As a newcomer to Emory, this weekend was an exciting time not only to celebrate the newest graduates of the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, but to enjoy hearing alumni who graduated 50 years ago reminiscence about memories they shared together at Emory. Whether it was a story about traveling North together and their car breaking down in the middle of a snowstorm, a lab rat escaping from one of the classes, or their interesting choice of pets (one reunion attendee had multiple monkeys as pets during her adventures in Africa), one thing was very clear – this group may have graduated 50 years ago, but they could remember the good times they had at Emory and the friends they made along the way like it was yesterday.

The Class of 1961 arrived at the School of Nursing on Saturday. The day began with a tour of the nursing school, and included a faculty and student panel. They inquired about life as a nursing student now and discovered tuition is no longer $165 a quarter; nonetheless, some things remain the same (like the reasons students choose to become a nurse). Following the panel, the class joined special guest, Dean Linda McCauley for a lunch celebration to hear about the exciting updates happening at the nursing school. Following our busy day of activities, the class met up Saturday night to continue catching up. After a long dinner, they had to call it a night to prepare for the rest of the weekend’s activities.

On Sunday, we had a great group from not only the Class of 1961, but graduates from as early as 1942 join us at the Miller-Ward Alumni House for the Corpus Cordis Aureum induction ceremony. The reunion weekend culminated early Monday morning, with the procession at Emory’s 166th Commencement ceremony where graduates from 50 or more years ago from all schools gathered. After attending the Nursing School diploma ceremony, the reunion weekend had come to an end until the next time the group gets together to share stories of their latest adventures and continue to relive the great memories made at the School of Nursing.

It was certainly an early morning, but it was worth seeing the alumni in their golden robes leading the newest graduates into commencement.

-- Elizabeth Powell, associate director for alumni relations, Woodruff School of Nursing

Today marks my one-year anniversary as a graduate of Emory College. And this time next year, I’m sure the Class of 2011 will celebrate their very own commencement anniversary, as yesterday marked the culmination of four years of hard work. Sleepless nights and long days spent studying in the library seems worth it for this one moment where everyone is celebrating you.

The Class of 2011 will leave a lasting legacy on the Emory University campus. President Wagner commended the graduating students for their devotion and commitment to causes important to them and their future.

As President Wagner pointed out, this class is graduating at a very special time. Most of all, the time for young leaders is now and change is a certainty in our world, all points that Emory’s 166th Commencement keynote speaker, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano 11H drilled into graduating students minds.

Napolitano began her speech praising the students for what they’ve accomplished, and encouraged graduates to use the energy, intellect and creativity gained from their Emory education in public service.

She challenged the Class of 2011 in her speech yesterday. “The time is now,” she assured graduates that seizing opportunities in local communities and in government will make a difference in our changing world. She spoke a lot about public service, citing examples of everyday minds coming up with solutions to many of our country’s problems. She hoped that the current state of politics wouldn’t deter graduates from considering a role in government. “Do not fall for a cynical view…government has always been loud,” she said. “You shouldn’t be afraid to dive in. Emory has prepared you.”

Though this wasn’t my day, I hope as the Class of 2011 accepted their diplomas yesterday, three things from Napolitano’s speech resonate with them: Emory produces some of the most innovative minds and leaders with diverse talents in the world, the University’s commitment to sustainability is one not seen on many other college campuses, and in our 175-year history, we have yet to suffer a defeat on the football field!

--Tania Dowdy 08Ox 10C, online services specialist, EAA

Watch Janet Napolitano's Emory Commencement address:

One of my favorite events in the Emory Alumni Association calendar year is during the spring when we induct a new class of Emory alumni into the Corpus Cordis Aureum, the golden corps of the heart. Membership in the CCA is limited to alumni who have been out of Emory for at least fifty years. Each spring, as alumni from the undergraduate college, and the graduate and professional schools mark this golden anniversary, they are eligible to go through the induction ceremony, receive their medallion, don a golden robe and lead the academic procession on the quadrangle at Commencement. It is both moving and joyful to be a part of the ceremony marking this auspicious occasion.

