2024 Reunions – Norma Chou reflects on 50 years of coming together with the class of 7T4

What are some of your highlights or memorable moments from past class reunions?
My fondest memories from past reunions are Don Bays in his bejewelled white Elvis suit and Bill Wiseman dancing energetically to "Mony Mony". Last reunion in 2019, one of our teaching faculty guests was Dr. Paul Morgan who was a favourite among the class. Sadly, he was the victim of a homicide the following April. He will be in all of our thoughts when we gather again this year. 

Organizing a reunion for the 50th anniversary is no small feat. What inspired you to take on this role, and what has the journey been like so far?
I did not attend many of the early reunions because they always conflicted with the annual convention for my specialty. However, I have attended the last five or six, working on the committee under Aldo Boccia who was the class president in our graduating year. Aldo seemed to know everything about everybody and I marvelled at all his connections. Unfortunately, Aldo passed away in 2016. Many of the previous committee continued to participate, but someone had to take over the organization. Since I am a nit-picky number-crunching type, the job seemed made for me. So, along with social gadfly Tim Milligan, we have called meetings and tried to get everything arranged. The rest of the committee consists of Maury Cepler, Arlene Dagys, Eva Saxell and Elliott Schwartz. Max Papini helped to negotiate with Casa Loma. The hardest thing about the organization is trying to get everyone together as everyone is busy and some of us are still treating patients.

In fostering class spirit, what activities or initiatives are you planning to ensure a strong sense of community among the Class of 7T4?
As at our last reunion, we have contracted a photographer who will be taking candid photos throughout the evening and will take and print souvenir portraits to take home. After the event, I will email a link to all the photos to all the attendees. Elliott is also planning to establish a broadcasted link to music from the '60s and '70s.

How has technology played a role in connecting classmates and generating excitement leading up to the reunion?
The internet and email have been godsends for reaching classmates. Unfortunately, there are still a few who we cannot find in spite of searching the internet.  We have sent out several emails with photos of Casa Loma and the committee to try to generate some excitement.

Class reunions often serve as a time for reflection. What accomplishments or changes within the field of dentistry do you think your class can celebrate together?
I think that we should celebrate that we are alive and well and able to attend the reunion to reconnect with old friends and colleagues. Well over half the class is retired and hopefully pursuing other interests. Unfortunately, we have lost about 20 per cent of our number, six since the last reunion.

Can you provide insights into the collaborative efforts involved in organizing such a significant reunion, including working with alumni volunteers and the university?
It is important to have committee members with varying backgrounds and interests: you need someone who knows something about everything. I truly appreciate Tim's and Elliott's large social circles and Elliott's knowledge about the audio capabilities of smartphones, something I know nothing about. Thanks to Sue Schwartz for helping to dress up our mailings and to Hannah at the Faculty for providing the class list and for helping with publicity for our event.

Casa Loma is a unique venue choice. What inspired the selection, and how do you think it contributes to the overall atmosphere of the reunion?
We wanted an iconic and memorable location to celebrate this major milestone in our lives.

Navigating the challenges of the past couple of years, how have you adapted your plans to ensure a successful and inclusive reunion experience for all alumni?
Earlier reunions were stand up events or buffet dinners. This year, we are not having a buffet meal as before. The "old folks" will be sitting down to eat and chat. We are also encouraging classmates to bring their spouses and are arranging music in case we feel like dancing.

Building on the legacy of the Class of 7T4, how do you envision maintaining and strengthening the connections forged during this milestone reunion in the years to come?
We hope that the attendees will reminisce together and will re-establish and maintain connections. I think that the photographs will help with this. We hope to still be able to meet again in five and 10 years.

Can you share any advice for other alumni who might be considering taking on the role of organizing their class reunion, particularly for a significant milestone like the 50th anniversary?
Try to get as much help as you can from classmates, colleagues and friends. Everyone has a different knowledge base and connections which will be helpful. Start early and try to get email addresses and phone numbers for as many classmates as you can and contact the Faculty for help.

The Class of 7T4 will be holding its 50th year reunion on Thursday April 18, 2024, starting at 6:30 p.m. This celebration will be held at the beautiful Casa Loma. We have tried our best to reach all our classmates by email but were unable to find everyone. If you were not reached or if you want further details, please contact Norma Chou at normawchou@yahoo.ca or phone her office: 416-532-3041.