Reported by Stephen Rute, Class of 1974
Since 1915, WPSD alumni have gathered for reunions to celebrate their shared heritage and enduring connection to their alma mater. On June 19–20, 2026, alumni returned to campus for the 38th Alumni Reunion. Old and new friends, as well as young and older generations, came together to rekindle friendships, strengthen bonds among alumni from different eras, and reaffirm their connection to WPSD.
An alumni reunion is more than a social gathering; it is a meaningful event that brings people together through shared memories and experiences. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and invest in the future of the institution and its alumni community. These reunions preserve traditions, strengthen identity, nurture lifelong relationships, and ensure that the history and spirit of WPSD continue to live in the hearts of those who once called it home.
Steven Fochtman and his committee members worked together to prepare for the 38th Alumni Reunion. At 3:00 PM, they warmly welcomed alumni and their spouses at the Alumni Pavilion for registration. As a special keepsake, each attendee received a leather notebook embossed with the Alumni Association logo.
In the evening, alumni gathered in the auditorium for the general meeting. The session was brief but informative. Following the meeting, alumni enjoyed visiting and renewing friendships at the Student Residence. The social gathering continued until the WPSD gates closed for the evening.
The following morning, more alumni arrived on campus, many accompanied by their children and family members. A continental breakfast was served in the WPSD cafeteria, providing an opportunity for attendees to socialize before the day’s activities began.
Later, alumni gathered in the auditorium for a Town Hall meeting with Superintendent Kevin McDonough and Executive Director Carrie Rain. They shared updates on WPSD’s mission, vision, and values, as well as several important projects and programs. Topics included the HVAC upgrade and renovation project, the esports program, robotics initiatives featuring robotics, aerial drones, and underwater robotics, the future of Porterfield Gymnasium, and the Innovation Center.
During the question-and-answer session, alumni expressed concerns regarding Porterfield Gymnasium and other school-related issues. School administrators addressed these concerns and provided updates that helped answer many of the questions raised by attendees.
During the second general meeting session, President Darrin Majocha called the meeting to order and opened the floor for new business. Several positive motions were presented and approved, including a proposal to allow coaches to be introduced into the Athletic Hall of Fame.
One of the major concerns raised by alumni was the need to secure a permanent location for the Alumni Museum. After discussion, it was decided that a special committee would be formed to further explore and address this important issue.
Before adjourning, President Majocha thanked the outgoing officers for their dedicated service and welcomed the newly elected officers who will lead the Alumni Association in the coming years.
- President – Tony Dumblosky ‘99
- First President – Nichloas Bertone ‘17
- Second Vice President – Isabella DiRenzo ‘17
- Proxy Secretary – Val Wojton ‘76
- Treasurer – Lisa Begley ‘83
- Trustees – David Fulmer ‘96, Jamie Kitchen ‘94, and Brian Mihoerck E’95
- Members at large –Andrea Echavarria ‘09, Irene Hearn ’59, Donna Hutchinson ‘67, Craig Kemmerer ‘80
At the cafeteria, alumni and guests enjoyed a variety of refreshments, including pasta salad, potato salad, and assorted ham and turkey hoagie sandwiches. Following lunch, everyone gathered in front of the Main Building for a group photograph, as well as a special photo recognizing the 50th Anniversary Class of 1976.
Afterward, a committee member led a guided tour of the Main Building and surrounding areas of the WPSD campus. Many participants were impressed by the appearance of the building and the changes that had taken place over the years. Several remarked that they had never seen certain areas in their current condition and were eager to learn more. Throughout the tour, alumni asked numerous questions about the building’s history, renovations, and current use. The informative tour lasted nearly an hour and was enjoyed by all who attended.
While many alumni participated in the campus tour, another group remained at the pavilion to meet with WPSD Athletic Director Kallie Mendenhall throughout the afternoon. She welcomed alumni to share their ESDAA experiences, offered retired basketball uniforms to interested alumni, discussed future volunteer opportunities with WPSD athletics, displayed historical scorekeeper books, and distributed the Fall 2026 sports schedule.
As part of an effort to preserve WPSD athletic history, Kallie invited several former athletes to share their memories and experiences on video. Among those interviewed was Stephen Rute, who was asked to explain why WPSD withdrew from the Eastern Schools for the Deaf Athletic Association (ESDAA) in 1971 and how the school eventually returned in 1994. Stephen shared his firsthand experiences from that era and his involvement in the efforts that led to WPSD’s reinstatement in ESDAA.
A memorable moment occurred when a photograph was taken of Stephen Rute and David Fulmer standing with Kallie Mendenhall while holding a basketball. The photograph represented far more than former players posing together. Stephen had been a member of the last WPSD basketball team to compete in ESDAA before the school’s withdrawal in 1971, while David had been a member of the first team to return to ESDAA competition in 1994. The image symbolized a unique connection between two generations of WPSD athletes and an important chapter in the school’s athletic history.
Oh, what a cute picture! It appeared on the cover of the WPAN brochure (February 1963, Vol. 71, No. 6). In the photo, a Valentine card box sat nearby, but instead of placing a card in the box, Robert Andrascik gave Karen Kramer a kiss.
Life eventually took them in different directions, and many years passed. Robert continued attending Alumni Reunions, while Karen was absent for decades. Finally, Karen returned to Pittsburgh to celebrate her Class of 1976’s 50th Anniversary Reunion. When Robert and Karen saw each other again, they greeted one another with great excitement and shared a warm hug.
Then Robert asked someone to take a photograph of them, recreating that childhood moment with another kiss. Sixty-three years later, the memory had come full circle. It was a touching reminder that alumni reunions bring people together through shared memories, lifelong friendships, and treasured experiences.
In the evening, alumni and guests gathered in the WPSD cafeteria for the banquet and cash bar. A delicious buffet dinner featured stuffing chicken, roast beef, scalloped potatoes, corn, green beans with carrots, and vegetable lasagna. The committee arranged for generous trays of each entrée and side dish, and the meal was enjoyed by all in attendance. To complete the evening, guests selected either vanilla or chocolate dessert.
A highlight of every Alumni Reunion is the Alumni Awards Ceremony. Stephen Rute ’74, Chairman of the Alumni Awards Committee, introduced each recipient and shared the background and accomplishments that made them deserve of recognition.
The 2026 Alumni Award recipients were:
- Alumni Merit Award – David Fulmer ’96
- Athletic Hall of Fame – Gary Butlin ’74 and George Greco ’19 (posthumously)
- Distinguished Alumni Award – Dr. Harry Lang ’65 and Dr. Harold Mowl, Jr. ’65
- Distinguished Service Award – Dr. Eddy Laird
Following the ceremony, alumni remained in the cafeteria visiting with friends and classmates. Conversations ranged from school memories and athletic competitions to spirited debates and stories from years gone by. As often happens at alumni gatherings, “Deaf Time” took over as the evening stretched late into the night.
Eventually, alumni departed for their homes or hotels, carrying with them renewed friendships, cherished memories, and a deeper appreciation for their alma mater. The 38th Alumni Reunion once again demonstrated that while years pass, the bonds among WPSD alumni remain strong.