Spire Spring 2017

Alumnus Bobby Gentry (‘58) makes a batch of his homemade peach ice cream, a popular tradition from the alumni reunions at the Gentry Farm.

Bobby studied engineering at BC from 1956 to 1958 before beginning a long career in agriculture. He worked from 1966 to 1982 as manager of agricultural operations for Meadow Farm in Caroline County, Virginia, where Triple Crown winner Secretariat, one of the greatest racehorses of all time, was born and raised. In fact, in 2010 Bobby contributed and was featured in the book Secretariat’s Meadow: The Land, the Family, the Legend , which presents the little known story of Meadow Farm, the place where the Virginia-born thoroughbred stallion grew into a legend. Joyce studied religion at BC, also from 1956 to 1958. She spent her career working in churches and public school systems. She also served her alma mater as an officer on the Alumni Council. Both she and Bobby are charter members of the BC Golden Graduate Society and are retired. “I appreciate Joyce and Tex for opening their home and the hospitality given to our alumni all these years,” said alumna Sharon Knick (‘72), who originally met Joyce serving on the BC Alumni Council. “I loved attending the reunions, because it was so interesting to hear stories of their days at Bluefield. They also enjoyed our sharing, as well. I have so many fond memories.” Alumnus and new BC alumni director Josh Grubb (‘07), who attended his first Gentry reunion in the summer of 2016 with his family, said his kids enjoyed the tractor rides and the farm tour. Most of all, he said he admires the dedication of the Gentrys and those who were faithful to attend the event over the past 30 years.

alumnus, who will begin hosting the reunion at their home in New Canton, Virginia, on July 15, 2017.

“We were so impressed with the Gentrys’ hospitality. They always made everyone feel so welcomed,” said Peggy. “We decided to begin hosting this gathering out of respect for the tradition and wanting to see the event continue and because of the love we have for Bluefield College and our fellow alumni.” The Bickfords home in New Canton is centrally located in Virginia, which they say they hope draws additional alumni to “come out to the country and enjoy time together.” The event at the Bickfords will include a meal, fellowship, a short tour of a 1926 Rosenwald Schoolhouse on their property, and an update on BC. “Most importantly, we want everyone to enjoy themselves in a very casual atmosphere,” said Peggy. “We are looking forward to seeing old friends, making new ones, sharing memories of days spent at BC, and continuing the tradition established by Mr. and Mrs. Gentry 30 years ago.” Grubb said he’s thankful the Bickfords have agreed to carry on the Charlottesville reunion tradition. He and many others are looking forward to more years of reminiscing with the group. “As this meeting place comes to an end, a new tradition begins at Peggy and Steve’s house,” said Meador. “I have missed very few of the picnics, and I intend to keep sharing in this rich tradition. See you in July friends.”

“I really enjoyed the rich tradition that this group of alumni created over the past few decades,” said Grubb. “It takes hard work to get together with friends for that many years, and they certainly put in the work. I have a group of classmates and friends who share a bond through BC, and I just hope that we will carry on a tradition like the Gentrys. We appreciate Bobby and Joyce and the hard work they put in to this event each year. Many fond memories have been formed at the Gentry farm.” Now 88 (Bobby) and 80 (Joyce) years of age, the Gentrys will no longer host the Charlottesville gathering, but instead pass the torch to alumna Peggy Emert Bickford (’71) and her husband, Steve, an honorary BC Alumni Bobby (far right) and Joyce Mullikin (far left) Gentry pass the 30-year tradition of hosting Central Virginia alumni reunions to alumna Peggy Emert Bickford (left) and her husband, Steve (right), an honorary alumnus.

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