More than 1,300 alumni from around the country, students and parents, faculty and staff enjoyed the weekend festivities, Oct. 8-10.
By Megan Shearin | October 14, 2010
and Dominique Fowler ’12
Virginia Wesleyan College welcomed alumni from around the country, students and parents, faculty and staff for the Hollywood Homecoming & Parent Weekend, Oct. 8-10. A variety of events were held throughout the weekend, which brought together roughly 1,300 members from the campus community.
Proud to be a Marlin
The festivities kicked-off Friday with the exciting Walk of Fame Homecoming Parade, hosted by the Student Government Association. Virginia Wesleyan athletic teams, clubs and organizations and faculty and staff were able to show off their school spirit and pets. The 2010 Homecoming Court was also presented during the parade as well. Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Timothy O’Rourke served as the Grand Marshal.
Alumni Reconnect with Classmates and Professors
On Saturday, alumni gathered for the Oscar Party Homecoming Tailgate on Trinder Lawn where all were able to take part in the various vendors and the inflatable’s brought forth by the Wesleyan Activities Council. Alumni, students and parents enjoyed the company of professors under the In the Spotlight Academic Tent. Saturday evening, students and alumni showed off their inner celebrity and attend the Glitz & Glamour Homecoming Dance held at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott. Seniors Raymond Wells and Gaby Alexander were crowned king and queen.
Alumni Honored with Awards
The Virginia Wesleyan Alumni Association hosted a Stars on Stage Alumni Reception and Awards Presentation on Saturday, Oct. 9 in the Hofheimer Library. During the event, alumni learned about the College’s history of Community Service with a presentation from Diane Hotaling, director of Community Service. Evidence of Virginia Wesleyan’s strong commitment to community service was reflected in this year’s three award winners who all have service oriented careers: Heather Campbell ’04, Bruce Goodson ’79 and Tracy Keller ’04.
Parents’ Council Provides Input, Supports College
Parents new to Virginia Wesleyan’s Parents’ Council enjoyed an orientation and lunch led by Jim and Katheryn Driscoll and Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Enrollment Services David Buckingham before the official business meeting was held in the Blocker Science Auditorium. During the business meeting, parents heard a presentation on the new spirit and direction of student recruitment from, were updated on the plans for the Blocker Hall modernization and toured the Phase I spaces, completed last summer. The 109-member council, comprised of parents of students from each of the four classes, had numerous opportunities to gather over the weekend. The council enjoyed a performance from the Wesleyan Singers and featured visit from cast members of the Miss Witherspoon student theatre production during Friday evening’s reception. On Saturday, they participated in a special First Take Brunch out on the Trinder lawn and heard a Sneak Preview College Update from President Greer before joining other Homecoming games and events throughout the day.
Athletic Games
Women’s Soccer: Five women scored for Virginia Wesleyan en route to a 6-0 victory over Guilford College.
Men’s Soccer: Roanoke College’s Maroons scored during the last minute of the game to pull out a 2-1 Old Dominion Athletic Conference victory over the Marlins.
Alumni returned to campus to take on current Marlin teams, including softball, women’s lacrosse and men’s lacrosse, where the alumni won for the first time in many, many years.