By Tiffany Edwards , University Relations
After decades of hosting the alumni Reunion during Commencement weekend in May, UNCG is splitting with tradition.
This year, Reunion Weekend will be held Friday and Saturday, April 21-22. The dates have shifted for a number of reasons, the greatest of which is the move will allow alumni to experience UNCG while the campus is alive with activity, rather than after the end of the classes.
“Through the years, our alumni have told us that they want to be here for Reunion weekend when the students are still on campus. They love talking and interacting with our students,” said Laura Keever, interim director of Alumni Affairs.
One such opportunity will be the annual International Festival, in which student groups from across campus come together to celebrate culture through music, dance, food and crafts.
In addition to attending events regularly scheduled at UNCG, alumni and the public alike can join in an eclectic array of events planned by Alumni Affairs specifically for Reunion Weekend. Programming includes readings by UNCG faculty, a guest reading by Southern writer Nan Graham, a presentation about the history of the university, and an evening celebrating regional cuisine.
Schedule of public events; free unless otherwise noted:
Friday, April 21
• 1 to 2 p.m. - The History of the University – Hodges Room, Jackson Library. Presentation by Betty Carter, university archivist.
• 2 to 3 p.m. – Drumming Circle – Location TBA. Join in the fun with Living Rhythms.
• 6 to 7 p.m. – A Southern Voice: Nan Graham – Elliott University Center Auditorium. Graham is a renowned Southern writer, speaker and humorist. She is the author of “In a Magnolia Minute” and “Turn South at the Next Magnolia.” For more information, visit www.nangraham.com.
• 7:30 p.m. – A North Carolina Night Under the Stars – Location TBA. A celebration of regional cuisine and N.C. wine and beer. Door prizes from N.C. companies and music by local bluegrass and folk/rock trio, Warren Bodle and Allen (www.warrenbodleallen.com). $22.
Saturday, April 22
• 9:30 a.m. – Food for the Body … Food for the Mind – Location TBA. Breakfast and literary readings by faculty members Michael Parker, Craig Nova and Stuart Dischell. $10.
• Noon to 5 p.m. – International Festival (I-fest) – The Fountain. Music, food, dancing and crafts from approximately 30 different countries.
Contact the Alumni Affairs office at 334-5696 for reservations. For more information, visit www.uncg.edu/ala/reunion.htm.
