Sarah Wright ’19 and Dustyn Hall ’18 show off their Longwood class rings with the treasure chest where they were placed to spend the night in the Rotunda.
Longwood’s newest traditions share two common goals—connecting Lancers and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Coordinated by Alumni and Career Services, the new traditions complement Longwood’s longstanding traditions and are sure to become time-honored favorites.
Welcome to the City
Adjusting to life after graduation in a new city can be an intimidating experience. Getting settled in a new job in addition to locating the best places to exercise, shop or a get a great meal can be a challenge.
That’s where Welcome to the City events come in. Held each August in Virginia’s three largest metro areas (Richmond, Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads), Welcome to the City events are happy hour socials designed to bring together Longwood’s newest graduates with alumni already established in the area. The events not only help new graduates meet members of their local alumni networks but also get inside information on their new city.
Ring Ceremony
Putting your college class ring on your finger for the first time is an important and symbolic moment, and Longwood’s recently revived Ring Ceremony marks the occasion with the emotional richness it deserves.
The day before the ceremony, the alumni director places the class rings in a treasure chest designed and decorated by members of CHI and Princeps. The chest remains in the Rotunda for the night under the watchful eye of Joanie.
During the ceremony the next day, students are presented their rings as they hear from Longwood’s president and the president and vice president of the Alumni Board. Following the ceremony, students and their guests are invited to a luncheon with the Alumni Board of Directors.
“The ceremony is a time for juniors and seniors and their families to celebrate receiving their Longwood class rings, which are a lasting symbol of Longwood and a reminder of exciting and meaningful years spent on campus,” said Ryan Catherwood, assistant vice president for alumni and career services.
The ceremony is a time for juniors and seniors and their families to celebrate receiving their Longwood class rings, which are a lasting symbol of Longwood and a reminder of exciting and meaningful years spent on campus.
RYAN CATHERWOOD, ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT FOR ALUMNI AND CAREER SERVICES
Alumni Weekend
Unlike reunion events that focus on a single class, Alumni Weekend has a broader focus and connects alumni across decades, providing opportunities for affinity groups and class reunions.
The three-day celebration, held the weekend after Memorial Day, is filled with decade receptions, live music, an alumni version of Color Wars, Late Night Breakfast, and many opportunities to relax and celebrate old and new friendships. It’s also a great time to explore Farmville and all the new restaurants, nightspots and shops that have opened recently.
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