Classmate Howdies
This year, we invited everyone to send their classmates a message, whether you were coming to the reunion or not.
Come to our Classmate Howdies Page for messages from classmates you haven’t heard from in years…
Official Reunion Related Activities
Golf Outing
Steve Riggan and Walt Osborne hosted the event which took place on Saturday, June 24th 2023 at Finkbine Golf Course, 1380 Melrose Ave, Iowa City, IA 52246 .
Everyone had a great time, with much camaraderie and reminiscing. And, believe it or not, some golf got played, too!
Photos from the golf outing are available here.
Women of West Reunion Breakfast
Cheri McCabe Hochstetler, Janet Pate Barber, and Linda Vedepo Scott hosted the event on Saturday, June 24th 2023 at 9 AM-11 AM. It took place at Dwell Home Furnishings, on Highway 6 at the corner of 12th Ave.
Photos from the breakfast are available here.
Tour of West High
Our tour of West High on June 24th 2023 was organized by Bonnie and led by Gary Neuzil, recently retired legendary teacher at West High, who did a masterful job as tour guide herding all us “kittens” around the school.
Special thanks goes to Karen Peak Lenth who bought the special “50 Year Reunion” banner that you see in the group photo taken in the Arganbright Theater.
Photos from the tour are available here.
Our 50th Year Reunion Celebration
Our 50th Year Reunion Celebration took place on June 24, 2023 at the Iowa River Power Restaurant from 5-11 PM. What a swell party it was.
There was a lot to see and do at the reunion celebration, besides eating, drinking, and reminiscing. There were three “Special Touches” in our celebration space, and we’re sharing those in addition to photos from the party.
Memorial Table
Karen Peak Lenth provided the flower arrangements at each table in the space, and also created a Memorial Table, honoring those classmates who are no longer with us.
Photos of the Memorial Table are available here.
Memory Boards
We had three superb memory boards created by Janet Powers Metzger. She focused on three themes: Our Communication-a celebration of our school paper West Side Story; Our Homecoming – a celebration of this hallmark of our senior year; and Our Commencement – the culmination of our senior year. She also shared a board of general memories.
Photos of the Memory Boards are available here.
Our Class Tree
Classmate Karen Peak Lenth organized the purchase of a tree planted in honor of our class in the front yard of West High. Bonnie supervised the planting, and you can see photos of the tree and the details of its location on the school grounds by following this link.
Official Stuff
We paused our partying for some thoughts, reflections, and recognition. We were so glad we could be together.
Party Photos
We had a great turnout for the party, with over a hundred classmates and guests in attendance.
We have an abundance of photos from the party, and you can view our party photo gallery here and our group photo gallery here.
Unofficial Reunion Week Get-Togethers
Naturally, we got together with each other before and after the reunion, and here are some photos of many of the ways we enjoy spending time together.
Summer Solstice Sipping Beer – classmates enjoying pizza and liquid refreshment at Coralville’s Backpocket Brewery.
Paul Roberts and Jackie Dague Nicholson – on the summer solstice, at Wildwood Smokehouse and Saloon.
Paul Roberts and Dave Gerlits – Pickin’ and Grinning on a Thursday Afternoon.
Friday at Bump’s with Betsy Elliott Stough – four friends on a Friday afternoon.
Impromptu Gathering the Day After – four West High grads shared a meal and memories on Sunday.