by Melissa Gentry Witherow `80,
Alumnae Association Assistant Director
I remember the first Sweet Briar Day I attended in Dallas, Texas, at Sarah Bush's home. I was new to town and had not previously lived in an area with an active alumnae club. Prior to our move, I called the Alumnae Office and gave Sandra Maddox my new address thinking I would at least have the comfort of my familiar mail from the College. I was moving in December of all months, but when I arrived … I had an invitation in the mail! "The Sweet Briar College Dallas/Fort Worth Alumnae Club Bring-A-Dish-Lunch." A classmate of mine with whom I had completely lost touch was organizing the event. She still does. That event remains a milestone for me. Although we only lived in Dallas for three years, those alumnae became some of my dearest friends. But more importantly, I learned the value of alumnae work and alumnae gifts and working with alumnae across the decades. I wish I were going to the Bring-A- Dish-Lunch this year but I will be in Atlanta for their Sweet Briar Day Brunch at the home of another classmate. My name is on the invitation as I will attend as a representative from the Alumnae Office staff and all because of that first event I attended in 1991. If there is a Sweet Briar Day in your area - plan to attend. If there is not a Sweet Briar Day in your area - call your club president or the Alumnae Office and plan one! It will bring you full circle.
Sweet Briar Day is a tradition that was first instituted by the Alumnae Association in 1922. This day, which is unique among colleges, is set aside each year for extended members of the Sweet Briar family to gather and become acquainted, renew old friendships, and hear the latest news from campus. The occasions can be casual or formal, and the events vary from morning coffees and luncheons, to teas, wine tastings, and cocktail receptions, and can sometimes feature a staff or faculty representative from the College.
The traditional "Sweet Briar Day" is December 28th; however, Alumnae Clubs may choose any suitable day during the holiday season to host a Sweet Briar Day event. In fact, some clubs have chosen to move their celebration away from the holiday season entirely. For those club areas planning a Sweet Briar Day that will include current students, the College holiday break is from December 17, 2004 through January 19, 2005.
To date, the following Alumnae Clubs have Sweet Briar Days planned:
New York City, NY - December 2, 2004
Indianapolis, IN - December 18, 2004
Nashville, TN - December 19, 2004
Milwaukee, WI - December 28, 2004
Seattle, WA - December 28, 2004
Hampton Roads, VA - January 5, 2005
Atlanta, GA - January 8, 2005
Louisville, KY - January 8, 2005
Birmingham, AL - January 8, 2005
Dallas, TX - January 8, 2005
San Francisco, CA - January 8, 2005
New Jersey - January 9, 2005
Westchester County, NY - January 13, 2005
Pittsburgh, PA - January 15, 2005
Richmond, VA - January 22, 2005
Washington, DC - January 27, 2005
The Alumnae Office sincerely thanks alumnae in these areas for volunteering their homes and clubs, their talents, and their time to host these wonderful events. Check the club portion of the Alumnae Association website for updates on additional upcoming Sweet Briar Events.
