By Zach Ergo, Media Intern
A throng of Graceland University students cluster around tables at the Swarm Inn snack bar between classes and at mealtimes. These are busy times on a busy college campus. So, an observer might wonder, who are those "older" guys who gather at the large round table in the corner between eight and nine a.m. weekday mornings? I went to find out.
It turns out that this group of fun-loving, Graceland University retirees - and an 'original honorary member' - meet to start their day, share news of campus and the community, chuckle at stories of the old days, and meet-and-greet a steady stream of faculty, staff and students who stop by for a minute or two. There are steaming cups of coffee raised to match their familiar voices, accompanied by the ever-present jokes, laughter and companionship. Sure seems like the good life to me.
Around the big table sits a combined 228 years of service to Graceland University. And, that service never ended because the 'Morning Coffee Group,' as they are called, is still serving Graceland, and the community, by performing service projects and helping out where ever and when ever they are needed. Retirement doesn't appear to be a primary word in their vocabulary. The guys welcomed me to sit down with them and it became quickly apparent that the atmosphere at these informal morning meetings centers on an infusion of jokes, reminiscing laughs and the occasional discussion of a serious local or national issue. They make retirement look pretty fun!
The group includes Lester Stevenson, who worked for Graceland Facility Services for 44 years; Tom Nowlin, with 42 years at GU, who coached track and was Health, Physical Education and Recreation Director; Dewey Kuaio Clark, who was Assistant Football coach and liaison to Admissions, where he worked for 11 years; Bruce Graybill, who was a Professor of Chemistry for 33 years; Rex Waller, the ‘honorary member,' was raised in Lamoni and came back - he is called "the local storyteller" by members of the group; Carl McGuire, who was Assistant Dean of Students, Dean of Students for two years, and director of TRIO programs for 28 years; Tom Freeman, who was a Professor of Psychology and Education for 37 years; Don Keairnes, who worked in the Development Office for 13 years; Larry Sturgis, who was Vice President of Institutional Advancement, and Director of the Office of Development - he was also Lamoni High School Principal and Superintendent of Lamoni Schools for 20 years.
The guys have been meeting at the Swarm Inn for about 10 years. It started with a few simply showing up in the mornings for coffee. It turned into a morning destination and the group gradually grew in numbers. Others stop by when they can.
They are sometimes joined by President John Sellars and other friends, who come to sit in on the conversations and join the laughter. "They give me advice whether I ask for it or not," President Sellars joked.
Many community service projects have been taken on by the group. They run the clocks at football games and help admissions with telephone calls to prospective students. They painted the bleachers at the football stadium not long ago. They trim bushes and trees around campus in the spring.
Off campus, the guys comprised a major work force during the building of the Lamoni Bike Trail. They still take walks on the trail and help maintain its beauty by picking up trash and fallen limbs. They were also a huge help when the high school was moved into its new building last fall.
A major service to current Graceland students is performed by Larry Sturgis, who conducts mock-interviews when students are about to leave and begin their search for a job. "Wherever there is help needed, we try to fill in if we can," Sturgis said. That seems to be a key to the group. Current faculty and staff are always busy and it is a great benefit to have this group of former employees - with an amazing collective knowledge of all that is Graceland - ready to jump in and help. Their familiar faces are very welcome when assistance is needed.
All of the community and university projects have been done simply as volunteer work. "It's for the love of community and the institution," Nowlin said. They have spent many years together working for Graceland and continue to be a large stone in the foundation on which the institution sits. "Actually we're really trying to make up for all the sin in our lives," Keairnes joked.
The group meets at the Swarm Inn because it is a great place on campus to sit down and have a good cup of coffee. It is a warm place in the winter and a cool place in the summer, and the food isn't bad either. It is an energizing way to get themselves going in the mornings before their day-to-day tasks begin. "It's a place where we share news, and share jokes that we've said many times...but repeat them so we can laugh again," Keairnes said.
In their retirement, the guys are active in golf and other work and hobbies. "The ones that can still move play racquetball," Clark said.
Walking by them in the morning will show that they are far from calming down, as society seems to think retirees should. Their jokes fill the Swarm Inn for an hour every weekday morning like a traditional song bird - one that will keep the ‘Morning Coffee Group' tradition alive. They bring a lot of good to campus and community, and they lace their efforts with a laughter that is contagious to anyone who happens to walk by. Like me. And, I'm glad I did. You should, too!
