It was 1949 when Shirley Collins Rieger ’52 attended her first University of Redlands football game to watch her then future husband, Chuck ’52, play as center for the Bulldogs. For the six decades that followed their graduation, Shirley and Chuck regularly attended games to watch the Bulldogs play.
Shirley returned to Ted Runner Stadium for Homecoming 2014 to cheer on the Bulldogs once again, and she did so while getting reconnected and reacquainted with her erstwhile classmates, Rich ’52 and Ginnie ’52 Hunsaker, who figured somewhat prominently in the news that Saturday at the “R Story, History in the Making” event.
Earlier in the day, Shirley enjoyed a chance reunion with a former kindergarten student of hers, Shelli Stockton, our Director of Alumni and Community Relations! Shirley also enjoyed the company of her Alpha Theta Phi sisters at sorority events on Friday evening and Saturday.
What an extraordinary couple of days for just one person! And although Shirley’s experience was unique to her, it was not uncommon! Over 1,500 people participated in a robust offering of sports competitions, class reunions, Greek Alumni events, the first ever volunteer summit, and of course, the announcement of the Hunsakers’ historic gift to the University—just to name a few. We could easily fill volumes with compelling vignettes of memorable connections and reconnections such as Shirley’s from all corners of the University community.
Yet again, as unique an experience as this Homecoming was—or that any Homecoming is for that matter—it, too, was not uncommon! No matter when your relationship with the University began, you will always find a robust offering of opportunities and ways to connect, serve and give to Redlands throughout each year and indeed, throughout your lifetime.
I would be remiss if I did not call attention to and give a BIG thank you for the extraordinary talents and efforts of countless individuals who made Homecoming 2014 the success that it was. The University’s Advancement division led the way, and in the end it really was a total all-school effort that involved students, parents, trustees, faculty, staff, friends and, of course, alumni! They are already planning for next year…
Go Bulldogs!
Greg Horter ’89
President, University of Redlands Alumni Association
alumni@redlands.edu
