Day 16: A Walk Down Memory Lane (and across the bridge)

The family was very patient and gracious today, letting me prattle on about my DePauw memories as we traipsed the length and breadth of the beautiful campus. I was pleasantly surprised by how little it had changed. Yes, some buildings are gone, and others are new or refaced. But I could still find my way to the boulder (had fun telling Kelsey about that tradition!) and on into Bowman Park (thinking of my nap-buddy, Ellen!). I was disappointed by the girl who showed us into the dorms. She's a Latin major, but she could really benefit from some communication classes. Heaven help the school if she's indicative of the current student body--which I highly doubt. I left the campus this afternoon very grateful for my years there and for the lifetime of benefits I gained...education, friends, experiences. It's like childbirth; you forget the pain of student loans, all-nighters in the Roy O. West library, the "freshman 15." The good things stick, the not-so-good just fade away.

I've also found myself thinking of my precious friend and mentor Barbara Blankinship. She attended DePauw in the 60s, and we've always enjoyed that connection. Praying for you and your road to recovery, BB.

After dropping a painful wad of cash in the bookstore for sweatshirts, etc. (when I graduated, didn't I swear I'd never spend another dime in there?!), we headed for Parke county, the "Covered Bridge Capital." In a couple hours of navigating tiny roads with fun twists and turns, we bagged 12 of the county's 39 bridges. I can't speak for Clint Eastwood or Meryl Streep, but we're sure Parke county would give Madison a run for its money any day!

Lucy Rowland Hall (freshman dorm)

Tomorrow, a reunion with a wonderful friend, and possibly a float trip on Sugar Creek. Yea!

East College

lawn in front of Performing Arts Center

Admiring Ellen Royse Lapierre, '93, in the DPU Athletic Hall of Fame. You Rock, El!

 2 of our 12 bridges