The Alumni Association is gearing up for an exciting fall, and of course, the highlight will he Homecoming Weekend (Oct. 26-29) and the football game against Villanova. There are some new events that we hope will entice you to join us this year. One is an expanded Friday night event the Friday Night Fest. This is a come-one, come-all event designed to offer something for everyone. There will be a great hand, games for kids of all ages, food, drink and the opportunity to meet your friends in an inform-al setting, so plan to connect with your group here. Don't forget: this is your Alumni House, so plan to use it!
Saturday, the Homecoming Parade will, for the first time in several years, continue down Richmond Road past the Alumni House so there will good viewing opportunities from our lawn. In fact, the reviewing stand will be on our corner so you can come and heckle the judges! There will be box lunches before kickoff and lots of games and activities for families. The goal for all of these events is to make being here as comfortable and flexible as possible. You can do as much or as little as you want, but I do hope you will see the Alumni House as a place for gathering, resting, eating or just hanging out. Of course the rest of campus, including academic departments and other, athletic teams, offers opportunities for gathering together, so be sure to check frequently online to see what's been added that might interest you.
The most important award that the Alumni Association bestows is the Alumni Medallion. This time-honored tradition recognizes our most illustrious alumni and this year is no exception. The 2006-07 recipients are Constance Warren Desaulniers '75, Thomas P. HoIlowell '65, J.I). '68, MET '69, Susan Aheron Magill '72, Theresa Thompson '67 and Winfred O'Neil Ward '54. Prior to this year, the recipients were honored during Homecoming Weekend at a formal Friday night ball. It was a lovely event, but we noticed fewer and fewer alumni attending. We are proud of these recipients and wanted greater numbers of alumni and other members of the College community to be part of their, celebration.
With President Nichols endorsement, the Medallions will now be presented during one of the College most significant celebrations, Charter Day, which will be celebrated Feb. 10, 2007 The Medallion presentation will be held on Friday afternoon in the Wren Chapel, followed by a reception in the Great Hall. The recipients will process in regalia with the official party during the Charter Day ceremony on Saturday and will be recognized by President Nichol.
The Association is sponsoring many other programs and events to further the goals I discussed in the Winter magazine. Our Web presence is growing and our connection to current students and young alumni remains a high priority. We continue to partner with the College community both on and off campus. Several faculty members will be speaking to various chapters across the country this fall so check the Web site or, the eConnection.
As always, I am interested in hearing from you. Please stay in touch at evp@wm.edu, and I hope to see many of you during Homecoming.
