HOMECOMING 2008
HOMECOMING 2008 WRAP-UP
From Friday, November 7, with the Strong Hall Reunion, Daily Beacon Reunion, and Wrestlers Reunion to Saturday, November 8, with the annual Party in the Park, Homecoming weekend was filled with an array of nostalgia, entertainment, and excitement.
As alumnae from each decade entered Sophronia Strong Hall with excitement and mixed emotions the building seemed to take on its former life as a dormitory. There was standing room only for the Sophronia Strong Hall Reunion. Alumnae returned for a last opportunity to revisit their old dorm and to see their room. As memories were shared, laughter filled the lounge as former residents from each decade shared stories of their life in Strong. Alumnae came from as far away as Missouri, Texas, New York, Virginia, and Florida. The most senior alumnae returning was from the Class of 1942.
Many Daily Beacon alumni, as well as former members of the Orange and White, the Beacon’s predecessor, returned to campus for the first Beacon-Orange and White reunion. It was a huge success with alumni returning from 12 cities in 9 states (Florida, Virginia, California, Georgia, Ohio, Texas, New York, Illinois and North Carolina). The scope of attendees experience and connection covered 60+ years of publishing of the Orange and White and Daily Beacon. Alumni included students from decades of the 40’s up to the 2000s. Some 20 media professionals attended and other careers reflected freelance writers/authors, small business owners, accountants, lawyers, advertising/public relations, fashion design and engineering. The most senior alumna attending was former editor from the class of 1945.
Former wrestlers, students and colleagues of Arthur B. Stowers Jr., gathered at the Baker Peters Restaurant to honor him for his service to the university, the wrestlers and the community. The evening culminated with a presentation to the University celebrating his life by establishing the Arthur B. Stowers, Jr. Award to provide scholarships to students to continue his commitment to the “teaching of others” as well as continuing his legacy of service to the university.
On Saturday, lots of excitement filled the air at the Office of Alumni Affairs annual tailgating event in Circle Park. Alumni and friends came from all over the Unites States for the celebration.
From rocking to sounds from The MOOD Band; taking line dancing lessons, cheering with the cheerleaders; children enjoying face painting; magic tricks and the balloon artist the Party in the Park was fun for everyone.
Special guests were Olympians Dee Dee Trotter and Jangy Addy. Joining alumni and friends for the party they signed autographs and poised for pictures.
The academic showcase featured exhibits from Undergraduate Admissions; Architecture & Design; Chemistry; Physic and Astronomy; Theatre; Education, Health & Human Sciences; Social Work and the Southern Appalachian Science and Engineering Fair.
