In a tradition that began two years ago as it celebrated its 50th anniversary, the University of Hartford welcomed 12 members of the Class of 1959 back to campus Sunday for an honored role in the 2009 Commencement ceremony.

Donning golden robes and mortarboards, topped by ribboned medals commemorating the occasion, the “Golden Hawks” made a striking entrance, with all the pomp and pride they had experienced half a century ago. Many had brought their families, who were just as proud to see their spouses, parents, and even grandparents in the University’s spotlight on this important day.

After a breakfast over shared memories in Hawk Hall, the 12 Golden Hawks led the Commencement procession and watched the ceremony from the front row. President Walter Harrison introduced the group to enthusiastic applause during the ceremony.

Golden Hawk Anthony Ronzello, a Hartt School graduate, flew in from California for the occasion with his wife, his son, and his grandson. Tom Gannon, another Hartt graduate from the early days when Hartt was not yet located on campus, was accompanied by his wife, Nancy. The Gannons were celebrating three 50-year anniversaries: Tom’s graduation, their marriage one week later, and Tom’s 50-year teaching career.

Just home from Korea in 1959, Robert Smith attended the University on the GI Bill. Now, his son, Michael, is an MBA student at the Barney School of Business, his father’s alma mater.

Another Golden Hawk who passed down the University legacy was Wayne Ogorzalek, whose son, Wesley ’98, was a College of Arts and Sciences graduate like his father. Wayne took note of the many changes that 50 years had brought to the University of Hartford. In referring to President Harrison, Ogorzalek said he has done a “fantastic job turning things around. It’s a friendlier environment.”

Golden Hawk George Gentile concurs. He is “impressed with the change and growth since Walt Harrison’s come.” Now an honorary regent and retired board chairman and CEO of Gerber Scientific, Gentile has received two academic degrees and one honorary degree from the University. Three of his four children are University alumni (Barney and the Hartford Art School), and he will attend his granddaughter’s graduation from the Barney School next year. He calls the University an “amazing success story.”

Other members of the Class of 1959 who attended Sunday’s ceremony included Edgar Brisson, Donald Champagne, Donald DePianta, D. Harold Goldberg, Fran LaMountain, Estelle Laschever, and Victor Mascone Sr.