni a wonderful opportunity to pore over photos, yearbooks, and memorabilia; swap stories; and chat with Interim Head of School Sue Roberts P ’24, ’27 and other Canterbury staff members.  

Prior to the reunion, Michael Berman ’74 made a “Saints Off the Hill” presentation to students and the community during School Meeting on Friday morning. He spoke of his career as a professional photographer wandering the terrains of the American West, the Mexican Norteño, Mongolia, and more to capture stunning images. 

By all accounts, the Reunion was a heartfelt experience for the graduates. “How lovely to return to a place that is deeply embedded in my DNA,” said Victoria Weill ’74. “The campus was beautiful, everyone at Canterbury was warm and welcoming, and the memorial Mass for our deceased classmates organized by Judy Sullivan was a fitting tribute.” 

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