Alumni Return to Glendale for Homecoming

On a beautiful Saturday in late March, nearly 100 people gathered on our Glendale Campus for the first--and hopefully annual--Alumni Homecoming Celebration. The day featured information for the adults, games for the kids, and plenty of opportunities for alumni to reconnect with the University and their friends new and old.

The Homecoming was conceived by members of the Glendale Alumni Leadership Council in a dinner meeting held last Fall. The alumni were interested in information about how they could get more involved with their alma mater through precepting students, volunteering at service events, or providing guest lectures. With all the expansion on campus, they were also interested in seeing the changes and new buildings. With these "marching orders" in hand, our Manager of Alumni Relations in Glendale, Karen Ewing, created a working group of faculty representatives to provide input on how to best structure the event.

Homecoming was also designed as truly a family event. Our many young alumni were encouraged to bring spouses and kids, and activities were planned for all age groups. The entire group was welcomed by Dr. G who shared the news about current and future plans. Master of Ceremonies alumni Mike Harmon, M.H.P.E., Vice Chair of the MWU Alumni Senate, then introduced each participant. Alumni heard from Dr. Ross Kosinski, Dean of Students, who talked about volunteer opportunities in the community, such as TOPS and the CCC training. Dr. Alan Schalscha, AZCOM alumnus and faculty member, talked about the HOME program, which provides health care to the homeless in Phoenix, and DOCARE, which conducts international medical missions. Afterwards, alumni were invited to hear from their college deans and faculty about new curricular initiatives and teaching opportunities. Students were also involved, giving poster presentations, tours of campus, and answering questions.

Photo: Alumni, faculty, and staff welcome the guests at the registration table.
L to R, Dr. Lori Kemper; alumnus Mike Harmon, M.H.P.E; Dr. Howard Shulman; me; Annie Sullivan, M.M.S., PA-C; and Karen Ewing.

While the alumni were learning more about MWU, their family members were having a great time under the Ramada and on the lawn behind Sahuaro Hall. Students organized face painting for the kids, with one alum commenting: "They painted the best fire-breathing winged dragon I have ever seen!" There was also a bounce-house, a putting contest, popcorn and snow cones, and a play area. Entertainment was provided by MWU's own PA alumna Karla Lodge and her band Ono Grindz. All the guests then enjoyed a wonderful BBQ cookout with burgers and chicken, salads, cookies, and all the fixings.

All in all, the first annual Glendale Alumni Homecoming was a great success. We thank all the alumni who came out to reconnect with MWU and their former classmates; all the students who did such a great job organizing academic and fun activities; and all the faculty who were happy to spend their Saturday visiting with former students and sharing updates about their colleges. The word FAMILY was truly the theme of the day, as this MWU value continues to shape the lives of all of our alumni and students and to guide all of our efforts. We hope to see you next year!