Alumni couples return for diamond anniversary

Six couples, and friends, from the class of 1965 returned to the main campus for a 60th reunion June 14, 2025. The dozen were part of a group of 16 students—nearly a fifth of the entire 1965 student body of what was then Pacific College—who served in one another’s weddings shortly after graduation. Their graduation year was also the year Pacific was first accredited as a college.

While group members stayed in touch over the years, the next time they were all together was for a 50th reunion in June 2015.

Galen and Jonell (Guenther) Harms

Galen was a teacher and school administrator and Jonell was a registered nurse.

Paul and Judy (Garner) Neufeld

Paul was a general contractor and founder of a Christian school, and Judy taught elementary school.

Garry and Lois (Bartel) Schmidt

Garry worked in special education and Lois was an elementary teacher. Both were also missionaries.

Roy and Paula (Payne) Klassen

Roy was a music professor at FPU for over 30 years, and Paula was an elementary school teacher.

Gene and Geri (Martens) Sperling

Gene was associate pastor at New Hope Community Church, Clovis, and Geri was a medical receptionist.

Lloyd and Mary (Neufeld) Gardner

Lloyd was a junior high and high school teacher, coach and pastor while Mary was an executive secretary for schools and medical facilities.

Your Central Valley (KSEE 24 NBC/KGPE 47 CBS) reported on the event: yourcentralvalley.com/news/local-news/fresno-couples-60th-wedding-anniversary

(from left, husbands standing behind wives): Galen and Jonell Harms, Paul and Judy Neufeld, Garry and Lois Schmidt, Roy and Paula Klassen, Gene and Geri Sperling, Lloyd and Mary Gardner. (FPU photo)