Celebrating the Legacy of the EXEL-O Program: A Reunion to Remember

Welcome Back, EXEL-O Family and Friends

The Experimental Elementary Overseas (EXEL-O) 50th-year reunion this past fall was a resounding success, bringing together alumni, faculty, and friends to celebrate a program that left an indelible mark on its participants. On a crisp October day in 2024 at Teachers College, laughter, stories, and cherished memories filled the room as we reconnected with the class of 1974 and reflected on their incredible experiences abroad.

The Journey That Changed Lives Forever

In the fall of 1974, a group of 30 adventurous students embarked on a life-changing journey through the EXEL-O program. Guided by the late Dr. Betty Pogue Hadley (affectionately known as “Dr. Betty”) and her husband, Graham Pogue, these students spent months in England and across Europe, observing, teaching, and exploring.

Their journey began with two weeks in bustling London, followed by a month in Staffordshire, where they studied the English school system at Madeley College. Each student was then placed with a local family, teaching in schools and immersing themselves in the culture and warmth of their hosts.

The final leg of their adventure took them across the continent, where they visited iconic landmarks, experienced diverse cultures, and formed bonds that would stand the test of time.

A Trip Down Memory Lane: Highlights from the Reunion

Fast forward to 2024, when 15 of those original adventurers gathered to relive those unforgettable months. The reunion was filled with nostalgia and joy as attendees brought memorabilia from their travels, including photos, diaries, and even carefully preserved pieces of toilet paper from the places they visited! Some shared rocks collected during their European travels, while others proudly displayed rings purchased as souvenirs of their journey.

One of the most heartwarming moments came when alumni read excerpts from their journals, a required component of their time abroad. Over the summer, two travelers—one from Indiana and one from Virginia—decided to combine their journals into a handmade keepsake book. One used blue type, the other green, making it easy to distinguish their voices. They also added reflections in purple, offering a present-day perspective on their past experiences. The book featured photos of letters, vaccinations, passports, postcards, personal snapshots, landmarks, souvenirs, and future aspirations. It concluded with their thoughts 50 years later, details of past reunions, Dr. Betty’s obituary, and the story of a campus tree dedication in her honor. This handmade book beautifully captured the enduring friendship forged through their shared experiences.

Honoring Dr. Betty Pogue Hadley

This reunion was not only a time for celebration but also an opportunity to honor the memory of Dr. Betty Pogue Hadley. Known for her kindness, guidance, and adventurous spirit, Dr. Betty played a pivotal role in making the EXEL-O program so impactful. Though the EXEL-O family mourned her passing in February 2022, her legacy lives on.

In her honor, alumni came together to plant a tree outside the Teachers College common area—a lasting tribute to a professor who shaped so many lives. During the reunion, attendees visited the tree, shared stories, and reflected on Dr. Betty’s profound influence on their journeys.

Then and Now: The Legacy of EXEL-O

A highlight of the event was the recreation of old photographs. Alumni revisited places they had stayed in Staffordshire and Europe, capturing then-and-now images that showcased the enduring connections built through the program.

Today, the EXEL-O program continues as EDEL-O, providing new generations of students with immersive learning experiences abroad. At the reunion, recent EDEL-O participants joined in, bridging the past and present while learning from the trailblazing class of 1974.

Highlights from a Joyous Reunion

The reunion brimmed with unforgettable moments:

A Walk Down Memory Lane: Alumni shared diaries, photos, and humorous relics from their travels—including preserved pieces of toilet paper from the places they visited!
Travel Keepsakes: Rocks, rings, and mementos from their European adventures sparked conversations and brought vivid memories back to life.

T-Shirts, Memories, and Unbreakable Bonds

To commemorate the occasion, special EXEL-O reunion T-shirts were designed and distributed to all attendees, including the recent EDEL-O students who joined the celebration. Alumni wore their shirts proudly—a perfect blend of nostalgia and camaraderie.

The EDEL-O students were thrilled to hear firsthand accounts from the EXEL-O pioneers. With youthful enthusiasm, they shared their own recent overseas adventures and marveled at the unity and lasting friendships of the 1974 alumni.

“It’s inspiring to see how close you all still are,” one student remarked. “We’ll do our best to stay connected and create traditions like this reunion in the future.”

Their excitement infused the gathering with fresh energy, bridging generations and reaffirming the program’s enduring legacy of connection and impact.

A Time to Remember

From heartfelt storytelling to shared laughter and warm embraces, this reunion was more than just an event—it was a celebration of lifelong bonds, and the resilience of friendships forged through travel and learning.

The EXEL-O program wasn’t just about studying abroad; it was about creating connections that transcend time and distance.

As the event came to a close, attendees expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect.

“We’ve been through so much together, and to still have this bond after 50 years is something truly special,” one alumnus shared. “I’m so glad we can share this moment and pass the torch to the next generation.”

Looking to the Future

The EXEL-O reunion reminded us all of the importance of staying connected, cherishing memories, and honoring the educators who shape our lives. Plans are already underway for future gatherings, and alumni are eager to continue the tradition of coming together to celebrate their shared history.

To all the EXEL-O alumni, faculty, and friends—thank you for making this event so special. Your stories, laughter, and love remind us of the lasting impact of education and exploration. Here’s to many more reunions and the continued legacy of EXEL-O/EDEL-O!