Spire Spring 2017

alumni

L ast summer, a longtime beloved Bluefield College tradition came to an end. For 30 years, former BC students had been gathering for a time of reunion in Charlottesville, Virginia, and for most of those years at the home of alumni Bobby (’58) and Joyce Mullikin (’58) Gentry. On July 9, 2016, the Gentrys hosted their last reunion, but not before strengthening the bonds of hundreds of BC alumni across several generations. “The BC reunion at the Gentry farm has been a highlight in my life for over 20 years,” said alumnus Rod Hale (’60) of Midlothian, Virginia. “It was a grand tradition important enough for folks to travel as far as 300 miles. Alas, the time has come for the Gentrys to retire, but what a wonderful ride it has been.” The Gentry reunion started as a gathering of Bluefield College classmates from 1958, but as the years passed Bobby and Joyce graciously invited other classes to become a part of the tradition. “Never one to miss a chance at being with fellow alum and a picnic, I invited myself to it,” said alumna Shirley Chapman Meador (‘73) about her first Gentry reunion. “How exciting to hear all the reminiscing. There is no better way to brighten your day than to hear of the adventures then. It is wonderful to know the couples who met at BC, like the Gentrys, are still married.” The reunion grew into an event as traditional as Bluefield College’s Sadie Hawkins Day, sledding down Rish Hall hill and Mud Pig Day, featuring reminiscing, storytelling, a picnic lunch in the Gentry barn, homemade peach ice cream for dessert, and hayrides around the farm. “Bobby (Tex) and Joyce were wonderful hosts,” said Rev. Hale. “The farm setting was ideal for informal visiting, sharing precious memories about our BC days, enjoying delicious food, and especially Tex’s homemade ice cream. His great delight was to provide the hayrides. He loves to drive his tractor.” As much as Bobby did enjoy providing rides around the farm on his tractor, he and Joyce said they equally enjoyed getting to see former classmates and other BC friends every summer. “So often we lose touch and never hear from friends,” said Joyce, “but this gathering helped us stay connected. It was always good to see people again and catch up with everyone, where they were and what they were doing. It was fun. We enjoyed it a lot.” Alumni Reunions at the Gentry Farm: THE END OF AN ERA

THE END

Register for the July 15 reunion at bluefield.edu/reunions

28