Stetson Cupola 1994-22-2

«■ » ■ ■null urn ft > Homecoming '94 offers alumni new events Responding to alumni requests, t Homecoming is again in February and this year includes some new and improved activities to give alumni what they want, said Gary Meadows, executive director of alumni programs. "Rediscover Stetson" is the theme of the February 25 - 27 event, which features a clue game, emphasis on campus events and friendships, and a focus on Stetson's and DeLand's heritage. Changes include moving the decade parties to Friday evening in conjunction with the dance. The parade down Woodland Boulevard has been changed to Saturday afternoon, giving more students and alumni a chance to participate, said Homecoming Co- Hostesses Kimberly Lane and Shannon Webber. Alumnae Etter Turner, '35, and Barbara Rowe, '43, will be co-grand marshals of the parade, along with a student to be named the week before Homecoming. "We've also changed the Alumni Update to Tidbits', a showcase of our talented students," said Lane. The President's Reception has been changed to the President's Breakfast Buffet, but wilt still be held in the President's Stetson working with Disney prototype school Stetson is playing a major role in The Celebration Learning and Teaching Center, which will be part of a new community being developed by the Walt Disney Company in Osceola County. A state-of-the-art public school and teaching academy scheduled to open in 1996, the Center will serve approximately 1,400 Osceola School District students and 1,500 educators per year. It is planned as a model of how educators can meet the challenge of the 21st Century. The Center is a collaborative effort by the Osceola County School District, Stetson University, and Disney Development Company. Stetson is expected to run the teaching academy, which will give teachers throughout Florida and the nation the opportunity to study and practice the most effective applications in theit field in a unique learning environment. The Osceola School Board has given the project a green light, and specific contracts are being negotiated. Garden on Saturday morning. "Many emeriti and current faculty will host tables. Professors Byron Gibson, Kathleen Johnson, John Hague and Wayne Bailey, and many others will be there to reminisce with alumni," said Webber. The Alumni Association will be honoring several alumni during the weekend: H. Graves, '50, '70, and Gloria Hall, '52, '53, '80, Edmondson, Distinguished Service Award; J. Ollie Edmunds, Sr. '15 (posthumously), and Ken Kirchman, '58, Distinguished Alumni Awards; Bruce R. Jacob, *59 J.D., College of Law Distinguished Alumni Award; and Paul Raymond, '82 (Hon.), Doyle E. Carlton Award. A variety of entertainment will be available: comedian Carrot Top, student music and theater presentations, and the basketball game with Centenary College. Registration information has been mailed to all alumni. For more information, call the Alumni Office at (904) 822-7480. Alumni districts meet This fall district meetings were held in Atlanta, hosted by Kevin, '88 and Laura Finley Tweddle, '89; Pensacola, hosted by Lucy McCaffery, '91 and Marviniso and Kitty Howard, '51; DeLand, hosted by Todd Richardson, '84, J.D. '86; Sarasota, hosted by Elizabeth Minkley Jarrard, '73 and Jennifer Matthews, '92; Fort Lauderdale, hosted by Dr. John Pelham, '50; Tampa, hosted by Debbie Monaco, '88 and Lauri Kirsch Santana, '81; and Gainesville, Roger, '85 and Lillian Washington Swanger, '89. A big Hatter howl of thanks to all those who hosted and attended the district parties. Lent/it Dicks, '51, wife Beadie, and Qary Meadows, '59, executive director of the alumni association, show their Stetson pride at the Lake City area alumni event. (Photo courtesy of John and Sandy Furchess.) Volunteers continue to strengthen association by Rod Hansen, '72, President, ~National Alumni Association The number of alumni becoming active in the alumni association continues to grow. About 35 volunteers came to campus in October for a Reunion Committee workshop. We now have 187 volunteers planning Reunion Weekend. That's up from last year's total of 85. The volunteers are working hard as some new events are added to Reunion Weekend. Among them, is a complete children's program. An exciting student organization has been formed to build the relationship between current students and alumni. The Student Alumni Association will assist with alumni events. Look for the gold nametags at Homecoming! Another new program has been created to reach young alumni. Graduates of the last ten years will be invited to special alumni district events planned to meet their interests. The first young alumni event will be hosted by Scott Stafstrom, '88, in Orlando on Feb. 16. The ASSIST program, which supports an endowment fund to benefit Stetson legacies, is nearing its goal. The fund has grown as a result of successful citrus sales and donations from alumni. Sales from a great-looking T-shirt also support the fund, which will be available at Homecoming and Reunion weekends. Volunteers are still needed to help district presidents with ASSIST, phone trees, events, admissions, and career networking. To volunteet for a district position or for more information on alumni events, call the alumni office at 1-800-688-HATS. Happy New Year. I'm looking forward to seeing you at Homecoming '94 and Reunion Weekend. Mark your calendars Boca Raton alumni event Phonathon Otlando area alumni event Homecoming 1994 AIDS Quilt Tampa area alumni event Ethics Conference Reunion Weekend '94 Feb. 7 Feb. 8 - 22 Feb. 16 Feb. 25 - 27 March 4-6 March 26 April 6 - 7 April 22 -24