Portage la Prairie’s graduating class of 1975 is turning back the clock.
A dedicated committee of seniors is actively planning their landmark 50th reunion, set for Saturday, September 6th, 2025, at their alma mater, Portage Collegiate Institute (PCI). Fueled by half a century of memories and a desire to reconnect, the group gathers regularly to map out the celebration.
Committee head Carol Kruck explains the motivation behind the long-awaited event. "Well, it’s 50 years," Kruck states. "For the last several years, I've run into people, and everyone says, 'What are we going to do for a 50th reunion, and who's going to do what?' And so I finally thought, I'm going to do something."
Reunion details taking shape
Kruck credits fellow alumni like Rick, Ferdie, and Faye for joining the effort.
"We all just got together, and we all wanted to do it. We just needed someone to pull the trigger, I think." Kruck muses.
That initial spark has ignited significant interest. Over one hundred classmates are already expected to attend the PCI reunion, which will feature a meal and various activities.
While Bryan Adams famously sang about the "Summer of '69," a year these lively folks got to grow up in, the Class of '75 is busy planning a memorable autumn weekend fifty years after their own graduation. The planning itself is proving to be a rewarding journey for the twelve-member committee.
Committee bonds over planning
Meeting regularly, including recent sessions at Tornado’s, the planners are rediscovering old connections. "It’s amazing," Kruck shares. "Like the committee itself has formed such a bond through this experience."
She notes that while some committee members couldn't attend the latest meeting, the entire group feels united by the task.
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Reflecting on their high school years, Kruck highlights a shared fondness.
"I think we all enjoyed high school, a lot of people don't. That’s why we’re here. We enjoyed it and a lot of us are still around."
She acknowledges the bittersweet reality of time passing. "Sadly, we've lost quite a few as well over the years, but yeah, we really appreciate that we can connect again in this way."
Looking forward to the celebration
While the 2025 reunion is the main focus, the bonds formed during planning may endure. Kruck indicates the committee itself might keep meeting.
"No, I think we've talked as a committee that we'll probably continue to get together after the reunion is over," she notes, "just to keep that connection going."
With plans advancing steadily, Kruck channels the excitement building for next September.
Her closing sentiment captures the committee's proactive spirit perfectly, "I just like what April said. I got this party started."
The countdown is on for the Class of '75 to celebrate five decades of life after PCI, returning to where it all began.