�ǿմ�ý

In a heartwarming gathering that transcended time, the Golden Gaels Luncheon, hosted by the office of Alumni Engagement & Events, brought together a group of cherished individuals who share a common bond—their graduation year of 1963 or earlier. 

Amidst the hallowed halls of their alma mater, approximately 60 distinguished graduates assembled for a day filled with sentimentality and nostalgia.

The day’s events began with a mass in the iconic chapel, a fitting reminder of the spiritual growth that occurs at Saint Mary’s. Fr. John Morris celebrated the mass and asked alumni to recall their very early time at the college. “Those early days were an exciting beginning and also a moment of grace for you. It was the opportunity that you gave God to influence you, to speak to your heart and mind, to help you develop into the persons that you are today: Golden Gaels. 

“Even those days as a beginning Gael… even those days were golden.”

Image

Following the mass, all made their way to the Soda Center for a reception and lunch allowing for intimate conversations and joyous reunions. The room was abuzz with the sound of laughter, as old friends and acquaintances caught up and swapped stories of youth, pranks, and academic triumphs. 

Robert Haas ’63 took to the podium, weaving stories of the beloved Christian Brothers and professors who sculpted their minds and shaped their futures.

“What Saint Mary’s was about was the liberal arts and Great Books,” Haas said. “That was why I chose it rather than one of the Jesuit schools. It was supposed to be the intellectual of classical learning. And in a lot of ways it was.”

Sighs of gratitude intermingled with laughter as the alumni collectively paid tribute to those who had imparted knowledge and wisdom.

Image

The most senior Gael in attendance was Neil Sweeney ‘50, who fondly remembered one of his rituals as a student—stopping at the chapel on his way from the gym to his De La Salle Hall dormroom.

Sweeney beamed, “My prayer at that time was that I would find a good wife and companion. I certainly did. My wife Beverly and I have been married 72 years. We're blessed greatly” The couple has six children and six grandchildren who are also Gaels. 

Dick Svec ’64 enjoyed the event and wishes many more generations feel the same sentiment. “The biggest thing is that it is a community and it stays that way; it really hasn’t changed. Hopefully the current graduates are able to enjoy the same thing over the years.”

This inaugural Golden Gaels Luncheon was indeed a sweet and sentimental affair, where the passage of time seemed to fade away and cherished memories were rekindled.

Image

A Southern California Golden Gaels Luncheon will be held at San Gabriel Country Club on October 14, 2023 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. .

View the from the event.