We have had almost 5,000 alumni since the first graduation class in 1956. Some never come back for a visit. Some once in a while. Some often.
Today’s campus visitor has not stepped on campus for 49 years. His name is James Nevins, from the CSDR Class of 1975. He spent 13 years on campus from 1962 to 1975. After almost five decades away, he was shocked to see so many physical changes on campus, including the disappearance of almost all dorms and the vocational training building and the addition of new buildings like cottages and the main gym.
James was pleased to visit the campus museum, where he saw many familiar objects from different parts of campus that he had seen during his growing-up years. His memory of staff members and students with their names was remarkable.
James spotted an enlarged photo of boys in the dorm living room during the museum tour. He saw himself in the photo! See him stand pointing at himself, which boy he was. In the early years, boys wore white T-shirts and blue jeans only for after-school activities until shower time. After the shower, the boys wore pajamas for the night.
James is now retired and lives in Arizona. He looks forward to returning to his old home on campus for the next Alumni Reunion in 2028, which will mark the school's 75th anniversary. No more long-lost alumnus!
This editor became better acquainted with James from our long road trip with CSDR’s Explorers Post 18 to the famed Philmont Scouting campground in New Mexico for a 50-mile hike over a ten-day period. It was an unforgettable experience for all CSDR Boy Scouts who went there. The cost for the trip was $125 in 1972.
Kevin Struxness, ‘76, MA
Editor, CSDR Old Times
18 September 2024
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