The program opened with an introduction and prayer. The highlight of the luncheon was the address given by Lynda Maus, mother of Ryan Maus, class of ’07.

She reflected on her own college memories before asking those in attendance if it could possibly be true that she were really so old as to have her own son in college. Her speech centered on the journey of growing up and letting go, and as she spoke, she packed a small bag for Ryan, each item accompanied by a bit of motherly wisdom with the intent of making all the sons in the audience realize the importance of their mothers.

The first item was a melted Hershey bar, while she mentioned that stains don’t just magically disappear from clothing. The second was a small sapling accompanied by the advice that money does not grow on trees. The third item was a Tonka truck, the one vehicle that is indestructible and does not require parental help to operate; and finally, a referee whistle, added in the hope that her son might be able to make the peace in an argument.

As far as being the centerpiece in his mother’s speech, Ryan admits that he was "a little apprehensive at first, [but I was] very proud of her in the end, because [her advice] applies to every freshman who comes to college."

Ryan went on to add that the experience was a good opportunity for mothers to spend some time with their sons in college.

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