Hello!
Fall is finally here in the Shenandoah Valley! We have had many cold and windy days in Winchester. The leaves are mostly gone from the trees and we’ve had our first dusting of snow. Since I like winter, you can imagine how excited I was when we brushed the first snowfall from my car. I also love winter and snow for another reason – snow days! When the phone rings at 5:30 AM, I know I will be home for the day. It’s the only early morning phone call that I enjoy getting.
The SU campus is a hive of activity! Concerts, plays and recitals are in full swing. The last football game of the season is Nov. 23 and I will be cheering on the Hornets that afternoon. If you happen to be driving through Winchester, please try to stop by campus. You will be amazed at the changes that have taken place over the years! Your dorm may look a little different, but I think you will discover that the heart of Shenandoah is still the same as when you were a student.
I attended the Board of Trustees meeting in October. It was such an honor to represent the Alumni Association that day. I learned a great deal about the inner workings of the university and the role the trustees play in guiding the future of Shenandoah. It was a privilege to meet with first-year students and admissions counselors – did you know that we have the largest first year class in the history of Shenandoah?
We had a very productive Alumni Association Board of Directors meeting in early November. We inducted several new board members and said goodbye to our outgoing president, Ashley Smith Warren. Ashley was a wonderful president and I have very big shoes to fill.
I wish each of you a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
Susan Wyatt Helsley ’76, ’85
President, SU Alumni Association