Class of 1958
Dear 1958 classmates,
Gentlemen, where has the time gone? How did 55 years pass so quickly? On June 7-9, 2013, we hope to see you at Franklin & Marshall Reunion Weekend to fill in the blanks, and to enjoy hearing and telling stories of days gone by. It should be worth the time just to hear them told again.
There are several reasons why you should be present. The first: We are celebrating a milestone— our 55th Reunion. Secondly, we have reached maturity like we hoped, while doing good for others and being there for family and friends. We have greatly appreciated the degree we earned in 1958, and have marveled at the progress and expanded programs at the College. Women have been a part of campus life for more than 40 years. (Unfortunately, this change was too late for us.)
The campus has matured beautifully with coordinated buildings, landscaping, walkways, new athletic fields, and buildings for student life and activities. I felt the old “center of campus” gravity outside Campus House (now called Distler House). I stood on the spot in the old Hartman Green—now transformed—where in one week I lost two pairs of pants. Hartman Hall is gone but the memories and the picture of the building still are very clear in my mind. Armstrong World Industries (the former Armstrong Cork Company) has remained a true friend of F&M for campus expansion and athletic field development.
At a recent planning meeting for Reunion 2013, I experienced a renewal of the spirit and enthusiasm that I remember from 50 years ago. These were truly some of the best years of our lives. I wonder if the students today realize these are their best days?
This year Franklin & Marshall College is celebrating its 225th anniversary. I hope you will join me in honoring the Class of 1958 and the College by making a gift. As beneficiaries of an outstanding F&M liberal arts education, we are each privileged to be at a point in our lives when we can give back. As a class, our goal is to raise $75,000 and achieve 45 percent class participation. This goal is attainable if each of us makes a gift at a level that is comfortable for us. If you have made a gift, thank you. If you haven’t made a gift, please consider supporting Franklin & Marshall. Contact Mary Risner at 717-358-4560 click here.
I hope to greet all of you on June 7-9 in Lancaster for a time of reflection and remembrance. We owe our parents unending gratitude for their vision and finances to make this dream come true.
Sincerely,
Robert W. Ford '58
Class President and Friend
