Alumni return for reunion celebration

Ottawa University alumni from every walk of life returned to the campus over May's first weekend for a Reunion Celebration.

One of the celebration's biggest events is the Alumni Association Annual Awards Banquet, which drew roughly 250 registered attendants in the cafeteria.

Reverend Jim McCrossen welcomed the nostalgic audience back to their college roots as they found their seats amidst the sea of tables.
University President Kevin Eichner also greeted alumni.

"We're grateful to all of the contributions you make and continue to make," Eichner said,

"[You've] brought great honor to Ottawa University."

As the dinner commenced, attendees were treated to music by choir members from the past and present.

After the dinner, alumnus Don King presented a $60,000 check to the university on behalf of the class of 1959, followed by a leadership transition to 2000 graduate Kelly Parker as OUAA president.

Still, an awards banquet would not be complete without awards.  Four alumni were awarded for their contributions to the world. This year's award recipients included: Patricia B. Wolf '85, MA '89; Ruth Claypool '52; Wayen E. Koons '56; and Dr. Tom Trigg '74.
Wolf received the Esther Ruth Award, given to alumni who have improved student life and helped the college in one form or another. Wolf owned a software company and has served on the Board of Trustees for over a decade.

"My dream for Ottawa University is that we grow and develop a nationwide reputation of being a premier institution," Wolf said.

Wayne Koons was also recognized for his achievements, receiving the Outstanding Achievement Award.

Koons contributed decades of his life as lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps, but perhaps most impressive is his work with NASA. For 13 years Koons worked on the first space shuttle to land on the moon, while simultaneously developing a process for retrieving astronauts and spacecraft from the ocean.

This ingenuity led Koons to guide the helicopter crew that retrieved Alan Shepard along with his spacecraft in the Atlantic.

In his acceptance speech Koons acknowledged the important role young people play in society, noting that when preparing the first space shuttle NASA almost exclusively hired people under the age of 30.

Koons also had advice for current students.

"Always stay focused," he said. "Learn all you can and take every opportunity to tackle a new challenge."

The school anthem, "My Ottawa," was sung at the conclusion of the banquet.