GAINESVILLE - Brenau University and Brenau Academy will host the annual day of class reunions and "May Day" celebration this weekend.
Themed “Forever Gold, Forever Home,” the weekend events include fancy hats and daisy chains for nearly 200 Brenau graduates of all ages who will swap stories, share family photos and show off their new spring fashion. The university expects about 400 people on campus to attend the public and private events included in the May Day weekend.
“This year we are especially excited to open the doors of four new sorority houses for tours. I'm personally looking forward to seeing the reactions of our alumnae, who I think will be impressed with the new accommodations for Alpha Chi Omega, Zeta Tau Alpha, Alpha Delta Pi, and Phi Mu,” said Jenny Dell, executive director of alumni & constituent engagement. “We are also honored to have Madison and Shannon Easter, a singer/songwriter duo out of Lincolnton, Georgia, providing entertainment for Saturday's closing reception. Shannon is a Brenau alumna, as is her mother-in-law, Sheri Easter."
Brenau spokesman David Morrison said Tuesday afternoon the new sorority houses should be ready for occupancy when the this year's fall semester begins.
The link between the past and present for the 137-year-old institution also includes special activities on Friday for members of the Class of 1965, who will be inducted into the university’s 24 Karat Club for alumnae who graduated at least 50 years ago. Other class year reunions take place at the Brenau Downtown Center in Gainesville.
Starting on Friday, “Back to Class” seminars for alumnae showcase current courses and a research symposium on the East campus from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. presents a forum for research conducted by undergraduate and graduate students as well as Brenau faculty. Guests may attend a wine and cheese opening reception at the Walters House before attending reunion parties and dinners followed by dance and theater productions.
Alumnae also can enjoy the Senior, Faculty and Guest Dance concert at the John S. Burd Center for the Performing Arts Hosch Theatre and the Gainesville Theatre Alliance’s production of “The Great Gatsby” performed at the Ed Cabell Theatre in Oakwood. Both events are Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 p.m.
The reunion will remain true to tradition on campus Saturday including the annual champagne brunch at 10:30 a.m. for returning alumnae and class tributes by current students. The dedication of the second bronze Brenau woman statue created by Jean Westmacott, former Brenau galleries director, begins at 12:30 p.m. on the steps of the Simmons Visual Arts Center immediately followed by a Brenau tradition from bygone eras of at least the early 1900s with young women representing each class, wrapping the Maypole, and cheering on their sisters who are members of the May Court.
Saturday afternoon festivities also include open houses for various sororities on campus. Public programs feature a runway-style fashion show highlighting work by fashion design and fashion merchandising students with a gallery reception for student exhibitions in various arts and design disciplines. On Sunday at 10 a.m., there will be a service of remembrance to honor the late Dr. Wayne Dempsey and other members of the Brenau family who have recently passed away.
For a complete schedule of activities visit http://www.brenau.edu/alum/arw/schedule-of-events/.
