Alumnae and Donors Stay Connected

“COVID required the Alumnae Office to pivot and become creative in identifying ways to connect alumnae to the College and to one another. Our virtual events have allowed alumnae around the globe a chance to hike within their community, bake a pie with Dr. Diane Ellis, visit Italy, enjoy a bit of tea with John Rose and Dr. Betty Webb, tour the North Carolina Museum of History, discuss works of literature and non-fiction, and participate in how-to events, such as painting and weaving,” said Hilary Allen, director of alumnae relations. “During a time of such uncertainty and when we could not be together physically, these events and activities were more important than ever.”

The Office of Alumnae Relations continues to add events to the calendar and anticipates hosting both virtual events and in-person events throughout the summer and fall.

To connect donors with their scholarship students, Institutional Advancement has held virtual meet and greets for students to thank their donors, introduce themselves, talk about their studies, and inform them about their life at Meredith. Connecting individual donors and foundations with these students was incredibly successful allowing donors who live all over the country to meet their scholarship students and hear from various faculty and staff who are thankful for their gifts to the College.

In the fall, the retired faculty and staff luncheon was reimagined. Retired faculty and staff could pick up their lunch on campus or have it delivered by an Institutional Advancement staff member and enjoy it at home. When the attendees entered the Zoom call they were thrilled to see old friends and chat with each other. President Allen delivered a College update to the group and did an extensive question and answer session following it.

“All in all, it was a different type of event, but we were all reminded of the special bonds this group formed while working on campus. We received several emails afterward thanking us for bringing them together,” said Astra Ball, director of advancement services.

The Holiday Tea for donors who are members of the Lifetime and Annual Giving Societies was held in December with special performances from the Music department. Participants still enjoyed their tea with Meredith mugs that were mailed to them in advance of the occasion. Over 100 alumnae and friends participated.

A virtual study abroad lunch and learn with Brooke Shurer, director of international programs, and student presentations were held for donors to learn what students had gained from their adventures, and updates about when students will travel again was held in March.