Reunions

50th anniVersary of Mtc class of 1960-61

text and photos by ed arndt, class “a”

Lorraine Arndt and Norma Jonasson: Registration desk attendants, welcome Guy Boulianne (Winnipeg), the first member of the graduating class to register for the 50th Anniversary Celebration, June 25, 2011.

On June 25, 2011, some 60 members (and their spouses) of the 1960-61 Graduating Class of the Manitoba Teachers' College gathered at The Seniors for Seniors Hall in Brandon for a reunion organized by Harold Jonasson, Fred Saunders and Ed Arndt, with assistance from spouses Norma Jonasson and Lorraine Arndt as well as former classmates Leita Ramsey-Paterson and Grace Toews.

The afternoon began with registration at 1:00 p.m. and an “Autograph Exchange” . . . a perfect opportunity to become reacquainted; our last reunion, the 30th, was held in 1991! There was also ample time to view the photos and memorabilia on display which brought back a flood of memories of “when we were young.”

Alumni attending were primarily from Manitoba, however our attendance register showed former classmates attending from several places in British Columbia (Vancouver and Surrey) as well as from Lincoln, California. Also, our class had the distinction of having in our midst the first Hutterite in Canada to graduate from Manitoba Teachers’ College. Peter Maendel was in his late 30’s/early 40/s when he attended MTC and he was able to join us from his home at the Fairholme Hutterite Colony near Portage la Prairie.

We were also extremely pleased to have with us one of the few remaining MTC instructors from the 1960-61 school year in the person of Marcel Bonneau, who was our featured speaker of the evening. In his presentation Mr. Bonneau took us down “Memory Lane” and shared with us some insights from the perspective of a young MTC instructor facing his first group of Teachers’ College students, the graduates of 1960-61. The other remaining instructor known to us is Colin Walley, our MTC Music Instructor, who was unfortunately unable to attend due to flood related problems.

During the formal part of the day’s program, a number of graduates took advantage of the “open mic” to share with us a few memories of their year at MTC, some of which sounded quite similar to what you might hear in a confessional booth!

The evening concluded with the taking of class photos, the cutting of the Anniversary Cake by Mr. Bonneau and a strong resolve that we would gather again as a group in approximately five years time . . . no 30 year time lapse!

Peter Maendel, Fairholme Colony, flanked by his daughters, Dora (left) and Anna (right) registers for the 50th Anniversary of the 1960-61 MTC Graduating Class. Below: Marcel Bonneau, MTC Instructor 1960-61, cuts the 50th Anniversary cake.

reunion: 70 years class of 1941 text and photos by Jean young

Nine classmates of the Brandon Normal School Class of 1940-41 met at Mum's Restaurant at Brandon's Golf and Country Club on July 15, 2011, to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of our 1941 graduation as teachers. After a delicious buffet, we paused for a few moments to remember those who were not able to attend and also those who have passed on. Then we spent an enjoyable time reminiscing about our class year, our teaching careers, our families and our retirement years. Pictures were taken as a memento of a pleasant afternoon. Those attending were: Back Row, L. to R: Eva Gooden, Dorothy Beswitherick, Anne Nevin, Islay Bell, Margaret Wilkie, Jessie Metcalf; Front Row: Agnes Trailhard, Jean Young, Elsie Cory.

Mtc class of 1958 – 59 reunion

The Manitoba Teachers’ College class of 1958-59 celebrated the 52nd anniversary of their graduation on May 25, 2011. The event was held at the Centro Caboto Centre on Wilkes Avenue in Winnipeg. Over one hundred forty grads and guests enjoyed visiting and renewing friendship during the reception and meal.

A warm welcome was given to their Music instructor, Dr. Colin Walley, and the residence Dining Hall Chef, Ken Shimizu, and his wife, Sachiko. Enjoyable entertainment was provided by the Clifton School Bell Ringers; Janet Lacroix, a comedian; and the musical group, Misbhavin’. Included in the program was a tribute honouring the deceased members of the class.

The results of a survey completed by the grads indicated an overwhelming support for a similar event to celebrate the 55th. Tentatively, the date is May 21, 2014 (the Wednesday after the

text and photo by Mary steer- Mitchell

Back row: Emily Jansen-Williamson, Marge Hatch-Coleman, Dorothy Danielson-Olatson, Ada Ringrose-Wiebe. Front row: Alice Guest, Mary Steer Mitchell, Helen Los-Kwaitkoski, Erna Zieroth-Iwanoczko.

Victoria Day weekend).

Ada Ringrose-Wiebe has agreed to maintain and update the data base of contact information for the grads. If you wish to volunteer for the 55th or have a change of address, email, phone number or know of the passing of a fellow grad, please notify Ada @ 204-837-8120 or henryandada@ shaw.ca

More photos on page 28