From mini-symposia to TED-style talks, this year’s Reunion focuses on how Ģý uses innovative programming to empower tomorrow’s leaders. Campus will fill with energy as alumni return for an exciting slate of events April 26–29.
“It’s been an honor and a lot of fun helping plan Reunion Weekend — my first here at Ģý,” said Clare Eakin, director of alumni engagement. “We included in the line-up some perennial favorites as well as new experiences, always with an eye on making sure the events are informative, engaging, and lively. I can’t wait to welcome our alumni back to campus for this wonderful weekend.”
The Day of Engagement on Saturday highlights the many ways Ģý is looking to the future of higher education and meeting students’ needs in a changing world. All alumni are invited to participate in future-focused conversations and events including the State of the University address by President Pamela Fox, a leadership luncheon with the Ģý executive team, and “Tackling Tomorrow’s Toughest Questions,” TED-style talks with Ģý deans and professors.
Central to Ģý’s Reunion are celebrations of alumni and their many accomplishments. President Fox will present distinguished alumni awards to the following members of the Ģý family for their remarkable achievements and dedicated service:
Career Achievement Award: Nell Rogers Carvell ’63
Service to Community Award: Michelle Trovato Sandy ’16
Service to Community of Faith Award: Beverly Burke McCaskill ’73
Emily Wirsing Kelly Leadership Award: Anne Holland ’88
Emily Vance Pancake Smith Medallion: Clair Carter Bell ’76
New events during Reunion 2018 showcase the university’s historic home in beautiful Staunton and its state-of-the-art branch campus for the Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences (MDCHS) in Fishersville. On Friday, MDCHS comes alive with elegance for a champagne reception and en blanc dinner under the stars, in addition to the Ģý alumni film premiere of A Year with Betty Gold. Saturday evening, alums will soak up the charm of downtown Staunton and enjoy live music, shopping, eating, and children’s activities at the Ģý block party.
The Ģý community is pleased to welcome the Class of 1968 for a special celebration day on Thursday in honor of their 50th Reunion. The Grafton Society luncheon on Friday honors members of that vital organization and features Ģý College for Women Dean Carey Usher, who will share Ģý’s commitment to women’s education and leadership.
