Under glorious sunshine and two large tents, North Central College hosted an all-community Cornerstone Day picnic at lunchtime May 18.
Featuring free servings of entrees from several Naperville restaurants and Chartwells, the college’s food service provider, the event attracted hundreds of North Central College’s friends and neighbors, all ages, to the future site of the Riverwalk Gateway, adjacent to Fredenhagen Park.
Musicians, dancers and singers provided upbeat entertainment while individuals filled the tables with joyful camaraderie, celebrating one of the last public events during North Central College’s sesquicentennial year.
North Central College graduate Ruth Hammersmith was there. Shirley and Joe Chmura who recently celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary were there. North Central College trustee Bill Abe was there.
Mayor George Pradel and many public officials were there.
And, of course, North Central College President Hal Wilde was there as were many members of the North Central College family.
The list goes on and on of familiar faces who gathered together with fond memories of the growth and development of 150-year-old college since its cornerstone was first set at Old Main.
Likely next year, the North Central property where the picnic was set this year will be the finished Riverwalk Gateway, a pathway along the east bank of the West Branch of the DuPage River next to Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium. The ground-breaking on Cornerstone Day was a memorable way to recognize that North Central has partnered with the Naperville Riverwalk Commission and Naperville Riverwalk Foundation to begin construction to beautify this pedestrian access for the community.
The photos of the ground-breaking are thanks to Jo Lundeen. Other photos are by PN.
Cornerstone Day is an annual celebration that commemorates North Central College’s 1870 move from Plainfield to Naperville.
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