Dear Colleagues in the Class of 1979,
I’ve been reflecting quite a bit lately. I usually decide my topic for writing, reflect on it, and finally sit down to write coherent sentences. I then set it aside for a day or two before editing. I’ve been reflecting on this letter for six weeks; it has taken six very different approaches. In between, I have written two newspaper columns, a number of reports, a resolution for the church annual meeting, and a publicity piece for my community theater. Oh, and I entered a 48-hour writing contest.
For each item I have written, I have an audience in mind and a purpose for what I write. The purpose of the class letter is to send news of the college, to send reflections on what our liberal arts education has meant to us, and to encourage you to be generous with the college by referring students and donating money. What seems a million years ago during my senior year, I finally took an English course, “Exposition,” to fulfill my general education requirements.
This was one of the first semesters that Mark Muggli taught at Luther. At the time, I believe he was adjunct. He went on to serve the college well as one of its English faculty members. After many years being afraid to write, I remembered his words and what he taught me and I wrote expository pieces for the local newspaper and have now for almost 20 years. People, including several classmates, have thanked me for what I wrote, whether a newspaper column or a class letter. I even got compliments on my publicity piece when people found out who wrote it (much to my chagrin).
I am predisposed to several writers. I’ve read Anne McCaffrey, all the Mossflower of Brian Jacques, and I am presently working my way through Diane Mott Davidson. But I was affected by a recent letter. Our class scholarship this year went to Cade Hawkins. Mr. Hawkins wrote, in longhand(!), “I’m a first-year student at Luther College. I just wanted to say thanks for awarding me the Class of 1979 Scholarship. I really can’t explain how much it’s helped me. I wanted to come to Luther to further educate myself in chemistry and with this scholarship, that goal is easier to achieve. Thank you so very much. Sincerely, Cade H.”
This is why I write these class letters. This is why I come to you several times a year with news of the college and an appeal to consider giving to Luther. Dreams came true for many of us because someone gave money for a scholarship. We are making that difference for someone else. I believe this is the 4th year our scholarship has been given. I hope that our “reserve” is there and can last for many years to help many students attend Luther.
Why did I spend so much time reflecting? The other five threads did not hang together. Have tangent, will travel! But I kept coming back to the simple words of thanks written by Mr. Hawkins. I was that kid 47 years ago. I can’t begin to explain to you what you did for me during those years. All I can say is “Thank you.” Thank you for joining me on that journey. Thank you for staying with me as we parted and remembering me over the years. Thank you for giving to Luther that other young people can have the experience to go to school with people like you and make memories.
In gratitude,
