Three men with the same name-John Murray-tackled the topic “Diverse Intergenerational Views” during the 26th annual Grandparent Days at Hesston College April 2 and 3.

John (Nathan) Murray (right), 19, is a freshman at the college, studying music education, but also exploring the ministry. John (Charles) Murray (center), 47, is pastor of Hesston Mennonite Church, and a 1981 graduate of Hesston College. John (Fredrick) Murray (left), 77, is a retired school teacher and pastor. All three live in Hesston.

After discussing how they got their names, the three Johns also shared some of the similarities and differences between them and their life journeys.

This year’s theme was “Putting the GRAND back in Grandparents.”

About 90 grandparents from eight states-Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Nebraska, Arkansas, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Colorado-attended the annual Grandparent Days, representing 48 students.

Seven students had grandparents represented from both sides of the family. Four sets of grandparents attending have more than one grandchild at Hesston College.

The event was held in conjunction with the LEAD (Lifelong Education and Development) program directed by Hesston College sociology professor Dwight Roth.