Dear Alumni, Faculty and Staff,
I had the pleasure of attending my first board of trustees meeting as an ex-officio member at the end of October. I was brought up to speed on all things associated with the University and found the meeting very informative and insightful.
The most impactful part of the meeting for me was a panel discussion comprised of current students. These students were from different schools and disciplines, represented varying years of study, and all came from different backgrounds. What resonated with me most was each student’s description of Shenandoah. What it was that brought them to and also what has kept them at the University. Overall, the students conveyed a feeling of home, community, family and compassion at Shenandoah.
When I think back on my schooling at Shenandoah, I can see that is precisely what brought me to Shenandoah. The sense of being a part of a family who cared about your success, not just in the classroom, but in life. For me, this feeling began with the professors and fellow classmates from the first day of orientation.
I hope you, too, can reflect back on your time at Shenandoah and recall these same feelings. I also hope this encourages you to return to the University whether it be for a concert, play, Homecoming or the Conservatory Alumni Reunion to recapture the spirit of what brought you to Shenandoah and reconnect with the University.
Ashley Smith Warren ’07
President, SU Alumni Association