Culver Mini (-Mini?) Reunion
February 23 – 24, 2025
Organizer: John Davis
As in February 2024, it may be a stretch to call this gathering a Mini Reunion (it was less than 20 hours in duration and only included 4 classmates plus 2 wives). But since I am Webmaster and was there, I am proclaiming it to be one. —JMD
The context: The gathering was spurred by the desire to again see how some of our Student Enrichment Funds were being spent. Specifically, our Fund sponsored the campus visit by David Brooks on February 24th. (See this webpage for the details of the event.) Attendees included Bill Cleavenger, John Davis, Doug and Edie Neumann, Marty and Bonnie Oberman, and (on Monday only) Tom Westbrook.
The ever-gracious Alan Loehr (Director of Stewardship) provided Academy-owned accommodations for us. As a local, Bill provided his own accommodations.
The Davis Description of Events
I arrived on campus shortly after noon on Sunday (February 23rd), taking the afternoon to wander around the facilities at a more leisurely pace than is typically available during our quinquennial on-campus Reunions. The rebuild of North-East Barrack (and Sallyport) is definitely showing signs of progress.
The Mini “formally” started with us gathering that evening for dinner at Papa’s Restaurant (across from the old root beer stand at the bend in Lake Shore Drive). Hosted by Alan Loehr, we were well taken care of.
While the temperatures were still rather chilly for this California guy, they were tolerable, and did increase during the course of the Mini.
Marty & Bonnie Oberman, John Davis, Bill Cleavenger, Doug & EdieNeumann
In the mirror above Doug and Edie’s heads, you might be able to recognize Alan Loehr taking the picture
A view looking toward Roberts Barrack on the left and (in the distance) the Riding Hall on the right.
A view of the emerging structural steel, looking toward the lake.
The new Main Barrack on the right.
The next morning (Monday, February 24th) we attended a breakfast for David Brooks in the Legion Memorial Building (the Library in our day). Next, we joined the audience in the Alumni Lounge of the Legion Memorial Building to listen to Mr. Brooks participate in a Q&A session moderated by a member of the Culver faculty. That was followed by heading over to Eppley for the All-School event where Mr. Brooks was “interviewed” by 2 students.
Immediately following the All-School event, Doug and I headed to the Schage Leadership Center (located on the site of the former Culver Motel) to meet with Anne Kelley (Director of Alumni Engagement) to kick-off planning for our 65th Reunion in 2027! ‘Twas an excellent meeting.
Following the meeting, the Neumanns headed home, and I headed to the Mess …er, Dining … Hall for another “free” meal. As I sat down, Andy Dorrel approached me, introduced himself as the Director of Summer School and Camps, and asked if he could sit down and chat. He said he might not have been motivated to have done so if it had not been for David Brooks encouragement to talk to people. (And were joined by Tom Westbrook who was just finishing up a conversation with another staff member). We had a great conversation! I then headed to South Bend to catch my flight home.
In the aftermath, we all felt it was definitely worth our time and energy to make the effort to be there for the event, let alone having the opportunity to spend time with classmates — and Edie and Bonnie.