Class News

Owen O’Donnell '64 organizes inaugural lunch in San Francisco

December 20, 2019

Inspired by the successes of classmate luncheons in NYC, Boston, New Haven, and Chicago, Owen O’Donnell '64 organized a classmate luncheon in San Francisco on November 20, 2019.  It was held at the University Club of San Francisco.  Twelve classmates attended, pictured in the photo below. Clockwise around the table from the front center, they are:

Afterwards, Owen O’Donnell emailed: “We had a fabulous lunch today for twelve of our classmates in the San Francisco Bay Area.  We discussed how we all got to California and the Bay Area along with our favorite memories from our years in New Haven.  We had so much fun we have decided to do another luncheon next spring in April or May.  It is gratifying that we are all in decent health and in great spirits.  I don't know why we haven't done this before, but there will be more gatherings in the future.”

Bob Archer emailed: “Thanks again, Owen and Ray. It was a delightful lunch and enjoyable hearing everyone's impressions and thoughts.  I look forward to the gathering again.”

Steve Bingham emailed: “Thank you all for the fellowship at our lunch today and especially to Owen for making it all happen.  Attached is a picture of a dozen spry old guys looking hungry.”

Chip Nielsen emailed: “It was a fun event and happy that those attending want to continue. Thanks Owen and Ray.”

Mike Sherwood emailed: “I second the thanks to Owen for organizing this event.  I look forward to future lunches and to getting to know better those of you I did not know at Yale.”

Alex McKleroy emailed: “Unanimous!  A splendid time was had by all. Thanks, Owen for the arranging and the start of a grand tradition.  Blessings!”

And lastly, Ron Sipherd, photographer extraordinaire, put together the following group of pictures to document the event.  Ron added: “And adding my thanks to Owen for making this happen, and to everyone who shared their stories.”

The University Club, at Powell & California Streets

... a block from the imposing Mark Hopkins tower
(has nothing to do with the lunch, Ron just liked the photo)

The Club is kind of a 19th-century time warp, in a good way

Us; wondered about the "dazzling divas," though

View of San Francisco east from the balcony

Before the food arrived, with the sun at Ron's back

Later: Sandwich City, taken by waitress