Dear Alumni and Friends,
You know spring has arrived when we turn our clocks forward and SU celebrates the history and tradition of the Dayton Campus. If you have not had the opportunity to attend the Dayton Alumni Reunion, I encourage you to register. This year, the weekend starts March 30 with a Welcome Reception and unveiling of a permanent Shenandoah exhibit at The Heritage Museum in Dayton, Virginia. On March 31, Dayton alumni will meet for for food and fellowship at the Thomas House Restaurant, a favorite hangout in the ‘50s. The day continues with a moving Memorial Service led by The Rev. Gordon C. Bayles, Jr. ’57; Carl D. Harris ’59, Dayton Alumni Choir director; and Don R. Smith ’60, organist/accompanist. Reunion classes will be recognized and the Dayton Alumni Hall of Fame Induction takes place at lunch. I have had the pleasure of attending Dayton Weekend in the past and I really enjoyed listening to alumni share stories and watching them perform in “Dayton’s Got Talent”.
The day does not end there…it is back to Winchester to kick off the Conservatory Alumni Reunion with “It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere” Mixer and the Jazz Jam Session. There are several new events this year, including the Ira Lindberg Harris Lip-Sync for Your Life and Reading Sessions. The choral session will be led by Karen Keating ’02 and the orchestra session will be led by Don Black ’50, Ray Fowler and Jan Wagner. This is your chance to sing or play with your classmates and current students — or just be part of the audience and listen.
On April 1, the Alumni Association Board of Directors will meet to continue our discussion on how we can support SU’s strategic plan for 2025 as well as continue to help you…SU’s alumni stay connected to your alma mater. Then, immediately following our meeting, the Board of Directors will attend the Conservatory Celebration Luncheon where Dean Michael Stepniak will give the State of the Conservatory Address and the Alumni of Excellence awards, Rising Star Alumni awards and reunion classes will be recognized. This is an exciting weekend and I hope you will be able to share in some of the activities and catch up with a few lifelong friends.
If you are not able to attend the events in Dayton on March 31, then be sure to attend the Ninth Annual Business Symposium hosted by Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business, in Halpin-Harrison Hall on campus. The theme of this year’s Business Symposium is “Imagine: Your Business Legacy” with keynote speaker, Mr. Ron Losby, President & CEO of Steinway & Sons.
There is always something going on at SU, so please stop by even if it is just to sit in one of the many chairs near Sarah’s Glen and enjoy the beautifully designed garden. You will be glad you did!
I hope to see you soon!
Becky Merriner ’01