Remember & Rejoice: LSM's 40th Anniversary Alumni Reunion
Over 80 alumni from every year of LSM joined the students, faculty, and staff during LSM 2022 Festival Week for their first reunion. As alumni shared memories, connected with old and new friends, and made music together, the 40-year history of LSM was brought together through each person’s unique experience.
Said former counselor and dean of students Stef Fiser Kleven, “What a respite it was to attend the LSM reunion—to socialize with friends old and new, to attend student recitals and concerts, and to worship together daily. I'm grateful to have spent time here in my past, and for the opportunity to return and experience the same beauty and kinship. My heart is full.”
A particular highlight for many at the reunion included the alumni choir rehearsals under the inspirational leadership of former LSM chapel choir director Zebulon Highben. Serving both during Evening Prayer on Saturday night after the Festival Orchestra Concert and during Festival Worship on Sunday morning, the alumni choir provided key congregational leadership for the entire LSM community.
Other highlights from the reunion included:
“Alumni Corner” in the open area of Harre Union, that was complete with bottomless coffee and cookies for reconnecting
A rousing game of “Alumni Bingo” during the opening mixer, with remarkably popular squares including “Met Spouse at LSM,” and “Sent a Child to LSM”
Post-concert, post-Evening Prayer receptions, beautifully catered with a tended bar with space and scope for late-night relaxing
A “State of LSM” luncheon during which LSM Director, Tom Bandar shared the current status and trajectory of LSM while giving John Lunde, Jeff Doebler, and Dottie Burroughs opportunity to reflect openly on what has changed and what has persisted for LSM through the generations
The inaugural Alumni Recital, which was as a light-hearted, amusing and joyful affair
The Advisory Council, comprised mainly of LSM Alumni, was able to meet together in person for the first time
“Far from being an “add-on” the alumni, spanning many generations, found themselves fully integrated as contributing members of the 2022 LSM community,” remarked Jeanine Krause. “I can’t wait for the next reunion and the opportunity to once again remember and rejoice with fellow alumni as we support the next generation of students.”
LSM would like to extend a special thanks to Joy Greco, the reunion coordinator, for her excellent preparations. Additional thanks to the dedicated members of the 40th Anniversary and Alumni Reunion planning committee for their matchless creativity and vision in the conception, preparation, and execution of this first of many alumni reunions to come: Evelyn Zimmer, Michael Schaner, Chad Fothergill, Liz Drotning Hartwell, Jeanine Krause, Jennifer Baker-Trinity, and Stefanie Fiser Kleven.