Happy Spring!
Spring has finally arrived, although you wouldn’t recognize it from our recent weather. Hot, cold, wind and snow have all made an appearance over the past few weeks in Winchester.
Most noticeable was the absence of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival this spring! I couldn’t imagine Winchester without the festival, but that was the reality this year. Although there were no events or parades, pink and green bunting, wreaths and flags were everywhere! Many of us watched a retrospective of the festival which featured parades and celebrities of past years.
We are now entering the season of graduation ceremonies and rituals. Students and families have looked forward to this milestone and all the pomp and circumstance that surrounds it. Due to our current health crisis, these ceremonies and rituals will look quite different. Shenandoah will have a virtual ceremony on Saturday, May 16, and is planning a formal commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 during Homecoming Weekend in October, if guidelines for large gatherings allow that to occur. Some of you may remember the years when Shenandoah had one commencement ceremony per year, so if you finished over the summer, you had to wait until the following spring to wear your academic regalia. It was worth the wait and just as exciting!
I hope that you are all safe and well. The time we find ourselves in is challenging. Many are working from home while monitoring our children’s school work and family life. Grandparents are missing time with children and grandchildren. Shortages of certain goods continue to be a problem. Many are feeling lonely and isolated. Please continue to care for yourselves and others. Look for the positives in your daily life. Keep in touch with the alumni office and let us know how you are doing.
Best,
Susan Helsley
President, SU Alumni Association