Dayton Engineer

A group of 1978 engineering alumni recently reunited back on campus to discover how things have changed.

Joe Bornhorst, a Dayton native, helped plan this year’s reunion. Many of his friends hadn’t been back since graduation.

“I live here in Dayton, so I’m very familiar with the campus,” Bornhorst said.

The group — Don Bunn, Joe Bornhorst, Mike Gerace, Jim Reyher, Terry Moloney and Barry Hodges — first bonded as engineering students (and one criminal justice student) in 1974 as floormates in Stuart Hall.

Over the years, as life moved forward, their annual reunions took on new forms, often centered around UD basketball games at Atlantic 10 conference opponents. But recently, nostalgia and curiosity brought them back to campus.

Bornhorst initially reached out to director of development Jennifer Argue and senior associate director Linda Pohlman to start discussing ideas for a visit to campus. The group scored floor seats to watch the Flyers take on VCU and, with Argue’s help, went on a special behind-the-scenes tour of UD Arena, campus and Kettering Labs.

In Kettering Labs, they toured newly updated lab spaces and met with Dean Gül Kremer, learning how the engineering curriculum has evolved, future plans for the school, increases in corporate engagement for co-op and internship opportunities and an increase in women participation in the field.

“Even though there’s a lot more technology and a more cohesive look to everything, we could still recognize some of the same things from our time here,” Bornhorst said.

As they walked through Kettering Labs, one thing became clear — the engineering school had evolved with the times, but still honored its roots. The group appreciated that basic engineering skills were still being taught, with additional options for students to grow skills outside of engineering, including in business.

The group, in addition to a larger group of alumni, contributes to a scholarship fund in honor of their late friend, Mike Cala. Mike was a strong believer in education and its benefits to society. The scholarship the University administers is an excellent way to honor his memory. Argue lined up a special meeting with this year’s scholarship recipient, civil engineering student Natalie Rose.

“It was great to meet Natalie and hear about her experience,” Bornhorst said. “It really brought everything full circle.”

For Bornhorst and his friends, their return to UD was a reminder of the strong bonds formed all those years ago, and of how their alma mater continues to evolve, yet still feels like home.