The St. Augustine High School Class of 1973 celebrated their 40 year reunion on September 13 & 14, 2013.
On Friday September 13, twenty-plus classmates cheered on the football team at Mesa College and congratulated the Hall of Fame Inductees. Most of us were busy reacquainting with old friends and before we knew it, the game was over and Saints had thoroughly trounced Mater Dei High. It should be noted that Mater Dei is coached by fellow 1973 classmate John Joyner’s son. After the game, classmate Tim Powers led us in singing our Alma Mater.
On Saturday September 14, approximately 30 classmates, with a few of their wives, some teachers and priests celebrated our 40th year with mass in the chapel, followed by a catered dinner on Vasey Patio. Fr. Gary Rye, Fr. Jerome Bevalaqua and Deacon Hardick led us in song and prayer. We remembered our deceased classmates by name and celebrated the Eucharist. Afterward, we shared a Mexican meal, beer and wine. We revisited our four years at Saints and took a tour of the campus. So much has changed in 40 years. We all remarked how we did not even have air conditioning in our classrooms. We also viewed a video of the upcoming changes that will occur with the next phase of improvements. It is quite exciting to see what is in store.
Fr. Rye, Fr. Bevalaqua and Deacon Hardick joined us for dinner, along with former teachers and coaches, Dan Shaitel (his lovely wife Janet), and Larry Shepard. It was great talking to our old coaches/teachers as they all are doing quite well.
Jean Shaw also joined us and was presented with a gift from our class for not only her ongoing support while we were at Saints, but for her never ending assistance in helping us locate classmates by keeping up to date with contact information changes. It was also noted that she celebrated making her 10,000th freshman beanie (yes she has made these since the 1970’s).
The evening wrapped up with all indicating how great it was to see everyone. We hope that those who could not attend will keep in touch with the Alumni office regarding their whereabouts so we can have an even greater time at our next reunion.