‘Like Coming Home to Family’ — Reunion 2023
Alumni returned to the familiar embrace of Saint Mary's College
On July 21–23, 2023, a joyous atmosphere filled the air as Saint Mary's College alumni from various walks of life gathered at the picturesque campus for a memorable and heartwarming reunion.
The weekend was filled with joy and frivolity as nearly 300 attendees, spanning six decades, shared laughter, happy tears, and nostalgic stories, rekindling friendships and creating new connections.
There’s a special magic that happens at Reunion. Like a bridge between ages is built when alumni from different generations meet. They talk and discover the differences and similarities between their Saint Mary’s experiences.
“As you get older, the one thing you value the most is your time,” said Vinnie Lee ’01. “Looking back, I was able to shape my life through the four years here.”
A jam-packed weekend
Just like those four years as a student, there were a variety of events to take part in.
Alumni once again sat around the circular table for a thought-provoking Seminar class led by Mary Volmer ’01 where they discussed the painting and poem, “The Fall of Icarus.”
Faculty from the School of Economics and Business Administration hosted a conversation about “AI for Social Good.” That focus on social good includes research and projects they have been undertaking with SMC students. For a look at different facets of how AI should be used, Noha Elfiky, who serves as Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs, was joined by Safwat Hamad, Professor of Business Analytics, and Sameer Beig, MS ’21, who serves as senior program manager at Amazon and, as an adjunct faculty member, teaches data analytics, modeling, and visualization.
For something a little lighter, young children—future Gaels, hopefully—were hand-in-hand with the parents among the hallowed shelves of the library for story time and arts and crafts.
Others let the good times roll, enjoying a drink in the new pub.
During the lunch picnic, a cornhole tournament provided friendly competition. The winning duo, alumni from 1988, won courtside seats to a Men’s Basketball game, courtesy of University Credit Union.
The same, but better
Marisa Baldoz Matz and Veronica Hernandez, roommates from 2003, were wearing matching "best friend" buttons they picked up at check-in. The pair had just finished a campus tour.
“The funny thing that’s coming to mind is all the smells,” exclaimed Baldoz Matz. “Walking into the buildings, classrooms, the Chapel. It’s all the different senses that are stimulated being back in a place that you haven’t been to.”
“But it still feels the same!” Hernandez jumped in.
Indeed, there is always something new to see when alumni return to campus, like the newly-renovated Mitty Hall. It’s common to hear exclamations at how good today’s students have it compared to yesteryear. As it should be.
“It’s great to see that the campus advances,” said Michael Thomas ’93, who was Sports Director at radio station KSMC.
“You were here and part of making history, and the hope is that you make this institution better. So, coming back and being an engaged alumni is all about trying to make it better for the next generation of students.”
More and Merrier
Despite not having a milestone reunion this year, many alumni from 1977 joined in the festivities. Graduates from ’77 and ’78 call themselves The Family and brought special banners to hang from townhouse balconies and adorn their shaded picnic tables. There was no shortage of stories or laughs to be shared.
“I’ve been walking around, reconnecting with people from 45 years ago. My old roommate’s going to be here tonight, I’m so looking forward to that! This all feels very familiar and I love that,” said Erin O’Neil ’78.
The largest class turnout came from the exuberant class of 1983. There was a lot of life in the festivities, sometimes extending beyond the quiet hours that would typically be enforced during the school year.
Shari Judy-Kenefick ’83 said she enjoyed “being with friends and talking until all hours of the night, pretending we’re 21 again. I feel like a kid every time I return.”
In addition to smiles coming easy, she found that tears came easy, as well.
“It’s like coming home to family. I lost my mom at 19 when I was in college—and thank God I was here with the love of all my classmates.”
The SMC connection continues
The highlight of the reunion was undoubtedly the class dinner held on Saturday evening under a brilliantly-colored sky and before the warm familiarity of the Chapel.
Laughter and camaraderie filled the lawn as the attendees reveled in memories of their shared past. An impromptu game of Flip Cup got underway once dinner service ended.
As the weekend came to a close, hearts were filled with gratitude and cherished memories. The Saint Mary's College Reunion 2023 was more than just an event; it was a celebration of lifelong connections and a testament to the enduring legacy of the institution.
The college spirit was reignited as attendees pledged to stay connected and contribute to the success of their alma mater.
View the full photo gallery from Reunion 2023. Photography by Cali Godley.
We hope to see alumni and friends at future events sponsored by the Alumni Association.