The St John's College Class of 1997 celebrated its 25-Year Reunion over the 2022 Gaudy Day Weekend. Celebrations included a private dinner for classmates at The Wanderers Club on Thursday 7th July, attendance at The Old Johannian Association Annual Dinner on Friday 8th July at which classmates were accompanied by partners, and less formal interactions on Gaudy Day on Saturday 9th July.
At the private function on the Thursday, 34 classmates celebrated 25 years since having matriculated together. Such is the rate of change in the world, reflections amongst those in attendance tended to focus on an appreciation for what was a more simple, personal world while this group of Old Johannians were enrolled at St John's College. In attendance were 8 Old Johannians who enrolled into Grade 0 in the Pre-Prep in 1985. There was a deep appreciation for the bonds forged during a more carefree time at St John's, and reinforced over 25 years post the group's exit from St John's College in 1997.
The Annual Old Johannian Dinner on Friday, afforded the Class of 1997 the opportunity to celebrate their bonds within the formalities of a spectacular event, the first in-contact post-COVID OJA Dinner. Partners joined in the celebrations, and were subjected to many an entertaining story of funfiled time spent at this magnificent institution.
At the time of Class of 1997's 25-Year Reunion events, the lives of three classmates ended prematurely were recognised. The lives of Ryan Holiday, Ian Grainger and Travis Spence were remembered and respectfully celebrated. Tragically, post the 25-Year Reunion, another classmate in Nick Irvine lost his life, which together with Ryan, Ian and Travis, sent shockwaves through the Class of 1997. The families of these four Old Johannians will continue to be held within our thoughts.
