CONNECTIONS Alumnae

RE-Up with Wesleyan. Let’s REnew, REaffirm, and REestablish our alumnae engagement with the College and with the WCAA as we welcome Wesleyan’s new president, Meaghan Blight, into the Wesleyan family. President Blight values our continued support and our input on how to move the College forward with new alumnae initiatives. Now is the time to think “bigger than ever” as we are guided by her bold vision for the future. There are many ways to engage - schedule a virtual alumnae event or class meeting, start an area alumnae club, mentor a student, volunteer for the WCAA, start an affinity group to connect with alumnae who share your interests, participate in a Wesleyan book club, or commit to The Wesleyan Fund, to name a few. Contact the Alumnae Office at csnow@wesleyancollege.edu or (478) 757-5173 and the WCAA Board of Managers at WesleyanBOM@gmail.com for more ways to engage and to REconnect!

Alumnae Weekend 2023. We hope YOU are making plans to return to campus for Alumnae Weekend in April and join special reunion year classes in celebrating the ties that bind us together. Remember, Alumnae Weekend is not just for reunion classes!

In May, members of the Atlanta Club enjoyed getting together for a fun Wesleyan Women’s Walk at Blackburn Park. A virtual book club meeting was held in June (suggested reading The Liz Taylor Ring) and in September (suggested reading Lessons in Chemistry). The group’s executive board met in July to plan activities for the 2022-23 year. Fall events included a Sip and Chat social at Eclipse di Luna and an October Sisterhood Social hosted by Deidra West Smith ’96 in her home, where President Blight was the special guest. The social was sponsored by Atlanta Club past presidents. A December Holiday Gala at Lenbrook Square featured a piano concert by Wesleyan Associate Professor of Music Dr. Chenny Gan ’02 Peggy Parrish Hasty ’71 is president of the Atlanta Club. For more information about upcoming Club events, contact atlanta@wesleyancollege.edu.

Area alumnae met in December for the annual Macon alumnae holiday coffee. The Jingle & Mingle event was held in Burden Parlor, where President Blight was on hand to greet alumnae. Guests enjoyed entertainment by The Wesleyannes under the direction of Nadine Cheek ’79. Local alumnae also decorated the campus for the holidays. Macon alumnae Pioneer Book Club members continue to meet on a regular basis and offer some suggested readings for other Wesleyan book clubs that include Fresh Water for Flowers, and The Woman Behind the New Deal.

In October, Golden Isles alumnae met with Wesleyan’s Director of Undergraduate Recruitment Tanisha Johnson for a Happy Hour Meet-Up at Coastal Kitchen, where they discussed ways to recruit prospective students from the area.

In December, the NC Triangle Book Club met at the Fearrington House Inn in Pittsboro for a Christmas Dutch Treat Tea and book discussion. The group’s annual meeting took place in January at The Carolina Country Club, where Dr. Toyosi Fatunase Onwuemene ’03 spoke on “Reaching the World Through Hematology.” Club members were encouraged to bring children’s books to the meeting for their WOW (Workers of Wesleyan) community service project that supports Book Harvest, a non-profit literacy organization. Pamela Henry Pate ’71 and Linda Brown Walker ’73 serve as co-leaders of the group.

Sisters of the First Five Black Alumnae Network. The executive committee of SOFF held a virtual meeting to discuss activities, plans, and initiatives for 2023. Contact Najah Webb ’13, interim president of SOFF, for more information at najahstefanywebb@gmail.com.

SUMMER COMMENCEMENT RECEPTION. In August, graduate students and their families enjoyed Lemonade on the Lawn in front of Porter Auditorium after the ceremony. The reception was sponsored by the alumnae office and the WCAA.

ALUMNAE WELCOME NEW STUDENTS. In August, new students received goody bags, complete with snacks and Wesleyan swag from the WCAA and alumnae office. Members of the Macon Alumnae Club prepared and tagged bags that were distributed at registration.

SENIOR CELEBRATION BREAKFAST. Anderson Dining Hall served as the venue in October for this annual “Welcome Back” event for Seniors sponsored by the alumnae office and the WCAA that featured special late night breakfast fare. Remarks from WCAA board member Dr. Vida Olivares ’02 included a preview of future WCAA sponsored spring semester events with a focus on Candlelighting, mentoring, “life after Wesleyan,” and keeping in touch with the College after graduation.