MEETING GUILFORDIANS WHERE THEY LIVE: BIG JULY 4TH WELCOME TO LA!

Day 8 - Arriving in LA

I can't think of a better welcome to LA than we had today from Brenda and Will Robinson! They opened their home and beautiful backyard to us this afternoon for a warm and relaxing 4th of July visit. It was so fun to see Will's great smile as he walked out of his front door to greet us! He hasn't changed one bit in 30 years - and may even look better! And what a pleasure to meet his brilliant and beautiful wife Brenda.

I was really glad to hear in detail some of Will's, and Will and Brenda's, story - from rural NC to Guilford, to Penn State, to NYC, to LA, to Denver and back. Will has made brave choices in his life - from moving away from NC to making career decisions that have had a lot of long term vision. I am impressed with the steps he has taken. Now he has a beautiful family (I saw pictures of their girls but they are in NC right now!), an interesting career, and a what looks like a full and rich life. Doesn't look like we'll get them back in NC any time soon!

The surprise of the afternoon was the arrival of Michael Newkirk '80! He also lives in LA and he, Will and Brenda are great friends. How does one describe Michael? Vivacious? Engaging? Entertaining? Deep thinker? Charismatic? Yes! and more. Michael also came to Guilford from rural NC, and a military upbringing. Both he and will played football for Coach Forbes. Michael got injured early at Guilford and his football career ended too soon. He started as a Biology major (ask him about Lynn Moseley some time!) and ended up a Psych major (ask him about Jackie Ludel sometime!). He played a mean game of ping pong along with Will and a certain "Opie" guy - all claim to be the reigning champ. I see a geezer pong tourney at some reunion in our future! These guys have Guilford in their hearts - it is evident that they continue to be influenced by their experience at our alma mater, making ethical choices and decisions in all areas of their lives.

I continue to be amazed at the recall that folks have about experiences at Guilford. I loved hearing about Michael's trip to NYC which was led by, none other than, CLAUDE SHOTTS; about how intimidating Rudy Behar was; about the influence of Lynn Moseley; Don Gibbons, Clare Morse, Kathy Adams, Richie Zweigenhaft and many other professors and classmates.

I am mostly amazed at the boldness with which all of these folks are living their lives everyday - making the most of it! It is like something about the Guilford experience gives you a wide angle lens - you look and see far and wide, and are able to take a lot in because you learn and experience tolerance during those 4 years at a very formative time.

And 30 some years later, I can sit in the back yard munching on corn and grilled delicacies, picking up on then and now....right where we left off, but far down our roads at the same time. We meet again. Happy Independence Day! Happy inter-dependence day!