Class Reunions

Last fall, Marian Catholic was pleased to host reunions for the Classes of: 1971, 1975, 1976, 1980, 1981, 1985, 1986, 1991, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2015, and 2016.

Although the previous year had been unpredictable, to say the least, that did not stop our alumni from reconnecting with classmates and sharing all they have accomplished since graduation. Classes returned to the school for three separate reunion events on September 17, October 9, and October 16. Additional reunions were held offsite.

Alumni had the opportunity to take part in various activities during each event including painting a picture of the Chicago skyline, a whiskey tasting, cigar rolling, and a mixology class where they mastered the art of making a mojito. Many recounted what a great time it was to be able to roam the halls while enjoying good food and drinks with old friends. Some reminisced over class yearbooks, while others discovered they still remembered their locker combinations!

’81 ’00

’10 ’15

Are you a member of the Classes of 1972, 1982, 1992, 2002, 2012, or 2017? If so, we want to hear from you. Your 2022 reunion is this fall! Want to be involved? Email alumni@marianchs.com to receive updates on your celebration!

’71

’05

’16

CLASS OF 1971’S REUNION NOTCHES A FIRST!

Setting: September 25, 2021, 5:30-11:30 p.m., Balagio’s Ristorante, Homewood, IL Playwright: William Riley ‘71

Act I

The 50th Reunion of the Marian Catholic High School Class of '71 is in full swing. It’s cocktail hour and the excitement echoes loudly. Gayle Giobbi Chisholm’s slide show, masterfully set to music from our era, enthralls the audience with photos spanning from 1971 to the present displayed on a large screen. Next, a class photo captures 50-plus smiling attendees who have travelled over 20,000 miles to get here, from as far west as Hawaii and as far south as Florida.

Black, white, and gold decorations and table settings abound, balloons reach toward the ceiling, an arch of black and gold balloons makes small group photos “pop,” and good food and drink enliven conversations. Just before dinner and grace, we tearfully watch a video with pictures of 30 deceased classmates set to Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

Everything is going smoothly, and yet…

Act II

...George Towle, a member of the Reunion Committee directed by Angela (Prendergast) Murphy, anxiously scans the celebrants. He realizes we might not reach the ultimate goal of the 50-year reunion.

That goal, a Legacy Scholarship for deserving Marian students in need, has fallen $2,100 short of the $10,000 goal as the evening begins. George has dedicated himself to this goal from the beginning as a way of honoring our deceased fellow graduates. Months of planning hang in the balance.

And so, with an irresistible blend of good humor, dedication, and boundless energy, George visits fellow alumni throughout the evening, asking them to give just a little more in honor of their deceased classmates. He works in the background as some classmates receive prizes for the usual awards such as longest married, oldest child, and farthest traveler, among others. His efforts succeed beyond expectation.

Act III

By the end of the evening, amid the comedy routine of fellow classmate Jim O’Brien and endless dancing to a local DJ’s music, George proudly announces that the Class of '71 has established a reunion first in Marian Catholic history – a Legacy Scholarship of over $12,000!!!

Earlier in the day, at the 4:30 Mass honoring the deceased members of the class, Father John Siemenowski tells the congregation that they have inherited from the classes before them, and in turn have served as an inspiration for those who have followed them. His remarks underscore the importance of the Legacy Scholarship.

We are told that to whom much is given, much is expected in return. As a class, we have had our share of ups and downs, joy and heartache. But we have also been blessed with long life, as we are nearing 70 now. We have our families, our friends, and the memories from a school which we still cherish. We have learned that there is great joy in giving of ourselves and our treasure as we did that night in Homewood.

We have learned that the best way to pay back Marian for the gift of our education is to pay it forward to another student, to extend the Legacy of Marian Catholic to another generation.

And somewhere, perhaps, our deceased classmates will join us in the old Marian chant “We’re from Marian, couldn’t be prouder!”

Since this article was written, the Class of 1971 has decided to continue the momentum from their reunion and increase their goal from $10,000 to $50,000 to start the Class of 1971 Legacy Endowed Scholarship at Marian Catholic. If they are successful – which we know they will be – they will be the first class to have an endowed scholarship at the school!