November 2005

ALUMNI NEWS

Alumni Celebrate, Reminisce across Campus

Alumni Board president Carey Earle '88, and Acting President Neil Kerwin '71, honor Lonnie Bunch '74 '76

More than 750 alumni and friends came to campus October 21-23 for Alumni Weekend (see/download photos). Graduates from the class of 1938 through 2005 commemorated their reunions, caught up with former classmates and took part in a variety of special activities from open classes to a 5K run, to tours and events in honor of the Katzen Arts Center's grand opening.

"Walking up the steps of the Katzen Arts Center was one of my proudest moments as an AU alum; seeing a dream realized and knowing what it will bring to the campus community," said Carey Earle, SOC/BA '88, Alumni Board president.

Friday saw the Class of 1955 inducted into the Golden Eagles, walking tours of campus, several student group and department receptions, and an alumni party for all classes at the 4P’s. Alumni from all over the country took part in the different events.

"It was great to see people I know from the alumni chapter in Miami on AU's campus. It was so exciting to make those connections," said Carl Hildebrand, SIS/MA '02, Miami Chapter leader.

Stefanie Gerard, KSB/BA '96, Jessica D'Amico, SOC/BA '96, and Laura MacKay, CAS/BA '96 caught up at Cocktails and Conversation.

A rainy Saturday didn't dampen the spirits at AU. The American Classic 5K kicked off at 8 a.m. with more than 300 runners racing to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. The race was followed with private breakfasts with the deans of each school and college. That afternoon, the AU picnic, attended by more than 1,050 alumni and AU families visiting for Family Weekend, took over the entire first floor of the Mary Graydon Center.

The highlight of the weekend was Cocktails and Conversation, held Saturday evening at the Katzen Arts Center. The building was decked out to greet its guests for an evening of recogition, mingling, and comedy.

Lonnie Bunch, CAS/BA '74, CAS/MA '76, was awarded the 2005 Alumni Achievement Award by Acting President Neil Kerwin, SPA/BA '71, and Carey Earle. After the award presentation, Libby York, SPA/BA '66, took the stage in the building's rotunda to entertain the guests as they dined on a variety of hors d'oeuvres, a sushi and maki station, gourmet cheeses and antipasti, and yummy desserts including chocolate musical notes, petit fours, opera cakes, creme brulee, and more.

In the Abramson Recital Hall, D.C.'s own Capitol Steps performed two shows for guests, while other alumni and friends mingled in the rotunda and bid on dozens of items donated to the Student Alumni Association's silent auction. Items up for bidding included airfare for two to any destination in the United States; a night at the Grand Hyatt Washington; dinners at Galileo, 1789, Chef Geoff's, and other hot D.C. restaurants; artwork by alumni, and much more. The student-organized auction raised more than $2,100 to benefit SAA's programs and conferences.

"Alumni from all around the world gathered for Alumni Weekend 2005," said director of Alumni Programs Vanessa Yost, with careers are varied as ambassadors, CEOs, top attorneys, renowned authors, and more. "It provided our alumni an excellent opportunity to network and relive their days spent on campus. Plans for Alumni Weekend 2006 are already under way."

-Mary Mazzuca

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