Alumni Day 2017 is a Great Success!

Alumni Day ’17, on June 3, kicked off with the invitation-only President’s Breakfast under a tent on the front lawn. After an opening prayer by Rev. Mark Specht 7W7, the large group enjoyed a hot breakfast buffet prepared by Tim Burbage, director of food services, and his staff. Then, opening words were given by Mary Nell Rounds and President Michael Rounds. 

Arlene Snyder, vice president for institutional advancement, then spoke on the importance of joining the Wanamaker Society, a way of supporting Williamson through wills and other planned gifts. Wanamaker Society members who were present and had not yet received their Society pins, were given one by several members of the Board of Trustees — Chairman William Bonenberger 7W9, Vice Chairman Art Lallo 7W9, Richard Storm 6W2, and Vincent Mancini. The pins are a way for Society members to be recognized for their special support of Williamson.

After breakfast, a large group of alumni, friends, and many members of the Watson family attended the dedication of Williamson’s first new dormitory since 1912 — Watson Dorm.

[fusion_button link=”https://www.facebook.com/pg/WilliamsonTrades/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1700873289940369″ color=”custom” size=”xlarge” stretch=”yes” type=”flat” shape=”square” target=”_blank” title=”” gradient_colors=”#024568|” gradient_hover_colors=”#74b8dc|” accent_color=”rgba(255,255,255,.9)” accent_hover_color=”rgba(2,69,104,1)” bevel_color=”” border_width=”3px” shadow=”no” icon=”fa-check-square-o” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” modal=”” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”up” animation_speed=”1″ alignment=”” class=”” id=””]View pictures from Alumni Day on Facebook[/fusion_button]

Throughout the day, guests enjoyed such activities as the Classic Car Show and the Family Fun Zone, which included pony rides, a moonbounce, and face painting. Popcorn, snow cones, and cotton candy were provided free by Richard Rothe. A sand sculpting demonstration was presented by horticulture instructor Chuck Feld, who sculpted a castle.

In the Clara Schrenk Memorial Chapel, President Rounds gave a State of the College address, followed by an Alumni Chapel Service. Then everyone enjoyed lunch in the dining room. The afternoon included a performance by Dig Down Deep, a 3-piece band that includes Gregg Trexler 7W8 and Perry Greto 8W0. There also was a performance at the Pavilion by the De La Salle String Band Orchestra and an Alumni Association meeting.

Throughout the day, guests enjoyed an interesting historical display in the Shrigley Library, shopping in the College Store and at the Auxiliary’s sale of crafts and baked goods, and touring the shops.

The day concluded with the lowering of the flag, with the Classes of 1W9 and 6W7 present.