Golden Year Reunion

This past August, standing in the third-floor hallway of Dixon Dormitory, I hugged two teary-eyed young ladies goodbye. We had dreamed of this day, prayed for this day, and when it finally arrived, we weren’t quite as prepared for the mix of emotions that ebbed and flowed. The closer we got to campus, the excitement building in each of us as the once talked about future became reality — my twins beginning the next chapter of my family’s history with FHU!

As we walked into Dixon, the smell of the lobby took me right back to the days of courting my then girlfriend and now wife, Mary, who had also lived in Dixon. The fond remembrance of a young man with sweaty palms and butterflies in his stomach as he waited on her to arrive for their first date. The familiar sight of students greeting one another — none of them knowing in those initial moments, they were meeting strangers who would become lifelong friends to travel with them through all seasons of life. The ghosts of our past shadowed us as we walked across campus, an intense intramural game played in this spot, a first kiss happened over there, beautiful devotional singing echoed through our minds from dorm lobbies to the middle of the campus.

On the short drive home in the silence, I realized how my parents must have felt on their drive home from leaving me at FHU... my, how that seems like a few short years ago, and two prevailing thoughts: our girls were right where we had hoped they would land and how I wish I could go back and do it one more time!

I hope you remember your FHC days in a similar way. I hope they are still deeply imprinted on your heart as one of God’s greatest blessings. While this pandemic generation saw their collegiate life drastically change, some things remained — the strengthening of their faith, the building of lifelong friendships and the making of memories they will carry throughout their lives. One of the many truths we’ve all been reminded of throughout the season is that time spent in the company of those we cherish is invaluable.

Your reunion is the most special event we host each year because it provides an opportunity to transport you back to your precious days at FHC — days that were inherently good, days in which cherished friends surrounded you. As we specifically welcome the class of 1973 to our ranks, I encourage each of you, whether you’re celebrating an anniversary year or not, to plan to be with us June 14-16, 2023.

1. An optional day trip Wednesday, June 14, to spend a day in Tupelo, Mississippi! Since its founding in 1866 (a mere three years before the beginnings of FHU), Tupelo has been rich in history — from the Civil War era to the birth of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley, to today!
   Join us for a riding tour of the city, which will include stops at Tupelo Hardware, where you will hear the story of Elvis purchasing his first guitar, and a guided tour of his birthplace and museum. While we spend the day touring, you’ll work up an appetite, so we’ll stop at local eatery Romie’s Grocery. There, you’ll savor your choice of an entree, two sides, biscuit or cornbread, dessert and a beverage.

2. A tour of the completely renovated Paul Gray Hall, along with our chapel service in the beautifully restored Chapel Hall.

One final request: I would like to create a slideshow of pictures from your FHC days to view Thursday evening. You can mail pictures to Freed-Hardeman University Attn: Chris Ramey, 158 E Main St, Henderson, TN 38340 or email pictures to cramey@fhu.edu. All pictures need to be received no later than Friday, June 2; mailed pictures will be returned.

It is with much anticipation that I look forward to welcoming you home in June.

Chris J. Ramey (’96)

Director of Alumni Engagement

(731) 989-6088

Alumni@fhu.edu