It's hard to know exactly what kept them in touch for all of these years.

They bonded over difficult coursework and a six-day school week at a time the College of Engineering's orientation told them pointedly that only one-third of them would graduate. In those days, there was a long wait to call home from an off-campus pay phone, so talks with parents were infrequent.

There were late nights at the apartment where they studied and partied, and the epic 1969 football game known as the Arkansas-Texas "Big Shootout" where they lucked into 50-yard-line seats. They still crack up over the time Ralph Evans drove his Pontiac GTO across Old Main lawn. On the downside, each man's military draft number (the higher, the better) factored into future plans.

After graduation, they shared each other's ups and downs in marriage, children and work. They kept it together through the lowest lows, including when Evans drowned in a scuba diving accident during one of their Arkansas reunions.

The group of 1971 College of Engineering alumni, now all retired, descended on campus with their wives in October to reminisce, see how the area has prospered and pay tribute to the late Evans, B.S.Ch.E., by adding to the scholarship his widow established in his name. They were among the first to contribute and have continued to donate over the years.

One of the men's daughters pointed out that it's unusual for a group of guys to keep in touch in the way they have.

"I feel like these are my brothers," said Gary Reed, B.S.M.E. "When you look at a photo of us together, we even look like family."

Each man treasures his time at the College of Engineering and the U of A for setting them on the right course.

"My education at the university made a tremendous difference in my life, in all of our lives," said Dennis Abell, B.S.I.E. "It's a special place that opened doors for us. It grounded us in hard work and made us problem solvers."

Other graduates in the group they teasingly call BTCrew, or Brain Trust Crew, include Bill Rogers, B.S.M.E.; John Kelly, B.S.C.E.; Wayne Garrison, B.S.M.E.; Larry Robertson, B.S.Ch.E.; Ken Rogers, B.S.Ch.E.; and Kinch Meyer, B.S.I.E. Two more, Bob May, B.S.Ch.E.; and John Oldner, B.S.Ch.E., M.S.Ch.E., could not make this trip.

The degrees drove members of the group to work in a great variety of roles as financial managers, CEOs, energy executives, insurance company managers, company owners and international consultants.

"Engineering is a solid foundation to enter the workplace and achieve success in many areas outside of pure engineering," Robertson said.

On tap during their visit was a trip to Venesian Inn in Tontitown, where they used to travel, without dates, to celebrate big tests or projects being completed.

Dickson Street was hopping, and the gang would hit regular hangouts like the Library, D-Lux and a pool hall where they played for 10 cents per cue. There was no Interstate 49. Heck, there was no U.S. 71 Bypass, the precursor to the interstate. U.S. 71 and Arkansas 112, the main highways, would back up with traffic for miles.

Some positive changes they see at the U of A today are more diversity in athletics and the student body, and they especially praise the increase of women studying engineering. Women bring a different and beneficial perspective to the craft.

Another great change is a focus on supporting students through graduation and improving the graduation rate, rather than scare tactics that two-thirds of them will be weeded out.

Among the activities the group attended during their trip was a reception of the College of Engineering's Dean's Advisory Council at Carnall Hall. It was a big deal to these old guys, Abell said, and they dressed in suits and ties for the occasion.

The group presented checks to College of Engineering Dean Kim Needy to augment the Ralph Evans Scholarship Fund.

"We are so grateful to these gentlemen for their contributions to engineering over the course of their careers. As with all of our students, their success is our success," Needy said. "Even more, we thank them for their generosity in remembering their friend and the great help this will be to the students who benefit from the Ralph Evans scholarship."

For information about contributing to scholarship programs in the College of Engineering, contact Bill Lansden, senior director of development and external relations, at blansden@uark.edu.

College of Engineering alumni who jokingly call themselves the "Brain Trust Crew" pose beneath the banner they flew at the 1969 Arkansas-Texas football game known as the "Big Shootout." Back row, from left: Gary Reed, Ken Rogers, Larry Robertson and Wayne Garrison; and front row: Bill Rogers, Dennis Abell and John Kelly.