Hello!
Welcome to the newest members of our Alumni Association!
I was so honored to be among the speakers at SU Commencement and Hooding ceremonies this year. What an opportunity it was for me to welcome graduates to membership in the Alumni Association! The excitement of graduates and their families was evident throughout the ceremonies. The heat didn’t dampen their spirits and the day was filled with joy!
I told a few tales of my time at SU including borrowing cafeteria trays to use as sleds and the evening the VW Bug slipped out of gear and rolled into the pond in front of Gregory where it floated until it was somehow towed out. I spoke about how excited, homesick, and scared I was when I entered Shenandoah as a freshman but quickly realized that I was in the right place. I reminded the graduates of how important their college friendships are and how I consider my college friends as some of my closest friends today. I encouraged them to say yes to mentoring an SU student, being a guest speaker on campus, serving on a committee, attending alumni events, and giving back to SU when they could.
How many of us remember our commencement ceremonies? As I processed through the 900-foot tent on the field behind Brandt Student Center, I remembered when commencement was held in Armstrong Auditorium and everyone fit inside!
Again, welcome to the Alumni Association! We are excited to have you join us and we look forward to seeing what life holds for you. Keep in touch and let us know how you’re doing!
Susan Helsley
President, SU Alumni Association