This year’s ceremony was even more impressive as we named the second recipient of the Jake Ward Golden Heart Award. This honor is given to a member of the CCA who--over the course of their many years of association with Emory--has made significant volunteer contributions in service to Emory, but has been largely unheralded. The award was first given last year, posthumously, to Dean of Alumni Jake Ward 33C 36G, himself. This year the nominating committee of the Emory Alumni Board had the responsibility to select the next recipient, Emory Williams 32C – and what a fitting selection it was!

At 99 years old, Emory Williams remains engaged and active in Emory and its activities, serving as an Emeritus Trustee of the University, regularly visiting with deans and administrators, attending EAA programs in Florida and Atlanta and serving as an outstanding ambassador for the university. Williams served as a member of the Board of Visitors, as a class agent, founded the Emory Williams Faculty Teaching Award and served as President of the Chicago Chapter. Introduced by former Dean of Emory College, Bobby Paul, Williams spoke of his admiration for Jake Ward and his joy at receiving this award. He was joined by his wife of 68 years, Janet, and three of his five children.

Ginger Cain 77C 82G, Director of External Affairs for the Emory University Libraries and former University Archivist, took the newest inductees, the Class of 1961, down memory lane as she reminded them about key events in popular culture and the University during their time at Emory. She noted that this class induction occurs during the 175th anniversary of Emory's founding in Oxford, GA--a very special time when Emory celebrates its history while it looks forward to its amazing future.

--Martha Fagan, senior director, EAA

“So if we get the big jobs and we make the big money; when we look back now, will our jokes still be funny? Will we still remember everything we learned in school?” – Vitamin C, “Graduation”

On Friday, May 6, The Torch & Trumpet Soirée kicked off. Family and friends of graduating seniors gathered together at the Emory Conference Center Hotel for a lovely evening of live music, food, and dancing. We had some of the loveliest young ladies and gentlemen join us that evening.

Here are some of the pictures I captured. I thought this group of graduates looked absolutely fantastic and their fashion caught my eye—from members of the Student Alumni Association to our very own EAA intern!

Who do you think is our best dressed winner of the evening? I think they’re all winners.

--Eun S. Lee, residence hall director fellow, EAA

Oxford College-continuee students gathered together one last time before their big day. They greeted former professors and each other with smiles, hugs and kisses…a mini reunion of sorts over punch and snacks.

...to the alumni side!

Yesterday marked the start of commencement weekend with all the annual traditions of this very senior weekend.

First up was Class Day at Glenn Memorial where talk show host Chelsea Handler advised students to pursue their passions and never take "no" for an answer. And here's a fun fact about Handler: her siblings are Emory alumni.

But here at the EAA, our favorite commencement weekend event is--of course--the Candlelight Crossover where seniors cross the bridge over Houston Mill Road from the Emory Conference Center to the Miller-Ward Alumni House and become alumni.

While cars below just saw hundreds of well-dressed 20-somethings walking over a bridge with candles in their hands, we welcomed in a new generation of smart, wide-eyed alumni with reunion-filled futures.

According to recent headlines, Emory has the write stuff.

An article yesterday, “Emory Students Get Book Published,” touted a group of 19 Emory students who recently wrote an anthology of short stories. The collection, The Emory Pulse: Your Creative Writing Lifeline, is available for purchase on Amazon, and is hopefully the first edition of many. The inaugural book is fictional and is divided into two sections – “On the Fantastic” and “On the Realistic.” The icing on the cake, though, is that profits from The Emory Pulse will be donated to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

With that in mind, it only makes sense that USA Today ranked Emory as no. 1 on its list of “The 10 best American colleges for writers.” The article boasted Emory as offering “extraordinary flexibility to its students.” Emory’s English classes have a maximum of 15 students each, allowing for more personal relationships between professors and students.

And, while I'm shamelessly bragging, the May 2011 edition of EmoryWire featured yet another Emory alumnus who won the Pulitzer Prize.

Write on!

--Drew Dotson, coordinator, communications, EAA