News Summary
A reunion event at Michigan State University’s Holden Hall brought together 13 of the original residents of the C. W. Moss Living and Learning Institute. Attendees commemorated their shared history and enduring friendships formed over decades. The two-day gathering featured reminiscing, campus tours, and meals, highlighting the significance of their college connections. Key organizer Paul Vigilanti, an alum from the late 1960s, played a vital role in rekindling these bonds, reflecting the lasting impact of their time together at the university.
East Lansing, Michigan — On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 13 of the original 50 residents of Michigan State University’s Holden Hall gathered to celebrate the 58th reunion of the C. W. Moss Living and Learning Institute. This unique event commemorated the establishment of the hall in 1967 and the special bond that has been formed over decades.
The reunion took place in the dining hall of Holden Hall, where attendees wore matching green shirts to signify their shared history. Along with their spouses, the residents enjoyed reminiscing about their time spent living together, highlighting the enduring friendships that have lasted more than 50 years.
The C. W. Moss Living and Learning Institute is named after Clyde Barrow, the notorious gangster who was known for his escapades with Bonnie Parker. The group’s connection to this historical reference adds a layer of intrigue to their shared experience at Michigan State University.
Paul Vigilanti, a key organizer of the reunion, played a significant role in bringing the group together. An alum who attended Michigan State in 1968, Vigilanti majored in Television, Radio, and Journalism, and he later spent 25 years as a sports broadcaster. His background in the MSU Alumni Office during the 1980s provided him with the skills to plan successful alumni events. Collaborating with Lisa Parker, the senior director of Alumni Engagement at MSU, Vigilanti helped arrange this memorable occasion for the group.
According to Parker, the residents share a unique experience that has shaped their lives. The bonds formed during their time at Holden Hall were strong, with members recalling various events, such as playing intramural flag football, which contributed to their close-knit community.
Among the attendees was Bryan Dunlop, who studied economics in 1967 before going on to become an anesthesiologist. The reunion served as a poignant reminder of their shared journey, particularly as some members had lost friends in the past year. This gathering provided a vital opportunity for the group to reconnect and support each other.
The two-day reunion was filled with meals, reminiscing, and touring campus locations, which provided an opportunity for attendees to reflect on their time at Michigan State. The sense of camaraderie and joy during the reunion highlighted the lasting significance of the friendships they forged while living in Holden Hall.
Maintaining contact for over five decades, the residents have upheld a tradition of yearly gatherings and significant reunions. This dedication to preserving their relationships speaks volumes about the depth of their connections, rooted in the shared experience of living together during their formative years at the university.
The 58th reunion of the C. W. Moss Living and Learning Institute stands as a testament to the lasting impact that college life can have on individuals, fostering lifelong friendships that continue to thrive long after students have left campus.
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- The State News: First Holden Hall Residents Return for 58-Year Reunion
- MSU Spartans: Volleyball Alumni Weekend Set for Sept 18-20 at Jenison Field House
- Detroit Free Press: U-M Alumni Association Ends Diversity Scholarship Program
- Wikipedia: General Information
- Encyclopedia Britannica: General Reference
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