AWESOME ALUMNI
BLOCK PARTY Celebrating the Class of 1980 off his Guilford pride (and
school or other programs. Marty
undoubtedly embarrassing his
has a unique perspective on this
THE CL ASS OF 1980 WAS
children), he was able to catch up
subject since he is a Professor
geared up and ready to celebrate
with his former advisor, Joyce
at the University of Virginia
their 40th reunion this October,
Clark (pictured). This encounter
and teaches courses that have
but the pandemic made that
happened in 2016, just three years
upwards of 150 to 200 students.
impossible. Instead, the group had
before Joyce passed away, and
a virtual class meet-up to honor
Marty says he felt very fortunate
are very lucky to be at a place
their would-be reunion weekend
that that volleyball game brought
with small classes and caring
BY HAILEY HENDRIX
professors,” he said. “With my
and moved forward in planning for their rescheduled in-person reunion in 2021. Nothing can keep this group down as their reunion committee uses the extra year of planning to fundraise for the Class of 1980 reunion class gift and generate excitement around the in-person celebration next year. As we all know, it doesn’t matter how often you are on campus — once you leave Guilford, you
“Students at Guilford College
“That’s the thing about
Guilford — being such a small school, I really enjoyed the small classes and getting to know some of the professors on a more personal level.” — Marty Block ’80
class sizes, it is impossible to get to know many students personally. The small classes and personal relationships with professors are so important.” Forty years later, he says this is still what he values the most about his college experience. For Guilfordians coming back to campus for Homecoming, this isn't just a time to see former classmates. It’s also a great time
always carry it with you. This
to catch up with professors and
is particularly true for Marty
staff members that made a lasting impression.
Block ’80, who has found many opportunities to broadcast his
him back to campus and allowed
Guilford background.
him to see Joyce.
Marty says that one of his
“That’s the thing about Guilford
Marty was a student-athlete and has used past Homecomings to catch up with his former
favorite memories as a Guilford
— being such a small school, I
coaches, too — most notably Coach
alum was going back to Guilford
really enjoyed the small classes
Stuart Maynard ’43 and Coach
to watch his daughters play
and getting to know some of the
Jack Jenson.
volleyball against Guilford.
professors on a more personal
“One of my daughters played for
level,” Marty says as he reflected on
are a big part of the Homecoming
Randolph-Macon, and one played
his time as a student.
experience, the Class of 1980 has
And while these interactions
still found ways to stay connected
at Roanoke College, and I sat in
Sometimes, the smaller classes
the stands with a Guilford shirt
and close relationships you build
via virtual activities and by
on,” he recalls. “I loved the looks
with professors are something
raising awareness and excitement
I got from my daughters’ coaches
you don’t really appreciate until
for their postponed reunion.
and teammates!”
you have left Guilford and gone on
While Marty was showing 24 | W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U
to bigger universities for graduate
The Class of 1980 reunion is planned for October 2021.
