Back row: Doug Curtis, Bob Hartlove, Mary Mikowski, Ron Hoopper, Ed Iames, Alan Zentz,
Gary Arnold, Ron Long, and Stuart Stone. Front row: Dave Hohman, Michael Wood, Joe
Grace, Paul Miller, Pete, Gidget, Mike Kozier, and Guy Carola.
Several class members were not photographed.
Back Row: Barb Hohman, Paula Curtis, Doug Curtis, Mary Mikowski, Ron Hoopper, Ed Iames, Werner Kralick, Stuart Stone, Dave Davis (general studies), Guy Carola, and Mike Kozier (pre-professional). Center row: Katie Grace (general studies), Barb Iames, Debbie Kralick, and Patty Stone. Front row: Dave Hohman, Kathy Wood, Gibbs, Mike Wood, Joe Grace, Paul Miller, and Tami Miller.
CUMBERLAND, Md.—Oct. 16, 2024— It’s rare to find college class who stays close after
five years let alone 50 years. But the Allegany Community College/Allegany College of Maryland (ACM) forest technology
Class of 1974 has always been unique. They were the first forestry class at the College with a female student, Mary Mikowski.
The first class to “roll” a skidder, which is still in use by ACM students. They were
also the first Forestry Club to heckle opposing basketball teams with duck calls and
receive “FORRESTRY” t-shirts from Coach Bob Kirk for their support at basketball games.
Even as their careers led them all over the United States, the class stayed in touch through Fourth of July shindigs at Harpers Ferry, family vacations, forestry alumni newsletters and camping weekends, email chains and social media. It was through social media that the Class of 1974 learned that the 2023 Mid-Atlantic Woodsmen Competition would be held at ACM. They organized and attended the competition, bringing with them photographs, college yearbooks, memorabilia, and stories. The group left with contact information for college staff and a plan to return for their fiftieth reunion.
“Who we are and what we are”
This September 13-15, two dozen 1974 classmates and members of the Forestry Club,
and their wives returned to Cumberland for their reunion. The group came from as far
south as Florida and as far north as the U.S.-Canada border. They reminisced over
dinners and lunch, toured the ACM campus, planted a tree in honor of their class,
viewed Super 8 footage of their younger selves, and enjoyed the fellowship of old
friendships.
On Saturday, September 14, the group gathered at the Ali Ghan Shrine Club for a dinner program that included a slideshow of their photographs from 1972-1974, a Class of ‘74 playlist, and the chance for each graduate to share about their life and career. The group retired from positions in all aspects of forestry, wildlife and natural resources, property and water management, agriculture, utilities, medicine, plumbing, and sales. They also offered memories of former classmates, like Bill Norris whose daughter Alicia attended the dinner.
As a special gift to the forest technology department, the class framed and donated
an infamous “FORRESTRY” t-shirt and a forestry patch. The class promised to attend
the next Mid-Atlantic Woodsmen Competition to support current Forestry Club students
and shared the following with ACM: “You all made us feel welcome and at home back at ACC/ACM where it all began 52 years
ago. Always remember, as we do, that who we are and what we are began and was shaped
by our time together at ACC. We can only hope that those who came after us can find
lifelong friendships in their classmates and college friends at ACM.”
Connect
For more information about Allegany College of Maryland’s forest technology degree program, please contact Marie Perrin-Miller, associate professor and program director, by calling 301-784-5256. Numerous forest technology scholarships are available through the ACM Foundation.
