70s WHAT IS ONE OF THE STUPIDEST THINGS YOU’VE EVER DONE? Written by a member of the Class of 1972 “Yesterday, I attended the funeral of one of my college fraternity brothers. Eleven of my fellow ‘brothers’ attended the service. I am embarrassed to say that I had not seen these guys in 51 years since our graduation in 1972. Many questions from them… ‘Where have you been? Why haven’t you stayed in touch? Why haven’t you come to Homecomings or class reunions?’ I had no legitimate reasons for ‘neglecting’ these guys over the years. I was truly embarrassed as all 11 of these brothers welcomed me like it was 1968-72. I was the ‘prodigal’ fraternity brother. The point here is that, due to my selfishness and dedication to my private life, I had missed out on five decades of meaningful relationships with people who I lived with and grew with during my college life. As we talked and shared stories, like it was yesterday, I realized that for whatever reason, I had unintentionally turned my back on the men who helped me become the man I am today. And for that, I am filled with regret. After sharing contact information with all of these men, I have pledged to stay in touch, and I will. These guys are as ‘solid’ as they were 51 years ago. So yes, my being silent over five decades is perhaps one of the dumbest things I have ever done. If you read this, please communicate with those who may have had an impact on your life…and don’t wait 51 years. Do it today. You’ll be better for the effort. Reaching out will serve as a personal ‘baptism’ or re-birth.” Chuck Wells ’70 just opened another business in Arizona called the Turftastic Artificial Turf Cleaning Squad. With the shortage of water in Arizona, more are installing artificial turf, and Chuck realized they will need professional cleaning. Many people have already signed up. As Chuck is 77 years old, many of his friends and family are asking when he will retire, to which he replies, “Probably never. I enjoy new challenges so will continue. I was a school teacher, insurance agency owner, police officer, executive bodyguard, newspaper columnist, book author and many other things. Lycoming (especially the swim team) gave me good lessons about handling success and defeats. I enjoy the ride in life and accomplishing the impossible.” Katherine “Kit” Vilkas ’73 is fondly known as the Tea Cart Lady at Northern Westchester Hospital in New York. When she retired from teaching high school English eight years ago, she began volunteering as a way of giving back to the outstanding staff at the hospital that holds a special connection. It’s where she was born, where her mother worked for three decades, and where she worked during high school as well as summers when she was home from her Lycoming classes. Every Thursday, Kit walks from her home to the hospital where she can be seen rolling her tea cart full of free snacks and beverages through the halls, all while helping a place dear to her heart. “There is so much more that the team does than the public realizes… I’m here to serve them and to brighten their day. They spend their day serving other people, so I come up to them and ask them, ‘May I make you a cup of tea?’” She resides with her husband, Algirdas, and their cat, Harley. This group has been so fortunate to enjoy each other’s company over the years! Recently, they met in Cape May, N.J. Special thanks to Tony Ruiz ’75 and Rich Lehmann for accompanying them. (L to R) Rosemary (DiLonardo) Furnari ’76, JoAnne (Ostrowski) Lehmann ’76, Louise (Hewson) Ruiz ’76, and Karen (Ward) Budinger ’76 30 LYCOMING COLLEGE 2026 SPRING MAGAZINE
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