Twenty members of the Class of 1959 returned to celebrate their 50th class reunion on May 28. The Golden Grads participated in commencement exercises, donning golden caps and gowns, sitting on the floor with the graduating class and selecting one of their own to deliver a message to the graduates.
Classmates called on Chris Roy, Sr., of Alexandria, to speak on behalf of the Class of 1959. Roy missed his own commencement due to his military obligation, so the opportunity was especially meaningful to him. He reflected upon the speed with which a career is built, time passes and relationships escape. He advised graduates to maintain connections.
After commencement, the Class of 1959 and 26 family members gathered in the Tucker Room for lunch of borsin cheese-stuffed panko crusted chicken. Chancellor Jack Weiss gave a brief update on the status of the clinical program, explained the admission process and answered questions. Chris Roy, who along with Kermit Simmons and D. Irvin Couvillion, is a member of the Chancellor’s Council, encouraged those present to be generous within their means and support the Law Center. Classmates spent the rest of their time together in lively conversation.
Attending the reunion were: Don Aaron, Lafayette; Emmett Batson, Baton Rouge; Joel Chaisson, LaPlace; D. Irvin Couvillion, Baton Rouge; Robert Dawkins, Ruston; Ken deBlanc, Lake Charles; Sal Diesi, Breaux Bridge; Davis Gueymard, Baton Rouge; Fred Haygood, Lacombe; Lloyd Hennigan, Jena; Deece Lestage, Deridder; Karl Lewis, Houma; Bill Knight, Jennings; Doris Gates Rankin, Baton Rouge; Chris Roy, Sr., Alexandria; Penrose St. Amant, Gonzales; Charles Salley, Shreveport; Thomas Self, Leesville; Kermit Simmons, Winnfield; and Joe Waitz, Houma.
For pictures of the Class of 1959 reunion, click here.
