Golden Year Reunion Celebrates Cherished Connections and a Lifetime of Memories

FHU welcomed alumni from the classes of 1975 and earlier back to their alma mater, June 11-13, for the much-anticipated Golden Year Reunion. More than 100 guests returned to the Freed-Hardeman campus this year for three days filled with laughter, memories and reconnection.

Day Trip to Memphis

The reunion’s earliest guests took advantage of a special guided daytrip to visit the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock’n’Roll — Memphis, Tennessee. The small group first visited the historic Stax Records, home to industry-changing soul musicians like Isaac Hayes and Otis Redding. Next the group enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Memphis favorite, Central BBQ. The banana pudding, in particular, was a big hit.

Their last stop was Sun Studio, famous for recording Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins (a lineup later named the “Million Dollar Quartet”). The group was able to see the original recording equipment, hear original recordings and visit the recording room where great music is still made today.

Alumnus George Bessent and other reunion attendees steal some time behind the vintage microphone.

A Walk Down Memory Lane

As more reunion guests arrived in Henderson, they took part in events that reminded them of what made their time at FHU so meaningful. Friends reconnected while attending memory sessions, uplifting singings and devotionals in Chapel Hall — including a special chapel service with guest speaker Dr. Justin Rogers.

Dr. Jonathan Moore offered an insightful lecture on biblical archaeology and guests learned about various travel opportunities available through the Office of Alumni Engagement. Attendees were even treated to a nostalgic celebration with a concert featuring Jeff and Kandy (Turbeville) Shackelford, original members of the beloved campus pop/rock group from the early 1980s, Petra.

Vicki Blackwood, a 1971 graduate from Huntsville, Alabama, makes annual visits to Henderson for the Golden Year Reunion, having attended for the past nine years. “It’s just always great to be back on campus,” she said. “It’s our home away from home!”

Alumni join hands in prayer during a time of fellowship.

While things may have looked a bit different from her time as a student, Blackwood loved getting to tour the newly built and updated spaces, such as Dryden Auditorium, Jones Family Dining Hall, Chick-fil-A and The Belfry — where she was excited to buy herself a new FHU T-shirt. One personal highlight of the tour was her visit to the newly remodeled Hall-Roland Hall, her home during her two years as a student.

“Being back at Freed-Hardeman just revives me,” she continued. “Whether it’s the FHU Lectureship, Makin’ Music or the Golden Year Reunion — my visits make me remember some of my best days with some of the dearest friends of my life!”

The Doors Are Always Open

Blackwood’s sentiment was shared by many who returned for the Golden Year Reunion. Each guest found joy in familiar spaces, treasured friendships and the chance to relive some of their best days together.

FHU President David R. Shannon captured that spirit well: “We call ourselves the FHU Family for a reason. Whether someone has been gone a few months or 50 years, we're always thrilled to welcome them home again.”

For alumni of every generation, the week was a reminder that while the years may pass, the FHU family will always be here, and it will always feel like home.

Friends reunite to share treasured memories of their time at Freed-Hardeman.