Dear Alumni,
Our Shenandoah University campus was filled with alumni who returned to campus to enjoy an in-person 2021 Homecoming Weekend. It was terrific to celebrate alumni, reconnect with staff and faculty, learn about current students’ experiences, and enjoy our beautiful Winchester campus. With numerous alumni activities, athletic competitions, and conservatory performances, there was something for everyone.
Some alumni returned to SU for the first time – one said she hadn’t visited since 1976 and “my how things have changed!” Time and again, I heard numerous accolades about the beauty of the campus and the appreciation for the continued investment in SU students. It is a great time to be a Hornet!
The Black Alumni Network hosted several inaugural homecoming activities since its organization just one year ago. They partnered with Career & Professional Development to present an interactive alumni panel regarding their careers and professional experiences. You could feel the energy and enthusiasm during the Black Alumni Network Dinner & Awards Ceremony – and it increased when award winner Nicole Davis ’03, ’06 was encouraged to sing something during her acceptance speech and a beautiful line from Ella Fitzgerald’s “Summertime” filled the room. Thank you to Black Alumni Network President Rippert “Rip” Roberts III ’08, ’09 for his leadership along with Bryce Mitchell ’14, ’17; Carl Rush ’09, ’11, ’20; David Wilburn ’15; Gordon Craig, III ’04, and Shana Sumers ’12. Rip will serve as an ex officio member of the Shenandoah University Alumni Board of Directors and we look forward to continued collaboration. For more information on how to join the Black Alumni Network, send an email to blackalumninetwork@su.edu or submit this Google Form to sign up to join the group.
A shout out and big thank you to the leadership of our Executive Director of Donor & Alumni Relations Emily Burner ’16, her fantastic team of Tina Stowell, Harley Ryan ’16, and Suzanne Cole, and the entire Office of Advancement who organized and executed the alumni events. The campus was dressed in red and blue and ready to welcome the Shenandoah University family home!
I hope you enjoy the beauty of fall, the time outside in the fresh air, and that each of you and your families stay well.
Warm regards,
Anne Lewis
President, SU Alumni Association