Reflections on Homecoming 2006:

Our Celebration Weekend

"Women Who Go Out and Make a Difference"
September 21-24, 2006

‘Women Who Go Out and Make a Difference' Come Home to Sweet Briar

Sweet Briar's second homecoming weekend celebrated women and the highly successful completion of Our Campaign For Her World. The theme, “Women Who Go Out and Make a Difference,” honored generations of Sweet Briar alumnae who have had a positive influence on their professions, communities and families, and celebrated the centennial of the first Sweet Briar class enrolled in 1906.

Over 1,500 alumnae, students, parents and friends of the College registered for the weekend.

In response to the success of the capital campaign, which surpassed the $102-million goal by raising more than $110 million, President Elisabeth S. Muhlenfeld hosted a tented gala Saturday evening on the library lawn. The event was complete with a swing band, sushi bar and elegant southern fare. The entire Sweet Briar community celebrated in grand style.

The weekend began with the Founder's Day Convocation, a yearly tradition since 1909, when the five members of the College's first class entered their senior year. This year Elizabeth Perkins Prothro `39, the 2006 Distinguished Alumna Award recipient, was honored for her philanthropic support of academic institutions, Sweet Briar College in particular. Sallie Bingham, author, philanthropist and founder of Kentucky Foundation for Women, gave the keynote address, “Women, Money and Power.”

During Convocation, all Keystone Society members and Distinguished Alumnae Award recipients were acknowledged. Special recognition also was given to Judith Burnett Halsey `47, who was present for the festivities and whose mother, Eugenia Griffin Burnett `10, was a member of Sweet Briar's first class. Judith's daughter, Mary Shaw Halsey `74, also graduated from Sweet Briar, representing a legacy of three generations.

On Saturday afternoon, the Boxwood Circle Society and the Alumnae Association hosted the Third Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta at Sweet Briar Lake. Seven engineering student teams and a guest team from Monelison Middle School raced life-size cardboard boats. Just prior to the regatta, the alumnae association hosted lunch at the Boathouse, which provided a quiet and reflective respite.

Saturday's alumnae colleges and open houses featured venues specifically supported by the capital campaign including Student Honors Research, the Kitty Corbett Powell `38 Reading Room, Studio Arts Farm, Nature Center, Pannell Art Gallery and the Sweet Briar Museum.

Athletics events also were highlighted at Homecoming. The Williams Associates/Silver Rose Society luncheon featured an update by President Muhlenfeld and a panel discussion with student athletes. On Saturday afternoon, Sweet Briar's soccer and field hockey teams competed at home and there also was a horse show at Rogers Riding Center.

The most compelling athletic event was the induction of the charter class of the Sweet Briar College Athletics Hall of Fame held on Sunday. The nine inductees spanned multiple decades and established the standard for future honorees. The inaugural members are Professor Emerita Harriet Howell Rogers, Ann Samford Upchurch`48, Professor Emerita Katherine “Kay” MacDonald, Anna “Chips” Chao Pai `57, Mildred “Bee” Newman Thayer `81, Mary Jane Schroder Oliver Hubbard `62, Lendon Gray `71, Cannie Crysler Shafer `78 and Katherine “Katie” Hearn `85. Following the Athletics Hall of Fame Brunch were alumnae competitions in field hockey, soccer and swimming.

Prior to and during Homecoming, the student relations committee (SRC) of the alumnae association hosted events aimed at building student enthusiasm and attendance.

On Aug. 30 and 31, the SRC and Linda DeVogt `86, president of the alumnae association, kicked off the Pink and Green competition and hosted open houses for sister classes at the Farm House. The Pink Team was comprised of the first years and juniors — Classes of 2010 and 2008 — and the sophomore and seniors — Classes of 2009 and 2007 — made up the Green Team.

SRC members also assisted with student registration in early September. During the weekend, they attended events, handed out stadium treats at athletic events and hosted “Reflections,” an alumnae panel which discussed traditions and campus life through the decades.

In addition, traditional annual fund volunteer training was offered by the development office and the alumnae association held its fall board meeting. The visiting committee on the riding program and the athletics steering committee also held fall meetings.

Please visit the photographers' links on the Homecoming Web site for a true glimpse of the weekend. Most importantly, please plan to attend the next Homecoming, Sept. 20-23, 2007. It is a wonderful way to connect with the Sweet Briar of today as well as the community life which transcends our time as students.