Once a Falcon, Always a Falcon

Golden Falcons celebrate BGSU connections

By Terri Carroll

The deep bonds shared by Bowling Green State University alumni were honored at the inaugural Golden Falcons induction ceremony April 22. Golden Falcons are alumni who have been graduates for 50 or more years. BGSU welcomed 44 Golden Falcons to campus and inducted them as Golden Falcons with a medallion crafted exclusively for this group of esteemed alumni.

“I am honored that these devoted alumni have kept BGSU in their hearts across the years and the miles,” said Bowling Green State University President Mary Ellen Mazey. “They are, and always will be, a very special part of the BGSU family. Their spirit and loyalty clearly demonstrate, ‘Once a Falcon, Always A Falcon.’”

Alumni traveled from as far away as Washington, New Mexico, North Carolina and New Jersey for this inaugural event. Guests included BGSU Prominent 100 Alumnus Dr. Crystal Ellis ’57, ’75, ’93, a BGSU Hall of Fame member and long-time Toledo educator and leader. Ellis shared a story about legendary BGSU Coach Harold Anderson coming to see him at his mother’s house when Ellis didn’t think he could stay in school.

“My life would have been completely different if it weren’t for the caring and kindness of Coach Anderson and others at BGSU,” Ellis said. Ellis even took a few moments before the Golden Falcons induction ceremony to show he still had the on court moves that led to his status as team captain and 1956 Team MVP award winner.

The oldest alumna in attendance was Dorothy Bloomingdale Woods from the class of 1947. She received enthusiastic applause from her fellow inductees when she concluded her induction saying, “BG is a great school.”

Former Freddie Falcon Fred Frisbie ’54 (say that ten times fast!) shared the BGSU spirit that made him such a memorable mascot. Falcon pride was on full display as the current Freddie and Frieda welcomed the Golden Falcons and were joined with a surprise visit by legendary SICSIC.  Ten40 Acappella performed and entertained the Golden Falcons with a rousing rendition of Ay Ziggy Zoomba and the Alma Mater.

“Our Golden Falcons show that no matter where you go, BGSU will always be home,” said Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Rebecca Kocher.