On the occasion of its 50^th Anniversary Class Reunion, it’s a common practice for classes to provide financial and scholarship support to SLUH. Since the Class of 1972 has already fully endowed a Class Scholarship, the Reunion Steering Committee has proposed that, concurrent with our 50^th, the Class of ’72 will do something different by delivering a physical, tangible and permanent campus improvement to serve as a memorial to our graduating class. To the best of our knowledge, such an extraordinary effort represents an unprecedented collaboration between SLUH and a graduating class. We believe that this will augment our class’s great history of generosity to SLUH and be an achievement about which every member of the Class of ’72 can be rightfully proud forever.

In collaboration with SLUH and after many conversations, The Reunion Steering Committee has proposed to improve the outside space between the south side of the Backer Memorial and the newer Danis Field House (gym). This mostly unimproved area has become an integral and busy external corridor on the SLUH campus, as students and faculty move between the classroom building and gym. It has already come to be used as an external gathering space for special events, and it has the potential for even greater relevance. While the Steering Committee and SLUH architects and administration have been working to develop an affordable, yet transformational design, the outcome will, of course, be influenced by the size of the gift that the Class of ’72 makes. Significantly, the working name for the redesigned area, “Plaza ‘72”, has already been embraced by the SLUH administration. The design process is still iterative and the exact design continues to evolve, but the most recent designs are reflected on the two architectural drawings shown here.

To make the improvements contemplated and establish this memorial, it will be necessary for our class to commit to collecting not less than $100,000, hopefully more. We’re confident that this is achievable, and we hope that every member of the Class will embrace this effort to make a material improvement to the campus in the name of the Class of ’72. 

A few related considerations: 

• This donation will be viewed strictly as a Class of ’72 project. There will be NO individual recognition associated with PLAZA ’72.
• Any and all gifts are important and appreciated, and we understand that every class member is faced with different circumstances and priorities that could impact his level of giving.
• To meet the goal, we will need great generosity and as many substantial gifts as possible.
• Pledges of gifts extending over two years are welcome, and those who make annual gifts to SLUH can designate their gifts to Plaza ’72.
• In many cases, your gift would also qualify for a matching employer gift. This is an opportunity to double your gift!
• Because the project is likely to be integrated in some capacity with the Go Forth campaign, gifts will be accrued to both the Class of ’72 Reunion Gift and Go Forth.

IT IS CRUCIAL THAT ALL GIFTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS EFFORT MUST REFER TO THE CLASS OF ’72 REUNION GIFT or PLAZA ’72.

Please click on the DONATE button on this site or make other arrangements with the SLUH Advancement Department, but please generously support PLAZA ’72 with your Reunion Gifts. As our reunion is approaching and construction design and project planning are on-going, time is of the essence.

Thank you for your support of this unique initiative, and we’re looking forward to seeing you at our 50^th Class Reunion in October.

The Class of ’72 Reunion Committee

COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS
Mike Amad
Rob Libera
Steve Sinnett

COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Terry Altepeter
Pete Bettonville
Barry Cervantes
Tim Conway
Jim Fredericks
Tom Gassner
Jim Junker
Kevin Kloster
James Landolt
Don Landy
Mike Lawder
Mark Mantovani
Mike McInnis
Tom Mehan
Jim Moore
Mike Reedy
Rick Schaefer
Greg Smith
Dave Vreeland
Mark Wilhelm