Alumni return to campus to celebrate 50 years and the lasting impact of their Lindsey Wilson education.
by Shelby Burton
COLUMBIA, KY (04/10/2026) COLUMBIA, Ky. (4/10/2026) – For Alfred Gordon ’76, returning to Lindsey Wilson University after nearly 50 years was more than a visit – it was a full-circle moment.
“I never dreamed that I’d be here for such an event,” said Gordon, a 1976 graduate and one of three inductees into this year’s Golden Alumni Society.
Gordon joined classmates, family and friends on campus for the annual Golden Alumni Society Luncheon, where members of the Class of 1976 were honored for reaching their 50th reunion milestone. He was joined by fellow 1976 classmates Randy Kessler ’76 of Union, KY, and Linda Waggener of Columbia, KY, each recognized for careers and lives shaped in part by their time at Lindsey Wilson.
The gathering celebrated not only the passage of time, but also the enduring influence of a Lindsey Wilson education.
“It was the first place for higher education for me,” said Gordon. “I treasure being at Lindsey Wilson because it became a place for me to gain personal development.”
As alumni reflected on how the university has changed since 1976, growth emerged as a central theme of the day.
Vice President for Development Kevin Thompson noted the transformation of the institution over the past five decades, from a small campus environment to a university of more than 3,000 students, expanded academic offerings and modern facilities. Through these changes, he emphasized that the university’s mission has remained constant: a commitment to serving the educational needs of every student, every day.
“I can confidently tell you that even with those changes, we are still the same Lindsey Wilson you knew 50 years ago,” said Thompson.
For Gordon, that sense of mission is still evident today. He encouraged current students to take full advantage of their time on campus.
“Take advantage of the opportunity you have,” said Gordon. “Treasure the time you spend with the people you’re going to school with.”
President for Academic Affairs Ray Lutgring, right, joins three new members of the Lindsey Wilson University Golden Alumni Society. From left: Alfred Gordon ’76, Linda Waggener, Randy Kessler ’76; Lutgring.
Alfred Gordon ’76 poses with his son, Kevin Gordon of Frankfort, Ky., after the Golden Alumni Society Induction Ceremony. Gordon joined fellow members of the Class of 1976 in being honored for their 50th reunion milestone.
Lindsey Wilson University is a vibrant liberal arts university in Columbia, Kentucky. Founded in 1903 and affiliated with The United Methodist Church, the mission of Lindsey Wilson is to serve the educational needs of students by providing a living-learning environment within an atmosphere of active caring and Christian concern where every student, every day, learns and grows and feels like a real human being. Lindsey Wilson offers 30 undergraduate majors, five graduate programs and a doctoral program. The university’s 29 intercollegiate varsity athletic teams have won more than 120 team and individual national championships.
(Shelby Burton – Lindsey Wilson University)