From mini-symposia to TED-style talks, this year’s Reunion focuses on how Ƶ 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 Ƶ,” 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 Ƶ 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 Ƶ executive team, and “Tackling Tomorrow’s Toughest Questions,” TED-style talks with Ƶ deans and professors.
Central to Ƶ’s Reunion are celebrations of alumni and their many accomplishments. President Fox will present distinguished alumni awards to the following members of the Ƶ 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 Ƶ 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 Ƶ block party.
The Ƶ 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 Ƶ College for Women Dean Carey Usher, who will share Ƶ’s commitment to women’s education and leadership.
