Fellow Classmates of 1971,

  Can you believe it’s been 40 years since we received our degrees from Shaw U and left its nurturing environment armed with the skills we needed to begin the transition to adulthood and a professional career? I’m sure you remember: Sadie Hawkins Day, Bears Den, Pre-Dawn Dance, The Golden Eagle, Shaw Hall, Social Promotion, “Shaw Way or Trailway”, Ma Watson, Dr. Chestin Everett, etc.? These experiences helped us to develop a special bond between classmates and all the members of the Shaw Bear Family. We made life long friendships along the way and our experiences molded us and prepared us for the lives we currently enjoy today.

At Homecoming 2011 held October 6^th through 9^th we celebrated our 40^th anniversary. Our class was well represented at Homecoming. Many classmates who had not been back to campus in years showed up to celebrate our 40^th reunion. We had a wonderful time reminiscing about our Shaw days and catching up on stories of family and careers. We had the largest class represented at the Annual Alumni Banquet and our class gave a $22,000 dollar gift to the University to help provide scholarships for students in need of financial assistance. We renewed friendships and we have made a pact to stay in touch as we begin the count down to our Golden Anniversary of 50 years. There are so many social mediums available today to stay in touch. Some of us have kept up to date on the technological advances but most of us are savvy enough to check emails and websites; so, let’s use today’s resources to stay informed and stay in touch. Our class website will be updated regularly. Take time to register under classmates, peruse & share photos, communicate on the message board, share memorials, and help locate lost classmates.

All the best wishes for the years ahead… may they be many and may they be filled with peace, joy, and love.

Yours in the Shaw Spirit,

Greg Jenkins “71”