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.