HC/HU All Class Reunion
Huron College/University All Class Reunion: Alumni Gather Before Demolition of Campus Begins
Huron, South Dakota - July 19, 2011 Hundreds of Huron College/ Huron University Alumnus from across the country are making plans to make one last trip back to the 122 year old campus on August 12-14, 2011 before the wrecking ball begins its work.
Following a prestigious history of academics and athletics, Huron College officially closed its doors in April of 2005. Since then the campus has remained unoccupied and the buildings that once rang with vitality have sustained significant neglect and deterioration. After six years of deliberation of what the future would hold for this long standing landmark, the Community of Huron announced the construction of the Central Park Project that will soon adorn the entire city block that currently houses the aging campus.
The Central Park will feature water slides, a competition pool, a lazy river, a kiddy pool, picnic shelters, playground, walking trails, basketball/tennis/volley ball courts, and the list continues to the tune of a multi-million dollar facility. In honor of its building site, the designers of the new Central Park have strategically incorporated the cornerstones from the old campus buildings such as Voorhees Hall, McIntire Library, Churchill Hall, Kerr Hall, as well as the school bell into the landscape of the new project. “I view the conscience effort to commemorate the long history of Huron College into the plans for the new Central Park as a tribute to the thousands of faculty, staff and students that graced the grounds and halls of this historic site.”, stated long time trustee and college supporter, Marilyn Hoyt.
With the news of the campus’ demolition, decades of alumni felt the pull of heart strings and intend to return for one last farewell to their alma mater. “We have received word from hundreds of alumni from across the country who are saddened by the loss of the campus, but excited to reminisce and see old classmates.”, noted Alumni Association Chairman, Dr. Frank Palleria. Graduates and attendees from as far away as Colorado, California, Arizona, Washington, Florida, Michigan, New York, Virginia, Illinois, Kansas, Wisconsin and Utah are making the pilgrimage to attend the reunion and walk amongst the college structures that will soon be a page in history.
The reunion begins on Friday, August 12th with registration at 3:30 at the Crossroads Hotel and Convention Center in Huron and a BBQ Social starting at 6:00 p.m. Saturday the 13th kicks off at 10:00 a.m. with a Golf Scramble at Broadland Creek and continue with campus tours and choir rehearsal in the afternoon. Saturday evening starts at 6 p.m. at the Crossroads with a Mixer, followed by a Buffet and Program honoring the 25 Year Anniversary of the 1986 HU Championship Football Team and wraps up with a dance by Galaxy 9. A $45 fee covers the BBQ, Buffet, Program and Dance. Registrations are necessary and will be closing soon so please contact the Alumni Association at hchu.reunion@yahoo.com for your confirmation.
Release Contact: Dawn Mutchelknaus, Alumni Association @ 605.353.8779 or dawnm@dakotalandfcu.com
