Cheers to 65 Years!

The reunion weekend kicked off on Friday with a morning round of golf hosted by Jardy Durburg ’56 and a welcome reception at Hackney’s on Lake where former classmates traded stories and laughs, recounting their days spent at the Academy in the late 1950s.

On Saturday, Fr. Tom Henehan ’56 celebrated the 65th Reunion Mass in the Chapel. The names of classmates who have passed away were read aloud, and their legacy was honored with a quiet moment during Mass. Special thanks to Pat Murphy ’56 and Jim Sullivan ’56 for honoring the deceased members of this class. 

Next, '56 alumni took class photos to commemorate their reunion before heading off to the official class party in the Pasquesi Piazza courtyard, adjacent to the John D. Norcross ’54 Aquatic Center. Vice President for Alumni and Network Engagement Marty Jennings ’98 welcomed alumni and their guests before dinner was served. John O’Keefe ’56 emceed the evening’s program and Jim Hogan '56 added encouragement for future gatherings of this great class. Alumni enjoyed a beautiful evening with music, great food and lively conversation. VP Jennings provided the group with an update of the many great things happening at Loyola—from athletics to faith formation and college readiness. His update highlighted Loyola’s strengths and gave a well-rounded look at the Academy that this class built the foundation for.

On Sunday, the weekend concluded with ‘56 Ramblers enjoying a class brunch at the home of Peg and Tom Kloempken ’56 in Glenview. “The gift of this class is that the bonds remain so strong 65 years after graduation,” says Jennings. “The reunion just serves as another example of the life-long community Loyola helps to build and maintain throughout the many phases of our lives.”

We wish to extend our thanks to the Class of 1956 Reunion Committee:
John Arndt
Bruce DeMaeyer
Jardy Durburg
John Fitzpatrick
Jim Hogan
Tom Kloempken
Pat Mahoney
Ron Malek
Tom Magner
Dick Merrill
Jim Sullivan