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St Vladimir’s Seminary Alumni gathered on October 17-19, 2005 to revisit the campus, reminisce about their seminary days, and renew their connections with each other and with their alma mater. Tours of the campus, chapel services, visits to the bookstore, time to attend classes, updates about various aspects of the seminary, fellowship at meals and a banquet all contributed to this memorable reunion. 
For some of the alumni, this was their first time back on campus since graduation. They were delighted to see the improvements and changes to the seminary, especially the buildings built in the last few years. Comments and remarks like “I can’t believe how big and beautiful the library is” and “Seeing this new married-student housing – I feel like this is a fairytale” were not uncommon. They enjoyed the familiar sights too, like the chapel and the refectory, which sparked memories and sentences beginning with “in my day” and “remember when”.
Formal presentations on the changes, improvements and present-day life of the seminary were an important part of this alumni gathering. Those in attendance heard first-hand details about the ongoing curriculum review called the “Good Pastor project” from professors Paul Meyendorff, John Barnet, and Fr John Behr. Questions and input from the alumni provided essential insight, and a good deal of head nodding confirmed that the Good Pastor project is heading in the right direction.
Concurrent to the reunion, the SVS Alumni Board held their twice-annual meeting. They reelected Archpriest John Dresko, rector of Holy Trinity Church (OCA) in New Britain, CT, as president and reviewed the soon-to-be released DVD about St Vladimir’s. The board made concrete plans to build up alumni relations in their respective geographic regions, and set the dates for the next reunion.
As everything at St Vladimir’s begins and ends with prayer, the alumni celebrated a memorial service for the departed, Vespers, the Divine Liturgy, and Matins together with the community. A visit of the wonder-working Sitka Icon of the Mother of God to the seminary chapel providentially coincided with the reunion. The alumni had the special blessing of participating in an Akathist Service to our Lady of Sitka presided by His Grace Nikolai, Bishop of Sitka, Anchorage and Alaska.
One of the highlights of the alumni event was the banquet to honor Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko, Dean of the seminary from to 1992 to 2003. David Drillock, Professor of Liturgical Music, Emeritus and retired Chief Financial Officer, recounted Fr Tom’s history with the seminary and his important contributions to the Orthodox Church. With his words he captured the sentiment of admiration and appreciation that so many alumni, faculty, staff and friends have for an “exceptional alumnus of St Vladimir’s Seminary.”
Alumni traveled from near and far to attend the gathering. Jaana (Tiensuu) Possi (‘95), a seminary graduate from Finland presented Fr Tom with a Finnish-style icon of the Mother of God and read a letter from a priest in her homeland, Fr Rauno Pietarinen (’80). “We are grateful to Fr Tom for teaching us so many essential things, for showing us the true light,” she read.
Dean John H. Erickson also presented Fr Tom and Anne Hopko with a beautiful hand-painted icon of St Vladimir on behalf of the seminary. “It is important to give thanks to God for those who have brought us closer to Him. Thank you especially for homilies, pastoral care, patience and endurance.”
Fr John Dresko, Alumni Board President, announced the “Fr Thomas Hopko Alumni Scholarship Fund” for children and grandchildren of alumni. The Board had decided to name the fund after Fr Tom at their meeting earlier that day.
When Fr Tom went to the microphone, it was with heart-felt words that he expressed his thanks to all those who supported him, most especially his wife, Anne. “The Seminary gave me my life and my wife. When I made big decisions in my life, my wife came with me and there are no words of gratitude for the dedication, love and support that she has given me.” The crowd was very moved as he concluded his speech.
The alumni were uplifted by a concert performed by the SVS Chorale. As the 26 voices filled the room with vibrant music, nostalgic smiles appeared on the faces of the alumni. During the evening, special attention was given to the class of 1980, celebrating their 25th reunion, and words of greeting were sent from Fr Macarius Targonsky of 1955, celebrating his 50th anniversary, with regrets for not being able to attend.
The third Alumni Reunion is scheduled for October 18-20, 2006 and will especially celebrate those from the classes of 1981 and 1956, who will be celebrating their 25th and 50th anniversaries respectively. All graduates of St Vladimir’s Seminary are encouraged to revisit their alma mater by attending next year’s reunion.
Please visit our photo gallery to see many memorable moments from the reunion.
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