Latin School of Chicago

Bob Katz '50 H omecoming & Reunion 2011 at Latin School of Chicago didn't go quite as "Now their kids are in school together. And, so it continues. It is quite a unique thing to have those kind of relationships for generations, and certainly they play a part in my continuing ties to the school." – Bob Katz '50 planned. For the first time in memory, after only a half hour of festivities, Romans Run, one of the pillars of the weekend, was called off because of lightning and rain. Still, despite an unusually ominous forecast for the end of September, dozens of parent volunteers who had been planning activities in Lincoln Park for months worked together to disassemble tents and barbecue stations, a group made a dash across the start line to get at least a feel for the race, and many students and families donned their rain gear and braved the weather to play or cheer for the various homecoming games. Meanwhile, a record-breaking 448 alumni, spanning 61 years, traveled from all over the country to be at Latin for the weekend. They participated in alumni volleyball and soccer games, toured the middle school building that opened in 2007, met with new Head of School Randall Dunn, shared their stories for a video project and gathered in classrooms transformed into private dining rooms for milestone dinners. It was a weekend when the school, nearby Lincoln Park, restaurants and homes across the city were buzzing with activity in celebration of Latin School. While people's reasons for participating differed, for most it was a time for friends, community and school spirit. Spirit of Homecoming To Bob Katz '50 it is a feeling of enduring loyalty to the school that brought him back. Latin is a home for him, his children and now his grandchildren. He served on the Board of Trustees for two separate terms and has volunteered on behalf of Latin in countless ways. At Homecoming & Reunion he can renew those ties and see how an institution in which he has invested so much of his life is evolving and changing. It also is a time to catch up with people who have been part of his life for more than 60 years. Among them is lifelong friend Bob Mendelson '52, who also has made Latin a family tradition. Mendelson's and Katz's sons, both named David, were classmates and close friends at Latin ('84) and have children who are forging strong bonds as current-day Romans. "Bob Mendelson transferred to Latin as a Alumni, faculty and staff soccer players. freshman, and we quickly became very close," Katz recalled. "We played football side by side. We even dated some of the same gals." After high school they lost touch for several years but connected again when they had children who were the same age. "David Mendelson was often at our home, and both boys stood up for each other at their weddings. Now their kids are in school together. And, so it continues. It is quite a unique thing to have those kind of relationships for generations, and certainly they play a part in my continuing ties to the school." 26 Latin Magazine

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