REUNION 2006 REPORT

ND56 SPONSORS SEVEN MEN FOR SEMINARS

(The ND Alumni Association organized over 70 seminars for presenation during Reunion 2006; eight of them were given by seven classmates sponsored by the Class of 1956. below is what they had to say (hope you were able to be a part of it.): Pete Campbell's presentation was sponsored by the Senior Alumni Board; Classmate Justin O'Brien's seminars regarding wellness and long-living were sponsored by the ND Alumni Association.

Gerald J. Lapeyre... FOCUS: AN ANSWER FOR VOCATIONS
Jerry teamed with the brilliant Rev. Mark de Battista, National Chaplain, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS). They told of the missionary program recognized by the Vatican designed to help college students develop and live their Catholic faith. Many vocations have been encouraged by their efforts nationally.
Peter Campbell ... NOTRE DAME SENIOR ALUMNI PROGRAM AND INITIATIVES.
Pete teamed with Dick Griffin, '60 Chairman of the NDSA Senior Alumni Board providing an update on the ND Senior Alumni Activities. They talked about the NDSA student career mentoring, hospital support, corporate coluntee and PACE programs; they asked senior alumni to join the initiative for alumni to "give back" their time and talent to the University.
John J. Kelly ... AMERICA'S LARGEST NATIONAL DISASTER - KATRINA: A PERSPECTIVE ON IMPLICATIONS AND RECOVERY.
A resident of New Orleans and active in the recovery process, John discussed (using his power point media) the far-reaching impact of Katrina and the political. technical and economic issues affecting recovery. He is Chairman of the largest insurance company in Lousiana and previously had a successful career in maters of national security and defense. He is Chairman of the Committee of 100 and Chairman of the Louisiana Tecnology Council.
Gordon J. DiRenzo... STEM CELLS, ABORTION AND EUTHANASIA.
Gordon, a Professor of Social Psychology at U. of Delaware, provided an analysis from the perspectives of the behavioral sciences, of the fundamental concepts and issues in determining the nature of human life and death, and their relevance to these social and moral issues.
James P. Finnegan... ROE V. WADE IS GOING
FAST; ITS IMPLICATIONS.
Jim teamed with Ann and Joe (ND'50) Scheidler and relates to his on-the-streets pro-life activism over the past 33 years. The Scheidlers are often called "Mr. and Mrs. Pro-Life." Their journey led them all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court in their struggle against abortion. Their presentation was very well received by the enthusiastic audience.
Bob McKenty... FAIR GAME: OPEN SEASON ON BASEBALL...
Poet/humorist McKenty recites from his recently published book of verse: Fair Game... -- which Ralph Kiner says "takes you inside the game with great insight and humor." Laughter filled the room, as the audience was not disappointed. Autographed copies of the book were available after the session.
Bob McKenty ... THE LIGHT STUFF; POETRY, FOR THE FUN OF IT!...
Bob continued with many of his brilliant non-sports pieces -- sharing his Bard's eye view of the Notre Dame Family, aging, tecnology -- whatever tickled his muse's fancy.
David S. Brucker... SAVING THE IRREPLACEABLE: OUR CATHOLIC HERITAGE, OUR CATHOLIC FAITH.
Dave describes the efforts to fund restoration of Mission San Miguel, one of California's original Missons and now a National Historic Landmark. They are encounting strong opposition from church-state separatists within our society. In a larger sense, these actions mirror the increasing attacks on all things religious. Thus raising the question: Is our society to have freedom of religion or freedom from religion?
Bill "Toad" Ryan... KAIROS PRISON MINISTRY.
"Toad" dramatically told the story of how Kairos is an ecumenical worldwide ministry that brings the love of Christ into prisons. Forty-two volunteers engage with forty-two prisoners during a three day weekend retreat and monthly follow up meetings...