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 Benedictine College (IBC), now Benedictine University.
Over the years, classmates became educators, doctors, leaders, musicians, and mentors, while staying connected through life’s 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 “adoptees”, to laugh, reminisce, and relive memories from their IBC days.
“I never imagined I would form lifetime friendships with so many of my classmates,” Bill Lisowski, ’78, shared. “Sitting in the Aruban sun, enjoying great food, laughing, talking, and reminiscing … it was like we were back on campus again. That’s the great thing about strong friendships. They are always there.”
The reunion also featured an “IBC Memory Test” and commemorative coffee mugs featuring photos from the group’s IBC years and past reunions.
The opening night speech concluded with these words.
“Gathering 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 of love for each other’s presence in our lives.”
