Welcome to the
Southwest Class of 1961
Website!

As you may be aware, the 50th year since our graduation is next year. Therefore, those of you, and you know who you are!, who are claiming to be in your late fifties must stop soon!

The reunion process gets ever more intensive as we approach date. The first step is determining the celebration dates. After surveying many classmates, the selected dates are September 16 & 17, 2011. Sadly, no matter what dates are chosen some of our classmates will not be able to attend and will be unhappy. Unfortunate but inevitable.

The next step, which is underway with urging from Allan Elias, is to find a facility. The Doubletree served us well five years ago. We are looking at potential hotel locations along I-494 which would provide easy access to the airport and to the shopping meccas, Mall of America and Southdale. Golf courses convenient to the old neighborhood are also being considered.

Simultaneously, Paul Gansky whose motto is “you can run but you can’t hide” has been turning the directory of classmates into a multimedia tome of exceptional accuracy and professional quality. Please let Paul or me know if you are moving, or if  your entry in the directory is not accurate, so that it can be updated.

Reunions are important on multiple levels. I was told by one classmate, “I don’t care where you hold it or when you hold it, I’ll be there! I don’t care about the food or a program, just be sure there is plenty of time to sit and talk to everyone and do 50 years worth of catching up.”

I read this recently and it made me think of why reunions are held.

In everyone's life there is somebody who touches a spot so deep, so precious, that the mind always retreats, in time of need, to that cherished place seeking comfort within memories that never seem to disappoint.

I have many wonderful memories of life at Southwest High. Let’s get together and share them!