Friday evening- We met in Room 210 of the Illini Union for a time of "Sharing Memories". This included singing the old songs from our time together, sharing of memories of our time on campus and praying together. The following people were able to attend: Carolyn (Tyree) Hildebrandt and her husband Terry, Mike and Bev Linder with their two boys-Rickey and Bradley, Mike and Lori Kilpatrick and their two girls, Rob Haupt, Bob Novak, Larry and Tamara Finney, Dick Young, Terry Coats Buchan and her husband Peter, Karen Smith Colvill, Chris Irpino, Scott and Lydia Benda and Mike and Cindy Sutton. Larry emceed the time, Mike and Carolyn lead us in singing, and everyone had something to share. Many great memories of how the Lord had worked in our lives during our time on campus, as well as a lot of funny stories. See Pics
Saturday Morning- For this we met at the Campus Crusade for Christ's Outreach Center called the "Cru" at 605 E. Green Street. The Cru was the old "Tritos" bar and CCC purchased it 2 years ago for outreach into students lives. We met there for breakfast, as well as, to hear from David Martinelli the current Campus Director. David is a grad from the U of I and he currently leads the ministry. It was exciting to hear about the over 250 students who come out to the center on Tuesday nights now. They are seeing many students come to Christ, being buildt in their faith and sent to the world. Exciting stuff! We spent the rest of the time hearing from Pastor Bruce Dow from Heb. 12 and sharing with one another what we know about others that were not able to come. Many have stayed in contact with a few friends and all are interested in knowing what is happening with those that impacted our lives during this time. Additional Alums and spouses that were able to join us this morning were: Dick Young's wife-Ann and their two children, Bob Novak's wife-Beth with their 6month old daughter Rebecca, and Bruce Dow. See Pics
Saturday 11am- We then headed over to the Illini vs. U of Minnesota Homecoming Football game. The game started great as the Illini drove down the field on their first position but missed their field goal attempt. That was the highlight of the game as the Gophers ended up winning by 30-7!!!!! Carolyn Tyree Hildebrandt's husband Terry is a Gopher fan and he seemed to enjoy the game more than most. It did rain but that didn't seem to damper the spirits as we just enjoyed being with each other and catching up. See Pics
Sat. 3pm- After the football game, several of us went over to the Illini Varsity Men's Basketball Scrimage in the Assembly Hall. It was a great (warm and dry) time as they showed off the new talent for the coming season. See Pics
Sat. 6pm- We then gathered back at the Cru for our final time together. This consisted of: eating Papa Dels pizza, some more singing, and sharing how the Lord has worked in each of our lives since being on campus. What a great time of testimonies of God's faithfulness in our lives as we each have gone through deep waters. We closed the time by having each person share a prayer request and us praying for each other. Some themes that were shared were: loss of jobs, changes in God's direction, challenges with older parents, challenges in our marriages, challenges with our children. With these all, the Lord's grace and strength was a reoccuring theme. We also prayed for many of those that were not able to join us this time. We ended the time by a few of us, heading for Baskins and Robbins. See Pics
Many of us shared an interest in gathering again in 2 years sometime in October 2001. Our hope is that all will be able to return and be joined by many that couldn?t make it this time. This really was a supernatural time for us. God did a deep work in our lives during our time at the U of I that is continuing in all our lives. We are blessed by the fellowship we had then and now.