COLLEGE 1968:  Golden Jubilarians 2018

Looking back at 50 years behind us, College 68 realizes they have been bountiful periods and times of grace for us.  The class was truly amazing because how quick was the response to what was needed – be it our time, talent, or resource.  The response to a call for our generosity was always “yes”.  And we did not need to be wealthy or powerful to see that we all were ‘mustard seeds’ bearing and opening hearts of gold.

The value of ‘paying it forward’ -– repaying a kindness received with a good deed to someone else –- is strong and alive. The generous response has resulted in funds in excess of the projected needs of the Golden Jubilee activities and gift giving.   These excess funds will now be used for ‘paying it forward’ by giving back to communities with whom many of Class ’68 members have been engaged in their various ministries and advocacies.  These resources will not only add impetus to their worthy and distinct efforts but will also create new avenues of outreach by our Class to the larger community.

Twelve projects of our classmates will benefit from the ‘hearts of gold’ of our class.  These projects involve responses aimed at benefiting a diverse range of communities, among which are a children’s museum, a residential facility for vulnerable youth, schooling for children orphaned by the AIDS epidemic, and training in ecological protection.  The class also hopes to be supporting some projects  our Maryknoll Sisters work for.

The grants will be awarded this February 2019. The power of small beginnings is unmistakable.  The mustard seed is yielding manifold growth that will reach and benefit many.  For in 2018, the year of our Golden Jubilee, Class 68 revealed extraordinary ‘hearts of gold’.