Magenta Homecoming: A Catalyst for reconnection Magenta
In October 2021, Jeff Gibbs ’78 planned to attend Magenta Homecoming on a trip to visit 2023 family in Ohio. “I hadn’t been back to the campus in 40 years, I was curious to see it again, and I wanted to introduce my partner – a native Texan who had never been to Ohio – to the places that were important and influential to me,” he recalled. “Muskingum never diminished in its importance to me, but, as a result of numerous moves and career adventures over the years, I had lost touch with Muskingum and Muskingum had lost touch with me. Yet I soon learned that my connections with the place and the people are still very deep, strong, and powerful.”
As Jeff was traveling to Ohio from New Mexico for the weekend, however, his travel was delayed, causing him to miss the scheduled homecoming events, including the football game. “I was disappointed because I hoped to connect with members of the Class of 1976 who would be celebrating their 45th Class Reunion. I was really close with a bunch of them including the RA in Patton Hall my freshman year who became my Kappa Sigma big brother. I stopped by campus to see if anything was still going on or if alums were still around. I did not see anyone, but I learned the location of the 45th reunion dinner. I just showed up and crashed the dinner. They were gracious, welcoming, and I had a wonderful time,” he related. The following year, Jeff returned – with no travel delays – for the dedication of the new Bullock Health and Wellness Complex and for Magenta Homecoming 2022.
“
I loved my time as a Muskingum student,” Jeff remembers. “It was the place that started me on the path to becoming who I am. There were so many people who influenced me – faculty, staff, administration, my Kappa Sigma fraternity brothers, and other fellow Muskies.
“
“I began my studies as a biology major on the path to medical school – my father was a physician and that was my family’s expectation for me – but through an internship experience at Mansfield General during an interterm, I learned that I was just not suited to the medical profession. “Instead, I transitioned my academic focus to the social sciences, where my faculty members provided the guidance I needed to find my own path. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in International Affairs and Political Science and Public Affairs, with a minor in Economics. I then completed my J.D. degree at Case Western Reserve University School of Law.”
15
