So you think that you’re Smick sick over the summer? Just think about how much the SMC alumnae who graduated several decades ago must miss their fellow belles, old professors, and our beautiful campus! Luckily, Saint Mary’s gives these women an opportunity to reunite with all of the above over reunion weekend. This year, from May 29th – June 1st, 2014 all individuals in the graduating classes ending in 4 or 9 were invited back for their reunions. Approximately 800 Saint Mary’s alumnae signed up to return to campus to reunite with friends, professors, and staff. Alumnae from as far back as the class of 1934 were present. Talk about dedication and pride for your alma mater!
During reunion weekend our fellow Belles seemingly traveled back in time in order to remember and relive their college days. The alumnae were encouraged to stay in their old dorms and some even paid a visit to their favorite South Bend bars! As an added bonus, the University of Notre Dame always holds their reunion for the same graduating classes on the same weekend as Saint Mary’s. Meaning that there are double the number of old friends to reunite with! The weekend was jam packed with events, lectures and tours for the women to attend. Some of these included: several events to remember and honor Sister Madeleva, a presentation of the Saint John’s Bible, a tour of the Reidinger House, cookouts on the quad, and presentations by some of our favorite professors. Additionally, several academic departments and both the Career Crossing and CWIL offices held open houses. From cocktail receptions to Zumba classes, these Belles had a busy and fun-filled weekend. They even got the opportunity to have a tour of our beautiful Belle Tower! There were so many wonderful options of events to attend, I do not know how the ladies chose what to do!
Not to mention the food was killer as always! On Saturday night, the dining hall staff went all out to serve the alumnae a fancy dinner at the closing banquet. Here, President Carol Ann Mooney addressed the group. Of course our fearless leader knocked the socks off of the alumnae by giving an informative and inspirational talk about Saint Mary’s. The next morning the ladies were invited to a mass in the Church of Loretto. Following the liturgy, the dining hall served its final meal, a champagne brunch. Even though omelets are usually the favorite at our normal Sunday morning brunches, these ladies got to kick off their day with delicious mimosas served from a champagne fountain! Other awesome parts of the weekend that us current students can be jealous of included: a golf cart service around campus, major discounts at the bookstore, and fresh breakfast foods available right in the dorm lobbies. So, can I sign up for my first reunion weekend yet!?
My mother, Laura Halland-Murphy, a Saint Mary’s graduate from the class of 1984, had the pleasure of attending this particular reunion weekend. After returning from her trip to the Bend she could not have had more delightful things to say about her visit. My mother spent the weekend staying up late chatting with her old college roommates, taking peaceful walks on our beautiful campus, and being wowed during presentations by our professors. She was particularly impressed by the always memorable Diane Fox. As I am about to enter my senior year at SMC, I am reminded to appreciate the time that I have left at this truly special place. Hearing my mother speak so highly of her reunion experience made me realize that this is an event that I am already looking forward to attending. Even though this final year will be bittersweet, I am reminded that my Saint Mary’s experience will last a lifetime. Our campus, along with the friends and memories that I have made, will always be considered home. Once a Belle, always a Belle, right?