Hi Everyone!

 

I just wanted to update you on what’s been going on around the world with alumni from Tarkio College.  I’ll start with the most recent events first.

 

2007 – Alumni Reunion

The usual crew met up in Tarkio to our surprise we met Charlie Parker there as well.  Anyone remember basketball coach “Skip Shear”?  Well, he was there as well.  They took an athletic picture.  Billy Evans surprised his fraternity brothers when we returned to Kansas City.  He flew from Atlanta, GA to be with his brothers.  I don’t think anyone slept that night.  Then Linda shared with us her upcoming event ---

 

HAPPY RETIREMENT - LINDA BBROWN.   Congratulations go to Captain Linda Brown for twenty years of service to The Omaha Fire Department.  She was one of four females and the only African American female to join the fire department and to be promoted to the rank of CAPTAIN.  Linda has and continues to serve as a role model for her community and women entering the career field of non traditional occupations.  She has set the legacy and the theme “Treat Her Like A Lady” as is true testimony.  Those in attendance to witness this momentous event include Ben McClain “Hotfoot”, Marla Tollett-Ross, (Marla’s road partners) Wilhena Odom, Sharon McIntosh Cosetta McQueen “Cosie”, and Linda’s running buddies from high school and Tarkio College, Pamela Battle and Cynthia Whitfield. 

 

2006

We met in Kansas City and traveled down to Tarkio, MO where Willie Foster was inducted into the athletic hall of fame for his outstanding contribution to football and his continued leadership working with troubled youth.  Willie and Randy were nominated  and agreed to serve on the alumni board.

 

2005

For the 2005 reunion we met in the mid-west.  Friday June 18, 2004, we met in Kansas City, Missouri at one their favorite restaurants – Gates Bar Be Que.  As old acquaintances renewed friendships and brought each other up to date over the past twenty or more/less years.  The cameras begin to flash.  We later went partying at one of K.C.’s hotspots and had a good time. (In attendance were:  Ben McClain III, Marla Tollett-Ross, Charlie Parker, Nancy Whiton (Muffett), Debra Love-Johnson, Cosetta McKay-McQueen, Pamela McConnell, Ocie Kendall, Sylvia Davenport, Gretchen Hummel-Ingram, Sue Renz, Randy Crudup, Willie Foster, Art Johnson, Reggie Storey, William Farmer (Pops), Kevin Ricks (T.S.) and John Brooks (Big John) and.. Saturday a handful of us went to Tarkio for the luncheon and banquet.  We were able to drive around the college campus but couldn’t walk through it.  Much of our time was spent visiting the museum and town.  Dean Mel Rogers was nominated for Outstanding Faculty Member by Cynthia McMillion-Green.  Kevin Ricks (TS) accepted the honors for his uncle.  It was a touching moment. (Pictures provided by Cosetta McKay-McQueen)  At the close we agreed to nominate someone into the athletic hall of fame.  It was agreed that we would nominate Randy Crudup for his contribution to the TC Owls football team. 

(If you are interested in nominating someone all you have to do is complete the nominating form and be an alumni member in good standing i.e. pay your $35.00 dues)

 

2005 – Randy Crudup’s year of celebration!

 

During the winter months Ben McClain III received a phone call from Randy’s mom stating that she wanted to give him a surprise 50th birthday celebration.  Even though he turned the big 50 in the fall she wanted to celebrate May 29, 2005.  The celebration was to be held May 29, 2005.  She opened her door of hospitality to 22 TC alumni and Spouses.  It kept James Barnes (J.B.), Willie Foster, and Ursula Whitehurst, all on the east coast busy.  So along with his family, friends, Greek brothers and sisters and TC family the party was in full swing and again the cameras where flashing.  (Pictures provided by Cecil Claytor, Marla Tollett-Ross and Cosetta McKay-McQueen)  Enjoy!  We got the opportunity to speak with Marva Allen via phone.  J.B. was the perfect host. He was chauffeur, timekeeper and tour guide. (A special thanks to his wife and family for sharing him the entire weekend).  After the party, those that could still hang went to Ursula’s house where Robert Gregory played oldies but goodies and everyone reminisced about the good ole days of T.C.  In attendance were: Francine Ashby-Evans and hubby, James Barnes, Cecil Claytor, Willie Foster, Robert Gregory, Rhonda Thomas-Vaughan and hubby, Ursula Whitehurst, Janet Hall, Doug Stokes, Terry Elam,

Debra Love-Johnson, Marla Tollett-Ross, Ben McClain III, Cosetta McKay-McQueen, Cynthia McMillion-Green, Tanya Pitts-Thomas, Rondalyn Strother-Graham and hubby.

 

In a months time we met again in Kansas City to travel to Tarkio, Missouri.   Friday June 24th, we ate at the Peachtree Restaurant, and nightclubs afterwards where Sue Renz’s friend the D.J. gave shout outs to all Tarkio College Alumni and taught us some new line dance steps.

Saturday June 25th we traveled to Tarkio College.  This trip was well worth it!  We got to walk around the college campus and tour inside Rankin Hall.  We remembered and shared stories of old times.  Later, we attended the banquet where Randy was inducted into the Tarkio College Athletic Hall of Fame.

 

2008 – What’s Next?

You really don’t want to miss meeting in Tarkio for 2008.  The alumni reunion is set to kick off the weekend of June27, 2008.  JB has really been busy contacting members of the Children of God Gospel Choir.  We plan to meet and rehearse a song or two and sing Saturday night at the reunion under the leadership of Dr. James Barnes, Ph.D. If you would like to nominate someone or be an active alumni member, all you have to do is complete the membership form and pay your $35.00.  It’s also a good way to receive updated correspondence.   The nomination deadline is February 15, 2008.    Also, Marla is V.P. so if you contact her she can give you all the information you need including hotels nearby.  I have to admit the get-togethers and reminiscing about the days at T.C. are really great, not to mention everyone pulling out family photos.  I hope you are planning to join us this year for a great time!!

 

ENJOY THE PICTURES

(Pictures provided by Cosetta and Marla)