The Golden Thread - Reunions that Matter

I know reunions can be complicated. I have a whole conversation with myself about them every time they come up: Do I really want to see all those people again? I haven’t stayed connected with them for a reason, right? Do I want to take time out of my life now to step into the past? To what end?

As a result, I’ve pretty much sworn off all my reunions and instead have always taken the path to cultivating relationships with those I choose to keep in my life.

But a few weeks ago, I traveled to Washington, D.C. for the 40th reunion of my American University London Semester Abroad. That’s right – not the reunion of my graduating class – a reunion of one single life-changing semester. And I wasn’t the only one – there were at least 2/3rds of us who came as well. Some from as far away as Jamaica and Hawaii. And we’ve gathered before – 5, 10, and 25 years  - and I imagine we will gather again.

One of those who came is the man I’ve been married to for the last 38 years who I met on that seminal trip to study economics at the University of London. But it’s not because I met my husband in a sliding door moment that semester that I wanted to gather with this group of people – the real reason was the powerful connection between us all  - and the man who brought us all together for the trip – Dr. Jim Weaver, Professor of Economics at American University.

Do you know those teachers who influence how you see the world? He was that, but he was also one who showed us how to lead our lives in that world. Our connection with him changed the course of all our lives. He treated us as the young independent adults we were becoming and truly made each one of us feel unique and special.

Jim and his wife Mary along with their youngest daughter moved to London that semester. He was a brilliant economics professor - making everyone passionate about understanding the world through the lens of economics. She was also a professor and a warm and welcoming presence with a wry sense of humor. They always welcomed students into their home, both in London and after we returned to Washington, D.C.

Dr. Weaver’s classroom was always lively with discussion – everyone attended – because they wanted to. If someone offered a ridiculous argument about certain economic assumptions he’d say the only way these assumptions would be true is if we all opened a window and yelled out the words, “I believe,” at the top of our lungs. And then he’d do it himself.

This wasn’t boring economics – it was theory brought to life through incredible showmanship.

After graduation, Jim and Mary kept in touch. They helped this very special cohort and later our spouses, children, and a few other students in his inner circle gather regularly.

My husband and I lived close enough in Washington, D.C. to see them often. Jim became ordained as a minister and conducted the baby naming of our daughter when the Rabbi wasn’t available. After we moved away from D.C. if I ever had a business trip there I’d visit them, first in their home, and then later in senior living.

My most special memory was celebrating Jim’s successful heart transplant. We threw him a Tin Man Wizard of Oz-themed party – complete with lots of red hearts for decoration.

This reunion - 40 years in the making– was truly powerful. It wasn’t just because of the number of years, the number of attendees, or even sharing stories about our families, our work, and our memories of London. It was the tributes to Jim Weaver, who passed away in 2016 - and spending time with Mary, who joined us at 90 years strong – that truly elevated our gathering. As a tribute, we all decided to collect funds in Jim’s memory to send a student from American University on an abroad program that might change their life.

I’m so glad we went as it reminded me that so many threads connect you to different people in your lives, but it’s the golden thread woven by a powerful leader who can connect a group together in unexpected ways that can change your life, and stay with you for a lifetime.