By Koffi Kenneth Kouadio, Contributing Writer
Saint Leo University’s Homecoming was an occasion to reunite and share memories with old friends. The 50th reunion was one for the ages. Reunited around a good cup of their favorite coffee, the alumni gathered in a joyful and warm atmosphere in this however cold weather of early November.
The smell of good coffee and happiness surrounded Benedict’s Coffeehouse. Good music was being played live in the background for the pleasure of those who could hear.
Many were conversing, some were closely listening and enjoying the gentleman playing his guitar and singing at one corner of the coffeehouse. He was performing a cover of Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud.” People were asking for another performance from the artist, which seemed to have livened up the alumni’s dancing skills toward the end of the event.
In this crowd of alumni was Charles Edward Kelly. Kelly was a student from the class of 1970 with an incredible path. After his years at Saint Leo, he enrolled in the army, from where he was honorably discharged, before working in the legal department as a judge.
“I can’t imagine going to someplace else,” Kelly said, referring to Saint Leo. “It’s good in education, and I met wonderful people.”
He explained that Saint Leo occupied such a place in his heart that he sent his youngest daughter to the school. He was proud to tell that she graduated in 2001.
He is now traveling the world with his wife and playing golf from time to time. Kelly’s wife joined the conversation regarding the countries and cities they visited, which included Spain, Morocco, Gibraltar, Amsterdam, Rome, Monaco, and Venice.
“After you have this wonderful education, you make your way in the world, you are successful, you retire, and then you play golf and travel,” Kelly’s wife said.
Another of Kelly’s classmates from the class of 1970, William Kruppen-Bacher, was also present.
Kruppenbacher reflected not only on the number of people that the school has today, but also on the infrastructure and new technologies implemented in them.
“It helped me grow. It helped me mature. Life is an ongoing process,” he said. The older community, just like the newer one, is a community of unity and growth.
Kruppen-Bacher acknowledged that the proximity and family-like feeling with the teachers and the students helped him get his degree in management. Seeing life from different perspectives and standpoints is a crucial value that helped Kruppen-Bacher through college and also through his life afterward.
Homecoming was a blast for the alumni, who are looking forward to the next reunion, and a glimpse of the future for current students.
