Brenau University alumni will “reignite the flame” April 28-30 on Brenau’s historic Gainesville campus with the first in-person Alumni Reunion Weekend since March 2020.
“This year’s reunion is going to be so special after two years of virtual gatherings,” said Director of Alumni Engagement Ashley Carter, WC ’09, BU ’12, ’22. “Reunion weekend is by far my favorite event of the year, and 2022 is our year to reignite the flame; together, we are as gold refined by fire.”
President Anne Skleder said she is delighted to welcome alumni back to campus for the 2022 reunion.
“Genuine connection is so important and there’s no better time for alumni to re-establish their bonds with Brenau than over a favorite tradition,” she said. “I cannot wait to greet our alumni as they gather on our historic Gainesville campus to spend time together. I also look forward to a new event, the State of the University Address, in which I will share all the exciting things happening at Brenau.”
Carter said Brenau is expecting its largest reunion to date this year. A host of events will take place Thursday, Friday and Saturday. A complete list of events and registration is listed on the website.
On Thursday, the 50th-anniversary classes of 1970, 1971 and 1972 will be celebrated with a dinner. In addition to the meal and time to catch up, a special ceremony will recognize all three classes and their golden anniversaries.
Friday’s activities start with a new event this year, the Alumni Speaker Event. This panel will feature three Brenau alumni speakers: Qing Cao, WC ’11, Khalilah R. Johnson, WC ’05, BU ’06, and Ya’Sheaka C. Williams, WC ’00. The trio will discuss how Brenau impacted their lives and shaped them into who they are. You can watch the panel online here. Afterward, alumni can grab lunch with Brenau Women’s College seniors at Hopkins Dining Hall.
That evening, the Alumni and Friends happy hour starts at 5 p.m. with the Reunion Dinner and Pinning Ceremony to follow at 6:30 p.m. The dinner celebrates class years that end in 0, 1, 2, 5, 6 or 7.
Following Class Day on Saturday morning, alumni are welcomed back to campus for a favorite tradition: the Champagne Brunch. Faculty and staff are encouraged to attend the brunch, as well as the State of the University Address, alumni awards at 1 p.m. and May Court at 2:30 p.m. You can watch the State of the University and the alumni awards here.
Young Alum Award recipient Sage Magness, WC ’07, said they are excited to reconnect with classmates who may not be as involved in alumni relations.
“I think that some alums believe Alumni Reunion Weekend is their one opportunity to reconnect to Brenau, and so it has become my opportunity to see those folx in person,” Magness said. “I’m looking forward to connecting with people in person after two years of virtual reunions.”
Magness, who lives in Maryland, also plans to share Brenau with their partner and enjoy their 15th class reunion.
“I also like meeting the current students and hearing about all the goings on around campus,” they said.
Open Houses for sororities and athletics will follow May Day at 3:15 p.m. Skleder will close out the weekend with the President’s Closing Reception at 3:15 p.m.
Faculty and staff are encouraged to wear their gold name badges for free admission to the events.
