Keeping Alumnae Engaged With Meredith

Because of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, the Office of Alumnae Relations adapted their outreach events into virtual events throughout the spring. To date, the office has organized over 20 outreach events using Zoom. These events have allowed the staff to stay connected with alumnae and have kept alumnae engaged and informed about the College. Highlights of some of the virtual events include: regional meet ups, virtual book club discussions, a Life After Meredith event for the Class of 2020, Senior Induction Ceremony for the Class of 2020, and presentations by students and faculty.

“While there is nothing exactly like an in-person connection, many alumnae have said that they appreciate having this alternative,” said Taylor Wilson Twine, ʼ13, assistant director of alumnae relations. “The events have allowed alumnae the opportunity to share stories about how they are coping with the quarantine and see the smiling faces of long-time friends.”

Upcoming Zoom meetings that may be of interest to faculty and staff are:

Study Abroad Presentation and Q&A with Meredith Brown, ’20 
Thursday, May 7 at 6 p.m.
https://meredith.zoom.us/j/93903269830

“Ask Me Anything” with Dr. Betty Webb and moderated by John Rose 
Tuesday, May 12 at 6 p.m.
https://meredith.zoom.us/j/91370999216

In addition to the virtual events, the Office of Alumnae Relations launched a weekly Staying Strong enewsletter. The weekly email message shares information about all the virtual events and campus information as well as fun activities like puzzles, Buzzfeed quizzes, and coloring pages for the children of alumnae. Each week, the staff collects ideas from alumnae about what they are binge-watching on television, how they are staying fit, and popular podcasts. Those alumnae submittals, suggestions, and even photos are included in each message. The enewsletter always seeks alumnae ideas for how they can stay connected.

At a time of social distancing that limits many of the traditional outreach activities, the Office of Alumnae Relations will continue to find creative, meaningful ways that keep our alumnae connected with one another and the College.