Alumni are flocking back to campus for Homecoming weekend, and it got me thinking. As a senior, I’m very aware of the fact that in a mere seven months, I will go from “current GC student” to “GC Alum.” It’s strange to imagine coming back to Goshen to reunite with former classmates, especially once everyone starts to get old, successful, and maybe even married with kids. 

I will have to present my future self as a functioning member of society, and it is never too early to start thinking about how to pull that off. I asked some other current students what they thought about post-graduation reunions for some inspiration, and I was not disappointed. 

At the top of everyone’s minds was gossip. After being cornered in the elevator, Adriana Wilcox gave an insightful answer about how “it’ll be nice to see how people changed and what they’re currently up to.” When asked to elaborate, she admitted that she really just wants the inside scoop on all the old people drama. I’m sure we’ll have plenty after 50 years!

The class of 1971 is having their 50th-anniversary dinner at Greencroft, featuring a welcome by President Stoltzfus. I asked future GC alum Ellie Van Heerde if that’s something she’s looking forward to in fifty years. “We’re gonna have a new president by then,” she said, avoiding the question. But she makes a good point. Is it really worth it to make the trip out if you don’t get to have dinner with Becky?

After living here during college, Goshen has started to feel like home for many. “I’d need to give it a few years, but once the college nostalgia hits, it’ll be fun to come back to visit,” burnt-out STEM student Kristen Oliver said. “The same goes for asking me for donations, though. Please don’t ask us for money the second we graduate.” What, no six-figure salary lined up for after graduation? I’m shocked.

Others had a less optimistic outlook on our precious spot in Indiana. 

“If we’re not living in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, I’ll consider coming back,” Conrad Liechty said, presumably referring to climate change. Take note, sustainability majors: I’d be willing to bet that a hypothetical group of Goshen grads would win the Culture for Service award for saving the world. 

Some had less dire predictions but similar levels of enthusiasm. “I don’t want to come back to Indiana,” said Orlando Aguirre-Mulato, a current Indiana resident. This seems to be a rather common sentiment. Maybe GC should start holding reunions in exotic locations like Not Indiana.

A few students have already thought about future successes and are aiming for all sorts of awards, GC-affiliated or not. 

“I’m gonna return with an Olympic gold medal around my neck. That’ll show Rustin that he shouldn’t have put me 2nd on the roster,” said Summer Cooper, frequent Everence Student-Athlete of the Week. 

Keeping it short and to the point, reluctant interviewee Aiden Schloneger responded that he would not be coming back as an alum unless he ends up “more successful than his classmates.” We hope to see him back in a few decades, even if it is just to be envious of his incredible life experiences. 

Not everyone was so ambitious, however. When asked if he thinks he has a shot at one of the prestigious alumni awards, a very tired-looking Axel Brown replied that he “didn’t even know there were awards.” If you ask me, he sounds like a Young Alumni award-winner in the making.

Most relatable of all, though, was Hannah Lehman. When asked what she wants to accomplish before her golden milestone reunion, she responded, “I don’t have much to say. I haven’t really thought about that yet.” Well, now’s the time to start planning, Hannah! Fifty years is shorter than it seems.