“The most valuable  
antiques are 
dear old friends.” 
H. Jackson Brown

Tonight was simply amazing. About twenty member of the Saint Augustine’s College Class of 1980 gathered at the restaurant of a cozy boutique hotel not far from the SAC campus to celebrate one of their own. Norbert Elliott, who Dan and I happened to run into on the SAC campus yesterday afternoon, was inducted into the National Sports Hall of Fame here in Nassau last night. Tonight he gathered with classmates for an evening of food, drinks, and lively conversation. Dan and I were invited to join them.

I am so grateful that I took the time to create digital images of many of the photos from my year teaching at SAC fifty years ago. Several of those images included photos of members of the Class of ’80. They enjoyed seeing them. 

One former students, when she walked into the restaurant tonight, introduced herself to me as Moya. I responded, “Strahan?” She was shocked that I remembered her name. I have to admit, I was a bit surprised, too. I had not seen her in fifty years.

Another former student, Shane Smith, was one of the players on the Junior Boys’ Softball team I coached that year. We shared memories of many of his teammates.

I remembered many of the men and women who attended tonight’s gathering. Some were surprised that I have such vivid memories of their first year at SAC. 

Tonight’s event was held at a restaurant in the Bella Signature Suites on Soldier Road. The hotel and restaurant are owned and operated by Edwin and Bonnie Culmer, both 1980 graduates of Saint Augustine’s College. Their hospitality was greatly appreciated by all.

Seeing these former students, hearing their stories of success in their chosen professions, and listening to them share their own memories of their first year at SAC fifty years ago was truly a blessing for me.