Later today I will, along with my classmates, gather to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of our graduation from high school. Years filled with both personal achievement and heartbreaking loss - with all our collective memories of our school, Brooklyn Prep and our lives since.

I have earnestly pondered the tremendous impact that BP had on all our lives. We, the class of '72 were sadly, the last graduation class from a fine, all boys, college preparatory school with a long history of excellence. I know I'll enjoy seeing all who will be there, and miss those won't.

When we started our journey together anything seemed possible. The Jets won the Super Bowl, the United States landed a human on the moon, the Miracle Mets won the World Series and social justice and the power of the people began to galvanize. During the fall of 1968 and throughout the following year history was made. Issues like the war in Vietnam, racial equality, gender equality and personal freedom dominated not just the news but all our lives.

The times, they were a changing.

We could not help but be transformed as well.

Our shared experience molded us into who we were to be. I know, with certainty, it had a huge influence on me. I am so grateful to have been part of the story.

Brooklyn Prep had a number of teachers that could easily be compared to Mr. Chips. We were lucky to have them and all those who supported the mission of the school. From Mrs. Butts and Barney in the cafeteria to the headmaster and including all the students - we were collectively blessed.

This is why we gather - to remember. To remember what it was like to be hopeful and young and expectant. To also remember those who, like us traveled for a time on a shared path, were part of the story but are no longer here with us to celebrate.

As for me, well, I am planning to enjoy my time.