It is a yearly, much anticipated, spring event uniting graduates of St. Joseph’s School of Nursing, Hamilton, Ontario, with classmates, possibly now living in other countries, once again. And this year was special in that we celebrated our 99th Reunion with more than 400 graduates returning to honour their Alma Mater even though the last graduating class was 1978, thirty six years ago.
What draws people to keep returning for reunions? Alumnae associations serve many purposes: they act as the collective memory, the thread uniting and cementing friendships, support in time of need, vehicle to honour accomplishments, way to communicate ‘good’ gossip, a way to collaborate professionally with others, a source of pride in who we are, strength in prayer in time of crisis, and a way into the future.
As a grad of ’56, and the only past Sister Director of the School of Nursing present, I experienced much delight, surprise and happy memories that day.
I had no recollection of the story from a grad who said that during her third year, when a date was in short supply for a special class dance, that I commandeered one of my brothers to escort her. She told me the dance was memorable.
Another reminded me of the expression used when addressing a class when I was unhappy about something with ‘my darlings’. It meant trouble ahead for them. Theresa said that ‘I used that same expression with my own family some years later.
Visiting a table of grads a few years ahead of ’56, one said to my surprise, Sister I think of you so often. She went on to say, when I was a senior and you were on my floor, you came to me one morning and said, ‘I have 8 patients and meds and I can’t manage’. I responded, ‘well you have been talking to me for 10 minutes and could have had one patient done by now.’ Much to my amusement I told her I didn’t remember the incident. It was 60 years ago.
In reflecting on these encounters, I’m grateful for the occasion of renewing friendships, and for the love and reconciliation reunions present to families, classes and organizations to reestablish peace and joy with one another as well as celebrating life.
Ann Marshall, CSJ