A Blast to the Past: The 1975 Class Golden Reunion by: Hope Menken

Fifty years ago, the class of 1975, like so many students before them, graduated.

Not unlike students today, many of them had no idea what was next. Now, in 2025, the campus welcomes them back for their golden reunion. This exclusive two-day event will begin Monday, April 7, at 10:30 a.m. with a reunion reception and registration and will end Tuesday, April 8, at the annual HSU Hymn Sing in Logsdon Chapel. 

The events, which are planned for the reunion are geared to reconnect alumni who may not have seen each other since that graduation so long ago, include special events such as the Memory Banquet and Golden Lariat Society Induction and the Reunion Luncheon. 

“I love the Golden Reunion because it is so sweet to see classmates reunite with one another after sometimes 50 years,” said Laurie Harris, assistant director of alumni engagement. “We get to show them all the updates to campus and hear fun stories of their time here at HSU.”

At the Memory Banquet and Golden Lariat Society Induction, alumni receive their Golden Lariat Society Pin, which they are invited to wear to distinguish themselves as part of this exclusive group. At the Reunion Luncheon, alumni will hear HSU President Eric Bruntmeyer speak, be presented with Commemorative Medallion Plaques and be individually recognized. 

Other events, such as the bus tour of campus, show our honored guests how the campus has changed and improved since their student days, while others, such as the private concert by the Cowboy Band and a visit to the alumni wall, serve as an example of how the traditions connect former and current students throughout time. Guests will also be invited to eat in the new cafe with the current students providing a unique blend of past and present. 

Not only does the Golden Reunion reconnect alumni, but it also allows current students to interact with those who were once just like them. Many of the alumni are donors to the university and support student scholarships. By celebrating our alumni, we are honoring those who have built Hardin-Simmons into the campus we know and love today, so if you see them, be sure to welcome them back.