2018 First Decaders Luncheon at CNU

September 30

by A. Jane Chambers

Photos by CNU Photographer

           Beginning in 2012, each September the CNC First Decaders (FDs) have held a reunion picnic in Newport News Park. This year, the group decided to skip the hot charcoal grill, the flies, the metal picnic tables, the work, and the uncertain weather and to have instead an indoor luncheon at CNU. This first such fall FD event on campus, held in the Board Room in the University's David Student Union, was so successful that our FD Crew decided immediately afterwards to hold next September's "picnic" also at CNU.

         Over 50 people attended the luncheon, including First Decade professors emeriti Wood, Mazzarella, and Chambers. Present also were Alumni Relations Office staff, headed by Director Baxter Vendrick, who organized the event, Dr. Sean Heuvel, Chair of the 1961 Historical Preservation Club, and a roving CNU photographer, who took 51 pictures.

          Two of three major highlights of the event are reflected above. The left photo shows the Captain of the First Decaders Crew, David Spriggs, holding his Chambers Award for Voluntary Service just given to him by Alumni Relations Director Baxter Vendrick. I was asked to join them for the photo. The right photo shows English Professor Emeritus Barry Wood speaking to the group about the book in his hand, Form and Thought, which he has donated to the First Decade Memorabilia Collection in Klich Alumni House. This book was the first English 101 textbook used at CNC the first year that it held classes, 1961-62, in its temporary home in downtown Newport News. Barry also told the amusing story about the time he jumped out the second floor window of his classroom in the Daniel building to make a point (immortalized in our Memories book on p. 40).

          The third highlight was a surprise announcement made by Director Baxter Vendrick-- that this year's Homecoming will feature a t-shirt with a unique graphic on the back (close-up below). On the left is a CNC pennant, including a CNC seal; on the right is a CNU pennant. The shirt reflects the equal importance of Christopher Newport College and Christopher Newport University--the former paving the way for the latter.

          Available in short and long sleeved styles, the t-shirt can be purchased via this link: http://cnu.imodules.com/homecoming . It will be on sale only through the month of October. Over a dozen of us (including me) ordered our shirts at the luncheon.

          Chatting in the photo left above are History Professor Emeritus Mario Mazzarella (L) and Jim Cornette (R), president of CNC’s first freshman class, 1961-62, and president of CNC’s first Student Government Association, 1962-63. After completing B.A. and M.A. degrees in English, Jim returned to CNC to teach in the English Department. This last picture shows siblings Dr. Cecelia Short and Sonny Short wearing Christopher Newport colors for the occasion. Both of them have served on the First Decaders Crew since 2011.

To see the remainder of the 51 photos made at this event, follow this link:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/97096161@N08/sets/72157701719217594/with/30101235247

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cncmemories61_71@yahoo.com

or cnc6171@cox.net.

Published October 12, 2018

We are delighted to announce that CNU will provide the following for our first indoor fall luncheon:

FOOD at 50% cost-- $10 per person. The actual cost will be around $20 per person, but the Alumni Relations Office will cover the difference--thanks to the work of Director Baxter Vendrick!

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BUFFET foods:

Hamburger Sliders
 [plain and cheese on brioche buns] 

Tomato mayo bacon sandwiches 

Deviled eggs  

Baked beans 

Macaroni salad 

Potato salad 

Watermelon Mojito salad
 [Basic ingredients are watermelon, cucumber, mint, 
and lime zest or juice]

Watergate salad
 [Basic ingredients are pistachio pudding, canned pineapple,
 whipped topping & marshmallows]

Homemade banana pudding 

Cookie bites

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SERVICES at no cost: 

1. UPDATE: Use of either the Board Room in David Student Union or (if attendance is over 50) a larger room in Ferguson Center.

2. UPDATE: Parking in LOT M (next to the Alumni House) and golf cart transportation to and from the parking lot and where the event will be.

3. UPDATE: Tours of Klich Alumni House during the noon hour (about 20 minutes per tour) before the lunch and possibly after it, if there are some who want to see the house but have not yet been able to do so.

4. Services of the university's food staff and Alumni Office staff.

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FURTHER UPDATES:

1. DRESS: Business Casual  (men: long pants & collared shirts; women: pants outfits or dresses).

2. Each FD (or FD professor) is allowed to bring one guest ($10 fee).

3. SIGN-UP by DEADLINE: Wed., SEPT. 5th. We have to give Catering Service the HEADCOUNT by Friday morning, Sept. 7th.

4. The PLANNING TO ATTEND LIST posted below will be updated August 3, 17, & 31.

SIGN UP SOON!

Click on the following link to sign up:

http://cnu.imodules.com/FDLuncheon

We look forward to seeing you Sunday afternoon, September 16! 

1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

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FIRST DECADERS .............. and.................GUESTS

1. Donna Skipper Pultz ......................... Richard Pultz

1. Jane Chambers ............................... Kay Rinfrette
2. Barry Wood...................................... Ann Wood
3. Katie Monteith (Alumni Relations Officer)
4. Mario Mazzarella
5. Baxter Vendrick (Alumni Relations Director)
6. Kenneth Kidd (Assistant to President Trible)
7. Sean Heuvel