San Diego Mini-Reunion Draws Classmates Across the Nation

By Geoff Smith '71 and Stu Rickerson '71

Thirty-two classmates and significant others gathered at Tony's Jacal, a leading area Mexican restaurant since 1946 in the La Colonia section of Solana Beach, for the 2018 version of Class of 1971's West Coast Mini-Reunion on February 11. The group included Classmates from New Hampshire, New York, Florida, Indiana, Canada, Colorado, Arizona the Bay Area and Orange County, California, along with a few local stalwarts. Several were 1st time participants who enriched the "secret sauce" that is so much a part of our "Wild LIFE" spirit bringing new stories about Princeton life, family and careers to the group. To enhance the educational side of the weekend's experience, there were brief talks by 4 participants that were both interesting and humorous. Refreshments, snacks and conversation flowed afterward and Tony's came through with some authentic Mexican food.

Pictured are: Back Row: (L to R) Lamar Oxford, Rob Watson, Dale Neuburger, Brian Langston, Tim Tosta, Geoff Smith, Bill Kuntz, Susan Kuntz, Liza Kirkpatrick, Varel Freeman, Dan KP Kirkpatrick, Rick Ostrow, Ken Hall, Mike Pepper, Faye Davies, Hugh Davies '70. Front Row: (L to R) Rosalie Oxford, Paul Deibel, Stu Rickerson, John Arigoni, Susan Arigoni, John Drummond, Jose - our Mariachi singer (note the "WILD Life Productions" button on his lapel), Julie Smith, Maggie Hayes, Laird Hayes, Jackie McLoughlin, Elyse Dasko, Dan Ruchman, Ron Roedel, Jack McNab.

Laird modeled Hawai'ian shirts that he is proposing as part our 50th reunion uniform (see photo) and received strong positive comments. All Classmates are encouraged to get their 50th ideas to Reunions Chair Jack Hittson as soon as possible. Email Jack at reunions@princeton71.org. Stu circulated some conversation ice breaker's detailing seeming similarities and sometimes dramatic differences between the Princeton now being experienced by the Class of 2021 and its "Mentor Class" of 1971. These will be used at '71s upcoming 1971 Reception for members of '21 on Alumni Day, February 24th at 4:30 p.m. Join us if you can!

The Princeton Honor System worked once again and "voluntary, 'best guess' cost contributions" collected exceeded the bar and dining tab, with several hundred-dollar surplus (after generous tip) going to the Save the WILD Life Fund, which will help underwrite (and reduce registration costs) at our 50th Reunion in 2021. All departed with the warm glow of reconnecting with interesting, extraordinarily cool and usually surprising Classmates.

Click here to see other photos in the Gallery.