SIUE Golden Graduates Found Mentors at the “Young” University in 1974; Advise Future Graduates “Don't Be Afraid to Dream”

Fifty Golden Graduates crossed the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville commencement stage on Friday, May 3 in the First Community Arena at the Vadalabene Center. During this special occasion at the 131st commencement, the Class of 1974 wore golden regalia and received gold-plated medallions in a celebration led by Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, Dan Mahony, PhD, SIU System President, Denise Cobb, PhD, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Janice Joplin, PhD, Interim Dean of the SIUE School of Business and distinguished guests.

"This tradition, dating back to 2016, has become a cherished part of SIUE's spring commencement ceremonies," said Cathy Taylor, Senior Director of Alumni & Donor Relations, who introduced the day's events. "The Golden Graduation Reunion is a highlight of our year, offering us the chance to hear your campus stories, witness your pride in SIUE, and connect with our current graduates."

During their initial graduation year, 1974, SIUE declared itself a world university, which firmly claimed its place as a leading institution for higher ed in the global community. Lunchtime keynote speaker and Golden Graduate Ed Hightower, EdD, '74 and '77, told attendees how opportunities during his time at SIUE allowed a young scholar athlete from Illinois to travel the world.

"While I was there (SIUE), which is part of the historic piece of my life, I began refereeing intramural basketball at $1.25 per game," said Hightower. "I did 12 Final Fours when I represented the United States at the World Games in Buenos Aires. I represented the United States of the World Games at St. Petersburg, Russia. SIUE was very much a part of my professional life and getting me to where I am today."

Hightower was the first in a family of eight to receive his college degree. "To future graduates I say, don't be afraid. Don't be afraid to dream." He currently serves as the Vice Chair of the SIU Board of Trustees.

"A guy that played a vital role in my life was Earl Lazerson (Chancellor of SIUE from 1979 - 1993). So when I went there in 1970, we were having all of the riots going back to '67, '68 through '71. During that time, he met with several leaders of the SIUE student body and I was one of them and he kind of took me under his wing and said, 'I feel a lot of promise in you as far as doing things to change this country, to change the trajectory of things that are happening that are on the negative. But, moving to the positive you have to always say that you've got to make it happen.'"

Hightower added it was because of Lazerson's encouragement that he took on various leadership roles in the University which led to his first SIU Board of Trustees appointment under Illinois Governor George H. Ryan.

"What better way to serve your university? What better way to give back than to try to make life better for the next generation of leaders? They're encouraged to seek their dreams. They are not coming here to fail, but rather, they're coming here to succeed."

Another Golden Graduate who excelled in athletics is Carl Mason, '74, who majored in government and minored in history. Mason transferred to SIUE at the request of track and field coach, John Flamer, who became his lifelong mentor. Flamer was the SIUE Cross Country Head Coach from 1968-1986 and was a two-time All-American as a cross-country athlete at SIU Carbondale in 1958 and 1961.

"I ran track and cross country. SIU was competing against Illinois Wesleyan where I was in junior college at the time," said Mason. "Flamer's SIUE team was in its infancy and competing there. He saw a friend of mine and I were competing at that meet and he said, 'We need you guys on our team.'"

"I was the MVP here in 1973. So I guess the track thing worked out," said Mason, who was presently surprised that SIUE Cougars are currently a Division I athletics program.

The steady training and Flamer's encouragement stayed with Mason throughout his career. His work in business and as a financial advisor weathered some volatile and fluctuating markets.

"A lot of ups and downs have happened in the last 50 years," said Mason. "One of the things that I would accredit to my coaches, particularly John Flamer: They did not just make us athletes, but strong men able to compete in this environment. He had instilled in us a very strong work ethic as athletes and as students, and when things don't always work out you better have a Plan B."

"I went to a number of schools--something like 10 schools-all because I was moving to different places. I even did an NIH fellowship at a university, and I had them all convinced that SIUE was the best," said Shirley Portwood, PhD, '70 and '73, professor emerita and former SIU Board Trustee. Portwood was one of six siblings, and under their parents' direction, all were college-bound.

"Growing up, my parents emphasized to all of us--there were six of us-that we would go to college," said Portwood. "It was when you go to college, not where, what you would major in, or who would pay for it, but they emphasized that all six of us would go."

Sixty percent of SIUE alumni reside within 60 miles of campus. Those who participated in the spring ceremony represented nine other states including Virginia, Texas, Florida, Nevada and Oregon.

Kathleen Simmons (née Hayes), '74, who was a double major in education elementary ed and special ed, traveled from Oregon to be a part of the celebration, which included a campus tour. "I hardly recognized the landmarks except for quad," said Simmons. "I remember parking way out in the parking lot-freezing to death coming in, and realizing I had the wrong type of coat."

Simmons fondly recalls attending SIUE with her high school friends. She also shared the probability of a picture in existence that captured the unusual event of a streaker, whom she recalls, traveled across the quad in roller skates. "People were like, 'I don't know what happens if he falls'-please don't fall!"

Golden Graduate Obaid Naveed Siddiqi, '74, traveled to SIUE from Pakistan for his undergraduate education in electrical engineering, for which he received a scholarship, and his master's degree in applied mathematics. When deciding where to attend he visited the American Embassy in Pakistan and was shown a list of universities.

"SIUE was a brand new university. And I had admission from other places like Oregon and Oklahoma. But they said this is a young university. Professors will pay more attention to you. And, it was easy on my wallet."

Siddiqi has spent the majority of his career in Florida working at Eglin Air Force Base. His advice to future graduates: "Concentrate on education, attitude, work and ethics. And if they can do that, they will succeed."

Hightower claimed he not only succeeded in life because of SIUE, he also found love. This year marked 50 years of marriage to fellow Cougar, Barbara Hightower (née Parker), '75.

"It all started between the two of us right here at SIUE in 1972. She wouldn't talk to me in high school," remembered Hightower. "She said, 'I got to know you when you were sitting in class with me in 1972. And I was helping you write your papers.' And I said, that's when I really got to know you and you really got to know who I was, and what I could bring to the table."

Hightower concluded his speech to his fellow Golden Graduates with a call to action. "Let us carry the spirit of service and the torch of knowledge, knowing that our alma mater is a beacon of excellence in education. Together, let us work hard to develop the next chapter for this outstanding institution, demonstrating passion, purpose, and unwavering dedication."

He then offered a toast: "Congratulations. Here's to the many years of memories and the countless adventures that we had here at SIUE and to the future."

PHOTOS: Class photo with Golden Graduates from 1974 and earlier; Cathy Taylor, Senior Director of Alumni & Donor Relations; Keynote speaker and SIU Board of Trustee Ed Hightower, EdD, '74 and '77; Carl Mason, '74; Shirley Portwood, PhD, '70 and '73, professor emerita and former SIU Board Trustee; Kathleen Simmons (née Hayes), '74; Obaid Naveed Siddiqi, '74; memories then and now of "The Frog Jump at Spring Fest" in 1972

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