Members of the Class of 1978 recently gathered in Aruba to celebrate not only a milestone year, turning 70, but also 52 years of friendships that began at Illinois ΊΪΑΟΙη College (IBC), now ΊΪΑΟΙη University.
Over the years, classmates became educators, doctors, leaders, musicians, and mentors, while staying connected through lifeβs many changes. During COVID, the group even began weekly Zoom calls, a tradition that continues twice a month today.
The trip brought together 17 friends, including spouses affectionately called βadopteesβ, to laugh, reminisce, and relive memories from their IBC days.
βI never imagined I would form lifetime friendships with so many of my classmates,β Bill Lisowski, ’78, shared. βSitting in the Aruban sun, enjoying great food, laughing, talking, and reminiscing β¦ it was like we were back on campus again. Thatβs the great thing about strong friendships. They are always there.β
The reunion also featured an βIBC Memory Testβ and commemorative coffee mugs featuring photos from the group’s IBC years and past reunions.
The opening night speech concluded with these words.
βGathering in Aruba was not so much a reunion as it was a celebration of 52 years of friendship, a bond between us, and a sharing ofΒ love for each other’s presence in our lives.β
