Written by: Karri Melvaer Wallsten (BA ’93)
I met Claudio, Jason, Dave, Andre, Dean, Dave, Dwayne, Kevin, Tracey and Kathryn the week of September 5, 1988, in Village 2 (now Ron Eydt Village) on West D and West E. By the end of orientation week, we had already shared many great experiences and laughs — we were already friends. And by the end of our first year, we had become lifelong friends, we just didn’t know it yet.
While we studied in different programs and represented every faculty on campus, it was our shared experience in residence that brought us all together. We participated in quad parties, intramural sports, Fed Flicks, Oktoberfest and movies, and we made memories attending Wednesday nights at the Bombshelter Pub and concerts at Federation Hall or on the Village Green. We also became very close with Sharon Fronchak, the “house Mom” of West E.
The summer after first year we travelled to visit one another with a reunion at Molson Park (now Park Place) in Barrie, Ontario for Canada Day. This was before cell phones and emails, so it was impressive how we stayed in touch! Since some of us were in co-op, there was always someone in Waterloo to see, or a different city around Ontario to visit.
Our group of friends celebrated graduations, weddings, jobs and moves. As we aged, our visits became less frequent as we focused on parenting and careers. When one of us returned to Ontario, we would plan a big junket at someone’s house and as many friends as possible would attend, allowing us to get caught up and introduce the next generation (our children).
When the pandemic happened, we had more availability to connect but couldn’t travel, so we started hosting video calls on Zoom. And, like the rest of the world, we did our best to be together virtually.
In December 2021, Kathryn Neale (BASc ’93, MASc ’96), a dear, founding member of our group, was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. While she fought valiantly through surgery, many types of chemotherapy and radiation, she lost her battle in April 2023 at age 54. We all converged in Guelph for her service, coming from Vancouver, Calgary, Michigan, California, Scotland and southern Ontario. Even Sharon Fronchak made the trip.
At this point, we decided our next visit would not be at a funeral. We were going on a group vacation.
The following year, someone reminded us of our plan and a small team of intrepid researchers got to work. We selected an all-inclusive resort in Mexico for March 2025 and it was the best vacation ever! We were so happy to be together — we joked, celebrated, reminisced, created new memories and learned what everyone’s children are doing now.
Dwayne Pascal (BMath ’93) and Tracey Deeks Tester (BES ’92) couldn’t join this time, but we went with their blessing and we have already started planning our next trip in two years.
Thank you, University of Waterloo, for bringing us together in a perfect storm of friendship and family.
P.S. Do you remember us? We'd love to reconnect. Email alumni@uwaterloo.ca
From left to right: Susanne Fleischaker (BA ’92, BES ’94), Kevin Harris (BASc ’93), Dean Barker (BA ’92), Suzanne Barker, Andre Lodhar (BSc ’92), Karri Melvaer Wallsten (BA ’93), David Wallsten (BSc ’92), Mary Sharland-Presta, David Presta (BSc ’94), Jason Hoffman (BSc ’92), Angela Hoffman (BA ’92), Claudio Annecca and Lauri Gulley
If you’re looking to reunite with your classmates, come back to campus June 6 to 7 for Reunion! Rediscover campus with open houses, workshops and activities, and celebrate your graduation anniversary at the Forever Black and Gold Luncheon.