MONMOUTH, Ill. – Despite a disappointing loss on the football field, Homecoming 2006 proved to be a memorable weekend for the hundreds of alumni who returned to campus.

For one alumnus, Maj. Gen. Stephen Johnson '72, it was like a double homecoming, having returned only a short time ago from Iraq, where he commanded the U.S. Marine Second Expeditionary Force. Flanked by his wife, Lucy Hyde Johnson '72; his mother, Mary Ann Thome Johnson '45; his sister, Emily Johnson Minor '76; and many other friends and relatives, he received Monmouth College's highest honor as he was inducted into the Hall of Achievement.

Johnson was introduced by President Ditzler, who spoke about how a liberal arts college like Monmouth can be as effective as one of the service academies in preparing excellent military leaders. Ditzler cited as examples Monmouth's four Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, including the late Vice Adm. James Stockdale '46 and his cousin, the late Bobby Dunlap '42, as well as Brig. Gen. Reid Beveridge '64, who was inducted into the Hall of Achievement two years ago. Johnson responded with an inspiring talk about the importance of loyalty, service and standing up for convictions. Among those showing their loyalty to Gen. Johnson, were the active members of his former fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega, who stood at attention in the back of the room.

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A colorful pyrotechnical display lit up Friday night's pep rally at Bobby Woll Memorial Field http://www.monm.edu/photo-albums/2006/pep-rally/index.htm, but first there were fireworks of another kind when dozens of his former students and colleagues assembled at the Huff Athletic Center to toast Richard "Doc" Kieft at a celebration of his retirement after 31 years on the chemistry faculty. Although Doc will continuing working part-time, overseeing the college's chemistry lab, he announced he is looking forward to living a life of more leisure and travel. It was also announced at the reception that Doc has been elected to the college's board of trustees, and even more significant, that he will leave his entire estate to Monmouth College.

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Saturday morning saw the induction of four new members into the M Club Hall of Fame: national runner-up wrestler John Chapman ’92, All-American sprinter Christine Stanton Lehnen ’95, decathlete Roger Well ’86 and MC baseball’s all-time leading hitter, Chris Wheat ’90. To open the ceremony, athletic director Terry Glasgow introduced the new president of the Graduate M Club, John Herman '90, who succeeds the late Channing Pratt '51 in that position and who emceed the event. Introducing the inductees were former wrestling coach Mike "Ole" Olson (Chapman), track and field coach Roger Haynes '82 (Lehnen), Rich Well '85 (Well) and former baseball coach Terry Glasgow (Wheat).

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Following the traditional Homecoming parade down Broadway, alumni and friends gathered between Wallace Hall and Poling Hall for the dedication of a new plaza, named in honor of trustee emeritus David D. Fleming '46 and his wife, former physical education instructor Mary Fleming. Sadly, only Mary was able to attend the ceremony, as David was hospitalized, recovering from a stroke he suffered in August. Speaking at the dedication were President Ditzler, professor of biology emeritus David Allison '53, and the Flemings' son Michael. Fleming Plaza includes a bricked patio with ornamental trees, a semicircular pergola with benches, and terraced walkways leading in two directions to the bottom of Wallace Hall hill.

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On Saturday afternoon, the 5-2 Fighting Scots hosted the 2-5 Lake Forest Foresters. Going into the contest, MC coach Steve Bell warned, “They don’t give up a lot of points. Traditionally, our games with them have been low-scoring, and it looks like it could be again this year.” True to his prediction, the Foresters forced three Monmouth turnovers and allowed only one of the Scots' 11 offensive series to go further than 30 yards. The game ended with Monmouth at the low end of a 12-8 score.

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While all alumni were warmly welcomed back, special reunions were held for the classes of 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996 and 2005.

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Saturday evening ended with a rousing jazz concert by the newly revived Sound of 5, directed by Sarah Graham, and the new Monmouth College Big Band, directed by Steve Richter. An appreciative audience filled the Kasch Performance Hall in Dahl Chapel, where the excellence of the acoustics provided the perfect backdrop for some talented young singers and musicians.

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Released by the Office of College Communications
Barry McNamara, Associate Director of College Communications
Phone: 309-457-2117
Fax: 309-457-2330