Written by Dr. Ray Peters (PhD ’69)
On October 27, 2014, eight UWaterloo PhD and one BA Psychology grads from the late 1960’s and early 70’s plus partners, held a “mini-reunion” on a plantation house just outside of Nashville, Tenn.
For three days we revisited, reunited, relived and reminisced about our days in Waterloo, and all our life experiences since. Attending this second reunion of the group were: Al Dick (PhD ’67)and Pat from Baltimore; Jim Miller(PhD ‘68) and Bobbi from Henderson, NV; Al Fedoravicius (PhD ’69) and Toby from Albuquerque; Gerry Kysela (PhD ’69) from St. Anne de Risseau, NS;); Kirk Blankstein (PhD ’72) and Karen from Burlington; Tom Wolf, (PhD ’71) and Sue from Durham, NC; Brian Kluck (PhD ‘75) and Josette from Richland, Nebraska; Ellen VandeKamer Peters , BA ’67 and myself, Ray Peters (PhD ’69) both from Kingston, ON.
Surrounded by glorious fall foliage, set on a horse farm, we cooked, ate, drank, played, danced, yoga’d and generally celebrated friendship.
After nearly 40+ years, the reunion provided the opportunity to reconnect with the friends we made and to relive many of the experiences of our days at Waterloo. The reunion also served to share our life, learning, and career experiences over those 40 years. While we were all Psychology grads, we specialized in diverse fields including Clinical, Child and Developmental, Organizational and Industrial, Human Factors, and Experimental. Our careers encompassed Academic, Business, Medical, Consulting, Government, and Private Practice settings. Yet, we learned that despite our diverse backgrounds and experiences, each of us strived to make individual lives better.
Thanks to U Waterloo Alumni Relations for supplying memorabilia, and to Graham Brown from St. Paul’s College for connecting us with Alumni Relations for this wonderful celebration. Plans are already underway for a repeat performance, possibly in Tuscany or the Caribbean in a few years, Lord willin’ and the crick not risen’. (Borrowed from the Grand Ole Oprey).