It doesn’t matter if you’re Class of ’64 or Class of ’14: We all look back at our years at the College and wonder where the time went. Thankfully, CofC alumni can return to campus to revisit their best memories at the College very soon – the 2017 Fall Alumni Weekend will be here before we know it!
Don’t let the time get away from you! Featuring the Lowcountry Alumni Oyster Roast and the Alumni Awards Gala, among other events, the College’s Fall Alumni Weekend will be held Nov. 17–18, 2017. But, with early bird discounts ending Wednesday, Oct. 25, time is already running out!
“Fall is the perfect time to return to the College, and we want to make sure as many alumni as possible are able to attend,” says Ann Pryor ’83, vice president of Alumni Affairs, noting that tickets must be purchased in advance online. “What better way to kick off the holidays than with an oyster roast in Cistern Yard? And Saturday evening, we’ll celebrate the incredible achievements of seven fellow alumni at the Alumni Awards Gala. And these are just two of the wonderful events available to alumni throughout the weekend!”
With theater productions, breakfast with the Black Alumni Council, bowling, games and plenty of opportunities to engage with students, explore campus and visit faculty and staff, the weekend has something for everyone.
Towell Library is the new home for Alumni Affairs and the Alumni Welcome Center.
“I’m looking forward to attending the various events this weekend and reminiscing with my fellow alumni about the wonderful professors we had and the great times we enjoyed at the College,” says College of Charleston President Glenn F. McConnell ’69, the third alumnus president in the College’s 247-year history. “No matter how much time passes, our alumni will always remember the academic and life lessons learned at the College and will always feel like they belong here.”
To welcome alumni back to campus, the Fall Alumni Weekend kicks off with a wine and cheese reception featuring a tax-reform discussion led by Brett Bluestein ’97, senior vice president and senior wealth strategist at the U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management. Bluestein’s expertise will shed some insight on why we should care about tax reform in 2017.
Among the many events during Fall Alumni Weekend is the annual Alumni Awards Gala.
Another Friday highlight is the grand opening of the Office of Alumni Affairs’ new home in the historic Towell Library. The new Alumni Welcome Center will offer alumni and their families a place to call home when visiting campus – and this is the first time it will be opening its doors!
The fun continues on Saturday, with the Lowcountry Alumni Oyster Roast in the Cistern Yard. With oysters, chili, craft beer and live music all under the oaks, this magical event captures the essence of the Lowcountry and the spirit of the College of Charleston community.
It all culminates with the Alumni Awards Gala on Saturday evening at the Charleston Marriott Hotel. Hosted by the Alumni Association and presented in partnership with the College of Charleston Foundation, the Alumni Awards Gala recognizes alumni whose accomplishments in their chosen fields have brought honor to the College, showcasing the role the College has played in their lives as well as the impact they have had on society. Tickets include a cocktail reception and gourmet dinner, with proceeds benefitting the Alumni Association’s programs and scholarships.
This year, the following seven distinguished alumni will be honored: Emily Molony Swanson ’89 and Steve D. Swanson ’89 (Alumni Award of Honor), Stephanie B. Wheeler ’03 (Distinguished Alumna or Alumnus Award), Quentin E. Baxter ’98 (Alumna or Alumnus of the Year Award), Donald F. Schneider ’12 (Young Alumna or Alumnus Award), Bobby R. Creech Jr. ’86 (Howard F. Rudd Jr. Business Person of the Year Award) and Deborah Deas ’78 (Pre-Medical Society’s Outstanding Service Award in Medicine).
Check out a full list of Fall Alumni Weekend events. Please note, events require reservations in advance. Many of the events are free, and any proceeds from the weekend’s events will benefit Alumni Association programs and scholarships. Non-alumni are welcome, as well. And, to sweeten the whole experience even more, the College of Charleston Bookstore is offering alumni a 20 percent discount during the weekend!
For more information about the College of Charleston’s 2017 Fall Alumni Weekend – including discounted lodging and what to bring – visit fallalumniweekend.cofc.edu.
