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Hundreds of alumni enjoyed perfect weather on campus this past weekend as they returned for reunions, the Alumni Leadership Conference and a meeting of the Black Alumni Network. Outgoing Alumni Association President Leslie McIver '86 convened the Leadership Conference during a Friday luncheon, with Ben Ormand '34 at his side to deliver the invocation. A panel of students, including (l-r) Britta Toleman '00, Justin Boner '01, associate dean of students Leslie Marsicano and Nena Rashed '00 gave alumni their views of current college life.
Following the luncheon, some alumni toured the Watson Life Sciences Building, where one of the options was an overview of the neuroscience program by its director, Julio Ramirez. Back in Chambers later, alumni like Chris Edmondston '94 and Charlie Patterson '48 trained to be effective Annual Fund volunteers. Among the instructors were alumni former faculty members J.B. Stroud '51 and John Kelton '51.
The evening featured an elegantly laid dinner on the front lawn of the President's House. Those enjoying the occasion included Kathy Bray Merrell '85 and Allison Mauze Hall '84 and Class of '90 friends Tim Sparks, Matt Terrell and Stewart Rawson. The dinner included Annual Fund Awards and induction of alumni officers. Pictured here are (l-r) incoming president Andy McElwee '77, outgoing president Leslie McIver '86, incoming vice president Dana Lemon '86 and incoming president-elect Mike Deese '73. Incoming Annual Fund chair John McKinley '65 exhorted the troops to greater goals in the coming year than the splendid $5.15 million raised this year.
Saturday morning's activities included the Davidson Black Alumni meeting, presided over by Mitzi Short '83 and Jay Ferguson '92. President Robert Vagt '69 and Erwin Carter '79 were also on hand, greeting participants who included current student Jarred Cochran '03. Alumni enjoyed a beautiful morning, and members of the Avant Garde headed to Chambers Building for their program. That was highlighted by an engaging look at Washington politics from Fox TV host Tony Snow '77 . Senior members of the crowd were Class of '29'ers John Ricks, George Crawford and Thomas Hill. Earlier in the day, Snow granted an interview to "Davidsonian" reporters Wes Goldsberry '00 and Bobby Pittenger '02.
The college initiated a new era in outdoor art over the weekend with dedication of a statue, "Homage to Rodin," by William Tucker. The piece was commissioned by members of the Class of '93, who were represented by Chris Hoveland.
The action then shifted to Dogwood Dell, for the first-ever Homecoming Festival. Wildcat cheerleader Amy Grizzle '00 and her teammates had plenty of Wildcat paw tattoos, while Brandon Fagg presented a magic show. There was ice cream for kids like Payson Lee Broome (son of Harry '89 and Karen). Judge Vic Fleming '73 couldn't resist grabbing his guitar and joining in with the bluegrass band.
On to Smith Field, where a large crowd enjoyed watching the Wildcats host Guilford. 'Cat quarterback Shaun Tyrance '00 led the home team to a solid 28-21 victory. Fans like Phoebe Dean '95 and Jason Burt '95 enjoyed catching up with each other. Halftime featured introduction of the Homecoming court and crowning of Bill Stoops '00 from Clarion, Pa., and Marnie Padgett '00 from Bamberg, S.C., as Homecoming king and queen.
The Class of '89 migrated to Vail Commons for a band party on the terrace which featured Fudd McKinney '88 and his band. Friends enjoyed catching up on old times , and introducing their children to each other. Branson Prosser '90 and Norma Rodriguez Prosser '89 brought along two young Wildcats from their home in Wake Forest, N.C.
The Class of '39 had an evening reception in the Katherine and Tom Belk Visual Arts Center, where classmate Louis Hipp showed off his newly-acquired penchant for oil painting.
As evening settled, classes gathered for class dinners and long hours of reminiscing about their days in this place, and catching up on their lives since that time.
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