Linda Gitzendanner Hines AOPII ’68 and Stuart Hines OX ’67 celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on September 6, 2019 at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island MI followed by a trip through the Upper Peninsula and locks at Sault Set Marie MI.

The couple first met Oct 3, 1964 in front of Pfieffer Hall.  They were married Sep 6, 1969 following Stu’s discharge from the US Army after serving a year in Vietnam.

Linda spent several years raising their two children before taking advantage of her IWU degree in education where she enjoyed a satisfying career as a third grade teacher.  A major in business administration and a minor in insurance, Stu’s entire career was in the area of employee benefits before retiring in 2010 as the Employee Benefits Manager of the St. Louis Metropolitan Sewer District.  They currently reside in the St Louis area and enjoy time with their two children and four grandchildren.

Linda was thrilled last month when their granddaughter, Katie, pledged AOPII at Missouri State University. Katie’s pledging brought back many fun memories of Linda’s years in AOPII.

Both Linda and Stu reflect often on their happy days at IWU and continue to be grateful for the foundation IWU has provided them over the years.

Stuart Hines and Linda Gitzendanner enjoy their first date at the OX Bowery Brawl October 3, 1964

50 years later Linda and Stu toast to their anniversary Sep 6, 2019 at the Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, MI