Reunion Trip - Day 5

Morning broke early again (0530) and I met the caterer at 0600 in the lobby of Ryan Hall.  We had a kind of system going so we were able to get set up much more quickly.  As a result, I was eating breakfast at the North Dining Hall just after they opened (0630).  Once again, there were almost no people around and the campus was pretty, quiet and cool under sunny skies.  Returning to my dorm room, I spent some time getting ready before I headed over to the Main Building (under the Golden Dome) for a Military and Veteran Alumni Recognition Ceremony. In addition to getting to spend time with my fellow veterans, the University gave each of us a certificate and challenge coin - very nice.  Afterwards, I milled around nearby to see if the gentleman (Caesar) from the Class of 1950 would happen to stop by the event.  Fortunately, he and his partner (Kae) spotted me and we were able to meet in person for the first time!  The Class photos had just begun at around that point and I was able to get Caesar in both an individual photo and a group photo with the rest of the Golden Domer Club members from the 1950s and 1960s.  Afterwards, I made arrangements to meet up with Caesar and his family later in the day and then headed back to Ryan Hall.  Once I'd checked that everything in the coffee/pastries area was shipshape, I visited the Class of 1990 tent in hopes of meeting up with Maria (hoping to help her with some Reunion planning for next year).  Fortunately, she was there and we started collaborating - just then, though, I heard back from Dominic (Caesar's son) that they wanted to meet up at their family bench at 1500.  Interrupting the 2026 Reunion discussion, I sent a flurry of texts to the University (Alumni and Marketing staff) and other interested parties who might want to attend the gathering with Caesar.  During this window, Maria abruptly informed me that she needed to depart for another event.  As a result, I had some time to wander towards the lunch that I planned to attend at noon.  On the way, I stopped briefly at the Bookstore (saw Muffet McGraw book signing) and the Refreshment Hub (just to scope it out).  Continuing east, I walked towards the Stadium and fell in line with a Golden Domer named Dan (Class of 1969) as we both were trying to locate the Corbett Family Hall (built long after we'd graduated).  We ended up sitting together at the Golden Domer Club Luncheon that was conducted at the Downes Club, which overlooked the football playing field (wow!).  The food was good and I was joined again by Karl (Class of 1954) and his daughter, Mary Beth.  After this delicious meal, I headed to the Jordan Science Hall.  This amazing building (both in architecture and contents) was worth a bunch of exploring (and I did that) but I was really there to visit Caesar's family bench just to the south.  I managed to kill about an hour there and then met up with the ND Marketing Department to get ready for the "main event" of my entire weekend.  When we got started (1500), we ended up with Caesar. Dominic, lots of family members, descendants of other deceased Class of 1950 members and interested friends.  We were there, taking photos, conducting interviews and generally getting to know each other for almost an hour.  What a privilege to be part of that whole event!  Afterwards, I tied up some loose ends at Ryan Hall (close out of coffee/pastries) and "relaxed" briefly in my dorm room.  Before long, though, it was time for the next event: All Class Mass at the Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center.  I'd noticed that there were nearly 3000 ND Alums in town for the weekend - I'd guess that more than half were at the Mass.  Along the way, the University acknowledged Caesar and his family and there was an award ceremony.  As this latter part of the service was starting, I exited the Joyce Center (1800) and made my way back to the Class of 1990 tent.  My initial intention was to wait there for about 30-45 minutes before the Golden Domer Dinner at the Morris Inn.  However, the availability of drinks, food and good conversation kept me in place long after dinner time (1900).  During this window, though, the temperatures dropped significantly (I'd estimate we reached about 40) and my short sleeved shirt became uncomfortable.  I ended up layering up more than I'd expected (wish I'd had my coat!).  Maria had promised to meet up with me at the tent before I wanted to go to bed (at 2200) but, despite some attempts (by me) to make it happen sooner) didn't arrive in the area until 2145.  This was a bit frustrating because I was tired and, when I suggested we talk quickly, she then deferred the conversation into my drive home the following day [note - this conversation never happened].  Meanwhile, I continued making the rounds with my ND friends until I was tired enough and wanted to go to bed.  Back in my dorm room in Ryan Hall, I packed up all of my stuff and made sure that I'd be ready to go very early in the morning.  Despite being rather jazzed up from all the social stimuli and impending marathon drive, I somehow settled into bed by 2300.  It's been an amazing weekend but, frankly, I would have needed many more days to ensure I got to take full advantage of what Notre Dame had to offer.  Hopefully, I can return again for this kind of weekend again soon!