Class of 1957 Celebrates Reunion

This was an event 50 years in the making

The gang gets back together in Sneed Hall during the Class of 1957 reunion. Seated on the couch from left are: Don Scott, Hoot Gibson, Owen Akers, Jerry Holmes and Enoch Dawkins. Standing, from left are: Elmore Scott, Nathan Wheat, Bill Kelly, Bob St. Clair, Royce Wilkerson, Wayne James, Charlie McMurray, Gene Kennedy and Harold Elledge. (Click to enlarge)

The Class of 1957 arrived in Lubbock for their 50th Reunion Wednesday, May 9, at the Merket Alumni Center on the Texas Tech campus.

The reunion had one of the largest attendances in history with more than 160 people making the trip back to campus.

“What made the reunion rewarding was the tremendous turnout and watching the attendees reunite with so many of their friends, some for the first time in 50 years,” said Peggy Pearce, director of special events for the association.

Many of those in attendance at the reunion wrote to say what a wonderful time they had.

Gladys Hickman wrote that it was the first time she had seen her roommate in 46 years and how it was one of the best feelings to see old friends. Peggy Jones admired the spirit that is still so strong at Texas Tech. Many commented on how organized the event was and the exceptional food that was served.

The reunion began with Texas Tech Chancellor Kent Hance addressing the attendees. Thursday morning the class was treated to a campus bus tour and college luncheons. Afternoon activities included golf at the Rawls Golf Course, a Sneed Hall reunion and an opportunity to tour the many points of interest on campus. Memories continued to flood the room Thursday night as attendees’ college days flashed on-screen during a multi-media presentation.

Wayne James, co-chair of the 1957 Class Reunion, made possible a DVD sharing his family’s priceless collection of footage of Homecoming parades, football games and other special memories from his years at Texas Tech. James also edited a narrated video that brought to life traditions, events and people from those years.

Texas Tech Athletics Director Gerald Myers, Health Sciences Center Associate Dean of Faculty Tom Tenner, and Executive Vice President and CEO of the Texas Tech Alumni Association Bill Dean addressed the group Friday morning. The reunion came to a close with a group photograph, followed by a recognition luncheon.

Special thanks goes out to co-chairs Larry Byrd and Wayne James for their huge impact on the success of this reunion. They took seriously their role by reaching out to a volume of people with one-on-one contact. Other members of the committee made the effort to encourage friends to attend as well.

“Enough can not be said for how nice our reunion was and how much I enjoyed it all,” wrote Patsy Middleton. “Hearing about all the things that are going on and plans for the future was just wonderful.”

A blast from the past.

Click to enlarge these original photographs.

1956-57 Officers

1957-58 Officers