I went to my fiftieth college reunion last Saturday. I found that number daunting and frankly, a bit unnerving until I was at the actual event and passed a table with a sign inviting the Class of 1948 to check in. All of a sudden, our fiftieth assumed its rightful place. Far from being an ending, it was just another milestone.

An important milestone to be sure, but the cheerful ladies celebrating their seventieth reunion demonstrated that life has little to do with numbers. The memories endure and cherished friendships cause time to slip away.

And then there’s the pride. In Regis as a growing, thriving institution. In the women of the Class of 1968. I spent some time yesterday reading the biographies posted by my classmates in a reunion book. So many of us pursued advanced degrees and were involved in satisfying careers in addition to raising families.

As Regis undergrads, we were encouraged to believe in our ability to climb mountains. We were the change agents who could do it all. In our homes, and communities, and law offices, and classrooms, and boardrooms. And somehow, with determination and drive, we managed to fulfill that promise.

And from what I can tell, as a group, we’re still vital and involved with our communities and volunteer activities. Retirement for many of us may have shifted our focus, but it hasn’t done much to slow us down.

Fifty years since graduation. Many roads travelled in those years. But one road led back to Regis last weekend. Bonds forged in dorms, classrooms, and student lounges can’t easily be broken by time and distance. We were fortunate to have shared those college years, and it was lovely to have an occasion to remember why it was so special.