On June 1, 2025, members of the Physical and Health Education Class of 7T0 gathered to celebrate the 55th anniversary of their graduation — a long-awaited reunion delayed from 2020 due to the pandemic. The milestone event honoured decades of friendship, shared experiences and the enduring legacy of a close-knit class.
The celebration was organized by a dedicated reunion committee: Bob and Peggy Belcher (Bourne), Sharon Bradley (Wilson), Sue Derocher-Veskimets (Bartha), Bill Franklin, Patricia Smith and Mabel-Anne Waters (Brown). After more than a year of outreach, the group successfully reconnected with the majority of the 81 original graduates. Though 15 classmates have passed and 14 could not be located, 32 alumni attended in person, with two more joining virtually.
The reunion weekend began at the Chancellor’s Breakfast at the Royal York Hotel, where 10 class members were in attendance and the Class of 7T0 was among the featured milestone years. The main event was hosted by Bob and Peggy Belcher at their home in Nobleton, just north of Toronto.
The gathering featured a relaxed and celebratory atmosphere, with a photo area, grazing table and a “memory lane” display showcasing yearbooks, blazers, lecture admission cards and a memorial binder honouring late classmates. Each attendee received a commemorative 55th anniversary medallion from the university.
Feedback from attendees was enthusiastic, with many expressing their interest in future smaller gatherings to maintain renewed connections.
"It's always so interesting to reconnect with classmates and learn what they have been up to. We talk and laugh, exchange anecdotes, recall incidents from yonder year and pledge to stay in touch,” said Laila Vince. “I hope we can meet before the next five-year cycle comes around.”
As a lasting tribute, the class has also raised funds for an engraved paver stone to be installed on campus.
“It was wonderful to see such support and camaraderie amongst such a great bunch of old geezers,” said Bill Franklin.
The Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education extends its congratulations to the Class of 7T0 and sincere thanks to the organizing committee for making this memorable celebration possible.