Celebrating the Holiday Season with Alumnae and Donors

The Alumnae Association and the Office of Institutional Advancement filled the month of December with holiday events for alumnae and a special yearly project.

On December 5, the Young Alumnae Board held their annual Afternoon with Santa event. Board members distributed hot chocolate kits, a Christmas craft kit, a recipe book, and of course, everyone had a chance to speak with Santa. The Alumnae Association thanks Lacy Pfeiffer Uthe, ʼ14, for ensuring Santa had time on his busy calendar. It seems that Apple watches were high on this year’s lists!

The Young Alumnae Board also held an ornament paint and sip on December 9. Alumnae gathered at The Loading Dock – Beryl to enjoy appetizers, conversation, and an opportunity to create a custom Meredith-themed holiday ornament. Attendees appreciated the chance to celebrate the season with old friends and new ones!

Additionally, on December 9, Institutional Advancement held their annual Holiday Tea and Concert for lifetime and annual giving societies for Meredith College. More than 154 people registered for the Zoom festivities that highlighted the Music program with a concert.

Jeanie Wozencraft-Ornellas, head of the music department, was pleased that the department was able to present the special music selections to donors. Students performed a variety of selections including piano and string performances and many vocal performances.

“Our second annual virtual Holiday Tea was a huge success. We were thrilled to see people represented from all over the country, including donors from Seattle,” said Astra Ball, director of advancement services. “During this time of uncertainty with COVID, we are reminded of some of the benefits of hosting virtual events. Our music department delivers such a fantastic program that we can share with not only our donors but their family, friends both two and four-legged!”

On December 12, the Alumnae Association held a wreath workshop on campus, and event attendees went home with beautiful wreaths. Courtney Frye, of The Painted Pearl, and Kendall Gilbert, of Kendall P. Gilbert Stationary, led this event for the second year. The wreaths were adorned with boxwood, Christmas tree, rosemary, pine, incense cedar, evergreen cedar, magnolia, juniper as well as dried oranges and grapefruit. The wreathes all smelled as good as they looked!

The Office of Institutional Advancement continued their yearly tradition of adopting a family in Wake County. Gifts were bought, wrapped, and delivered to the family so that everyone could wake up on Christmas morning and see what Santa had left them! 

 “When we delivered the gifts all wrapped and put them under the tree, I found myself wishing I could be there to see the kids’ expressions when they got home from school. I believe this project is one of the most significant events we do at Christmas,” said Lennie Barton, vice president of institutional advancement.