Letter from Don Lubbers former President of Central College in response to the Card that Judy Rinehart had us all sign for Don at our Reunion on Saturday June 8, 2019 Don is now 88 years old and he hand wrote this letter to all of us…John Cobb

Dear Judy                                                                                                    July 27,2019

 You can imagine my surprise and pleasure when your note and the signed card by Phi Delts of the 1960’s arrived.

 To be positively remembered after so many years almost brought a tear to my eyes.  I remember those days when I learned to be a college President with gratitude and good feelings.  I found that at a small college I knew more of the students than I did at a large one.  Almost all of the names on the card I recognize.

I remember also when you came from Grand Rapids.  Not many of our students were from west Michigan so I tended to remember them.  I did not remember the incident about smoking.  It gave me a chuckle.  As I reflect on it I provided a good solution for the times in which we were living. Restrictive hours for women in the dorm were altered somewhat, dancing on campus was allowed and chapel was finally made voluntary during my years.  We also served cocktails in the President’s residence.  And a lake was built in the middle of the campus.  I am amazed that I survived.  The Board asked me to stay when I received an offer from Grand Valley, but after a divorce and remarriage to Nancy I thought it best to anew, I have speculated on what might have happened had I remained at Central for forty years.  I think of my years at Central as my Camelot period.

When I saw your Des Moines address, I placed you in a condo or apartment between downtown and the airport.  We are often on Fluer Drive when we are in Des Moines.  When you are visiting in Michigan lets arrange to have dinner and a long evening of conversation.  Perhaps the Knachs will join us.  Becky told you we were Democrats.  We are all united with all those who want to be rid of Trump.  We think he disgraces the office and the nation.  We think of ourselves as independents on the political side.  As President of a state university I worked closely with legislators and governors of both parties so being Identified with either party was avoided.  Often Republican friends thought I was a Democrat and vice versa.

The Rhinehart family was well known to me as I was growing up in Pella.  I think Ron had a brother or cousin Verle.  What happened in his life? To both you and Ron we send our best wishes.  I am grateful to you for giving an old man (88) such an important remembrance of a time and people that shaped his life.

                                                                        Sincerely

                                                                        Don Lubbers

Please Scroll Down for the original Handwritten Letter by Don Lubbers

Thanks John Cobb