Turning gold: The Class of 1975 Golden Flyers

Regis Lekan ’71, member of the Golden Flyers alumni committee, welcomed back to campus the newest class of alumni who graduated 50 years ago. “The Golden Flyers was organized by alumni, for alumni,” he said. 

The Class of 1975 joined during an auspicious year — the 175th anniversary of UD and Flyer pride.

“Thank god!” said Carol Novak Miske ’75 when asked what it was like to be back on campus after 50 years. Husband Kurt Miske joined her as she boasted a “Proud Parent of a Flyer” pin for her daughter who graduated in 2010.

The Miskes were among the Flyer families in attendance. Hans Coffey ’75 was joined by his wife, Elyse Dietz Coffey ’77, and daughters Laura Coffey Del Cid ’05 and Sarah Coffey ’09.

“It’s very gratifying to have a family of Flyers,” said Hans Coffey. Del Cid brought her wife and two young children to the induction ceremony. They knew mom was a Flyer but had just realized,

“Grandma and Grandpa went to UD, too!”

President Eric F. Spina reminded the Class of ’75 of events that marked their senior year, including the start of TV show Saturday Night Live, the record-breaking tornado that tore through nearby Xenia, Ohio, and the concerts held on campus that featured Chicago, Stevie Wonder and Ella Fitzgerald. He noted that this class missed their 45th reunion because of COVID, so to return for their 50th carries even more significance.

“There are folks here who haven’t seen each other for 50 years, and some who have never lost touch,” he said. “This is a great group that has a lot of fun.”

Among those who never lost touch are first-year Marycrest roommates Linda Mitchell Holly ’75 and Donna Thompson Odom ’75. 

“We catch a movie together every week,” said Holly.

Added Odom, “I really appreciate the friendships and quality education we received at Dayton. Marycrest was an all-girls dormitory at the time, so that was really fun!”

Rich Suszko ’75 was the first in line to be inducted into the Golden Flyers. “I’ve already reconnected with so many friends I didn’t expect to see,” he said. “I’m looking forward to more of that this weekend.”

Four men stood out in their matching long sleeve T-shirts with a faux-tuxedo graphic on the front. Bob Kohorst ’75, Jim Williams ’75, Ralph Alparone ’75 and Eddie Mardaga ’75 had acquired them years earlier, when they and their wives went on an Alaskan cruise during which suits were required for one dinner.

“There was no way we were bringing full suits to Alaska for one dinner!” exclaimed Alparone. So, their wives settled for matching T-shirts, saving space in luggage and starting a memorable tradition. The men earned cheers from the crowd at the induction ceremony as they posed for a group picture with Spina.

“We heard this was a formal affair!” remarked Williams.

Joe Euse ’75 and Karen Bogest Euse ’75 celebrated dual golden milestones, as they got married the day before senior graduation. 

“We had a 6 p.m. wedding, a 10 a.m. graduation; we moved into a new house the day after and were on a plane to Jamaica for our honeymoon that afternoon,” explained Jo Euse.

“I just can’t believe it’s been 50 years!” Karen Euse said.

Committee speaker Lekan reminded the newly inducted class of the words of Robert “Bob” Butler ’42, who was a part of the committee that started the Golden Flyers organization: “First, you must graduate. You then wait for 50 years to go by. Then, you turn gold.”