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BC Alumni Barbecue Coming September 10
By: Sally Hill, Bakersfield College class of 1966
Topics: Bakersfield College, barbecue, Athletics, Renegade, alumni
Posted by amberc Wed Aug 19, 2009 15:40:26 PDT
Viewed 195 times
0 responses 0 comments Location: 3805 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA
The Bakersfield College Alumni Association welcomes the public to join in the festivities at the 55th annual BBQ, September 10 at Stramler Park on North Chester. All proceeds from the event will assist deserving students with scholarships and benefit athletics on campus. The $20 admittance to the event features a steak or chicken dinner and live entertainment by the Tony Ernst Band.
According to John Boydstun, an original founding member of the Bakersfield College Alumni Association, the group was founded in 1946. World War II had just ended and veterans were returning home. Many of them were graduates of Bakersfield College, eager to renew treasured friendships enjoyed as classmates. Ergo, the Alumni Association was formed. Boydstun further asserts, “The idea was born from a few folks celebrating the end of the war at a dance held in the old Bakersfield Inn Ballroom. There were 20 original members, and dues were a mere $3 a year.” (Dues are only $25 a year today!) In addition to Boydstun, class of 1939, other original board members included Virginia Burress Mosconi, Joe Mosconi, David Fanucchi, Rue Pollock, Win Cooper, Hazel Morton Reese, Art Sargeant, and Doyle Miller. Boydstun was the first President and Miller, a local judge, wrote the first constitution.
Bakersfield College has produced many successful alumni including John Boydstun, Charlie Dodge, Herb Loken, Dan O’Neill, David Fanucchi, Bill Williamson, Glenn Bultman, Dr. Romain Clerou, Louie Lemucchi, Grace Bird, Virginia Mosconi, Marie Amestoy, Ed Simonson, Edna Taber, Dean Gay, Mary K. Shell, Dr. Robert Sheldon, Angus Marchbanks, Don Hart, Jim Young, and Dr. David Zachery. Other notables include Gary Friedman, Superior Court Judge, Morgan Clayton, Owner Tel-Tec, Colby Lewis, Pitcher for the Texas Rangers, Harvey Hall, Mayor, Ken Byrum Attorney, Dean Florez, California Senator, Frank Gifford of football fame, and Hank Pfister of tennis fame.
This year’s barbecue is a far cry from the first of such events. According to Herb Loken, former Bakersfield College Athletic Director, “the initial barbecues, first organized by Dean Gay, were men-only events held at Jastro Park. In attendance were BC athletic supporters, the Renegade football team and its first coach, Jack Frost. All they required was a keg and steaks!” Loken subsequently suggested the inclusion of women and the expansion of the event as a fundraiser.
The Alumni Board invites you to join Bakersfield College alumni, faculty, athletic teams, and the community on September 10 at Stramler Park. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served from 6 – 8 p.m. The event, sponsored by KERN, KGET, and the Diane S. Lake Family, is the major fundraiser of the year for the Alumni Association. All proceeds benefit Bakersfield College students academically and athletically. Tickets can be purchased at the Bakersfield College Ticket Office (395-4619) or at the gate.
For further information about the Bakersfield College Alumni Association Barbecue, call Chairperson Sally Hill at 322-3175. For further information about the Alumni Association, call Bakersfield College Alumni Association President Becki Whitson at 395-4619.
Information for this article provided by John Boydstun, Bakersfield College cass of 1939 (Owner of Boydstun Realty), Herb Loken, former Bakersfield College Athletic Director, the late James Radoumis, Bakersfield College class of 1939 (Retired from Kern County Board of Trade) and Sally Hill, Bakersfield College class of 1966 (Retired Bakersfield College Psychology Professor).
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