Ten Alumni Classes to Relive “Golden Days”

The Alumni Relations office and individual reunion committees are putting the final touches on plans for the 2004 Alumni Reunion Celebration, to be held on campus April 23-24. Alumni from 10 classes (1929, ‘34, ’39, ’44, ’49, ’54, ’59, ’64, ‘69 and ’74) will gather for an unforgettable weekend of events and fun-filled reminiscing with former classmates.

Beginning Friday, April 23, alumni should arrive in time to register at Tillman Hall, formerly known as Main Building. They’ll have an opportunity to walk the campus or take a guided tour to see the many positive changes that have taken place since their last visit. A special exhibit of memorabilia (including the traditional blue uniforms and rat caps) will be on display in the Alumni Relations office, 304 Tillman.

Later that evening, reunion classes will hold celebratory gatherings of which details will be made available in the schedule provided to alumni at registration. The “Golden Girls” from the class of ’54 will be treated to a gala reception and dinner in McBryde Hall. Mary Jean Faris Martin, 50th reunion chair, hinted that special entertainment is being planned for the evening including a sextet performance by a group of alumnae. Following the dinner, classmate Margaret Craig Giles will host a party for the class in her home.

On Saturday, April 24, the day will begin with morning coffee at the home of Winthrop President Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and wife Gale. There, in the stately gardens of the president’s house, an awards presentation will be held to recognize four alumni and present them the Alumni Distinguished Service, Alumni Professional Achievement, Outstanding Young Alumni, and Mary Mildred Sullivan awards. Lunch for all alumni will follow in McBryde Hall with special greetings from Jolene Stepp Setliff ’86, Alumni Association president, and from President DiGiorgio.

Saturday afternoon of Alumni Reunion Celebration is traditionally a time for individual classes to meet. Details will be included in the schedule available at registration.

Alumni will be treated to a musical tribute to the former dean of the music school, Dr. Jess Casey, late Saturday afternoon. This event will include a montage of performers, including former students and faculty who worked with Casey during his tenure at Winthrop. The free performance will be held in Frances May Barnes Recital Hall, followed by a reception in 101 Conservatory of Music.

Following the tribute will be Winthrop’s annual choreography showcase in Johnson Theatre. The audience will enjoy a variety of dance styles, individually choreographed and performed by Winthrop seniors. For ticket price and information, contact the box office at 803/323-4014.

On Sunday, Winthrop will hold its first Ring Ceremony at 4 p.m. in Frances May Barnes Recital Hall. Those who’ve purchased the new, official university ring will be invited to participate in this new tradition. Afterwards, a reception will take place in the gardens of the Little Chapel.

Finally, Winthrop’s Glee Club will entertain an audience in Byrnes Auditorium at 5 p.m. on Sunday. The hour-long concert will feature students performing musical numbers from popular Broadway shows, “Les Miserables” and “Phantom of the Opera.” The concert is free of charge.

Alumni from the 10 celebrating classes are strongly encouraged to attend Alumni Reunion Celebration weekend and to register their intent to participate. A brochure describing the event was mailed earlier this year but can be obtained by calling the Alumni Relations office at 800/578-6545 or 803/323-2145, or by emailing wualumni@winthrop.edu. 
 

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