Big Bash & Six Million Dollar Class of '76

 

President Scott Feller receives a check for $6,392,900.00
from the Class of 1976, led by
Co-Chairs Pat Bechdol '76 and Tim Gagen '76.

Big Bash is the annual reunion weekend that takes place every year recognizing the 50th Reunion Class (this year was the Class of '76) and every other class, especially those classes every Five years before and after the 50th reunion class.  In other words, Big Bash this year celebrated the classes of ... 1961, 1966, 1971, 1981, 1986, 1991 ... 2006, 2011 ... 2021. 

The Class of 1976 has unique aspects, like many 50th Reunion Classes before it, but the reception at the Governor's Residence seemed truly special to our class as the sitting Governor is a friend and classmate of ours.

For many great photos by college photographers from this Big Bash Weekend, Click Here.

The photos below were taken by several classmates and Jada Ahern.

Pat Bechdol and Tim Gagen

Our 50th Reunion turnout at the Chapel Sing
was the best of any other class, yet
there were a few members who chose not to sing! 😮

Above is our version of Both Verses, complete with the Refrain and the Chorus.

Roger and Rosann Wilson '76 at the reunion check-in.

Mike Dougherty '79, Murph '76,
Mary Dougherty, our cycling guide
around C'ville and Jada Ahern, Murph's guest.
A brief rain shower caught on the
Saturday morning ride, but
not enough to dampen our moods.

Class of '76 Photo

In the Allen Athletic Center was a
nice display of materials from over the years,
especially from 1976 and the Bicentennial
Celebration.  Wabash was represented
across Indiana and in Washington, DC
by the Commander-in Chief's Guard,
a re-enactment group sponsored
by the college.  Rob Matthews'76
was the Sargent in command,
Rick Cavanaugh '76 and Murph '76,
were drummer and fifer.
The C-in-C Guard performed at
the Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade,
the Indy 500 Parade around the track,
and in DC at the Washington Monument,
the Capitol Building and Mount Vernon.

The Yearbook from 1976 was also on
display .  .  .

.  .  .  including this and other content.
These characters from the Class of '76 were
photographed with Professor Hadley, who later
became a warmly welcomed honorary member of our class.

Rob Matthews' senior photo .  .  .

.  .  .  Rob in 2026 with Brad Ballentine '79.

Dick Sword, Class Agent for 50 years
in his senior picture .  .  .

.  .  .  And nearly 50 years later.
Dick was unable to attend this year, but he
has returned to campus many times,
including when this photo was taken
at a recent Monon Bell Game.

Yes!!  Wabash even had a Hockey Club in 1976!

It is a bit disappointing that Sphinx is misspelled.

Rob '76 sporting his 50th Reunion Medal.

Ed Wanamaker a couple weeks after the reunion
back in Cape Cod with his band.  He's been playing drums
with them for many years.

Big Bash & Class of '76 50th

 

Wabash College Class of 1976 at the Reception
hosted by Mike Braun '76 and his wife, Maureen, at the
Indiana State Governor's Residence.
 (@ Class of '76 expense, No taxpayer or government funds)
Notice the "Elmore" T-Shirt?  Brought by
Tony Zancanaro and everyone
loved seeing it and sharing memories!

2026 is exactly Fifty Years after these men graduated from Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana.  While some have remained in contact off and on over the decades, many had not seen each other since that sunny day in C'ville 50 years ago.  Even so, the relationships renewed as if it had only been a few days since their last encounter.

This reunion had a unique kickoff for the weekend as one of their members, Mike Braun, is the sitting Governor of the State of Indiana.  He graciously invited his classmates to bring their spouses and significant others to join his wife, Maureen, and him at the Governor's Residence (@ Class of '76 expense, No taxpayer or government funds) for a wonderful gathering in perfect summer weather.

These photos were taken by several people including Will Duncan '27, Jada Ahern, and several classmates.

Click on any image to see a crisper, more focused version of the picture.  To return to this page, locate the "X" in the upper right corner of the screen, beyond the more focused photo.

For a few photos of the Governor's Residence, Click Here.

Even though the conversations were quickly renewed
as if no time had passed, name tags were helpful as the
50 years past had not treated our appearances well.

Sheryl and Charley Huntchins

1 and 2

Ann and Tim Gagen welcomed by Rob Matthews,
Chairman of the 50th Reunion Committee. 

Rosann and Roger Wilson with Allen "Murph" Murphy

Chip Olson and Rick Futter

Dr. Tony Zancanaro

Pat Bechdol, 6 and 7

David Kitcoff

8, Rick Cavanaugh and Randy Berta

Tim Gagen and Ed Wanamaker

Mike Braun with Dave Collings

Kathy and John Kerezy '77 with Rob Matthews

9

10, Mike Kilpatrick and 12

Rob Matthews with Mike Braun

Rob Matthews, Jada Ahern
and Biz Matthews

Mike made a few remarks then read a
special proclamation for the Class of '76.

Class members and guests listening to the proclamation.

The official proclamation document.

Click on the image for a clear, readable version.

 

13 and 8

John Collins, 15, Mike Braun, Chuck Candiano, Fred Miller

16, Tony Zancanaro, 9, Mike Braun and Mike Kilpatrick

Sue Hill, Biz Matthews and Bill Hill

18, Bob Carpenter, 20 and 21

Mike Kilpatrick, 10 and Fred Miller

For a few photos of the Governor's Residence, Click Here.

The Class of 1976 members, spouses and significant others.