On a picturesque fall Saturday, Jacksonville University’s Class of 1974 gathered at Frisch Welcome Center to celebrate their 50th reunion during Homecoming and Family Weekend. The event was filled with nostalgia, laughter and shared memories.
As part of the celebration, the Class of 1974 was inducted into the prestigious Green
and Gold Guard, an exclusive recognition for alumni celebrating 50
years or more since graduation. Green and Gold Guard members are called upon to preserve
JU’s heritage and ensure its history for future generations of Dolphins. Each inductee
received a commemorative medallion to honor the milestone.
President Tim Cost, Class of 1981, opened the ceremony with welcoming remarks, celebrating the legacy of the Class of 1974 and their enduring connection to the university.
“Welcome back here for your 50th anniversary,” said Cost. “If you’re me, you spend all of your time looking forward. Where should the university go next? What technology? What buildings? What kind of talent should you hire? That’s what makes this exact event one of the most fun things we get to do.”
While there was reflection, for many the reunion was a chance to share how JU helped shape their lives and careers. Jeanine Garrett, Director of Wilma’s Little People School on campus, reflected on her decision to transfer to Jacksonville University because of her then boyfriend, now husband, and the unexpected path it led her on.
“I’ve been walking this campus for 54 years, watching it evolve over time,” said Garrett. “It’s been a big part of our life. We have three children that graduated from JU. My junior year, my boyfriend became my husband and now we’ve been married for 51 years.”
For others, the reunion was a chance to recall the unique closeness that the small,
tight-knit university community fostered. Jeanette Bohall O’Connor, a 
former Tri-Delta sorority member and captain of the volleyball team, reminisced about
how the university’s intimate campus made a lasting impression on her.
“Being a small campus, you got to meet so many different types of people, and you didn’t just pass somebody, you spoke to somebody,” said O’Connor. “It was a very unique experience to me. I’ve enjoyed my unique experience here at JU because of the people you got to meet.”
Larry Elkins, an army veteran, shared his winding journey back to Jacksonville University after serving in the military. His time at the university, both before and after his service, helped set the stage for a long and fulfilling career in education.
“I was supposed to be Class of 1970, but the United States Army said 'hello,'” Elkins said with a smile. “The important thing is I came back. I became a high school science and math teacher in Duval County and spent 20 years here. During my time at Raines high school, I was honored to teach four fellas chemistry who went on to lucrative careers in the NFL and one of which is now in the NFL Hall of Fame, Brian Dawkins, who’s retired from the Philadelphia Eagles.”
Sam Russell, who spent four formative years at JU, credited his time at the university for shaping his career in healthcare information systems software and consulting, even before the university offered a computer science major.
“JU prepared me for people and relationships,” Russell said, holding back tears. “The people were great and I just really enjoyed my time here, like everyone else.”
The Class of 1974 may have graduated 50 years ago, but the friendships, mentorships and experiences they shared remain as strong as ever. Now, as members of the Green & Gold Guard, they will continue to preserve JU’s heritage and ensure its rich history is passed down to future generations of Dolphins.
Class of 1974 Inductees
Jeanine Garrett
Richard Bado
Jeanette Bohall O’Connor
Luisa Bosso
Kathleen Bowles,
Margaret Burnett
Larry Elkins
Mike Garrett
Sharon Jones
Margie Owen
Lester Pomerantz
Sharon Rost
Sam Russell
Denis Shelley
Donald Whitford
