The Alumni office said farewell to virtual events this year and hosted its eighth in-person Back-to-School Night, on February 2, 2023, following a three-year pandemic break. Alumni, alumni parents, and current and former faculty enrolled in a variety of classes. Gathering in the Froelicher Upper School for a light supper, guests greeted friends and former classmates to socialize a bit before heading to their first class. Then they scattered across campus to the Athletic Center, Smith Center, Schotters Music Center, or an Upper School classroom. On the way to their second class of the evening, everyone took time to replenish their beverages and mingle for a few moments. The line dancing group really needed to hydrate, as they were in for a workout, both physically and mentally! At the end of the evening, many alumni lingered to reminisce with one another before heading home with new-found knowledge and skills.
Thank you to the Back-to-School Night presenters who shared their knowledge and expertise for the event this year: Cellphone Photography with Abel Ramirez ’16; Flower Arranging with Jenni Hohensee Skeen ’97; Climbing with Mike Davis; Gender Studies with Elissa Wolf-Tinsman; Pickleball with Marcia Richards and Beth Folsom; healing Nutritional advice with Georgia Grey ’08; Movie Critics night out with Dr. Jon Vogels; Line Dancing with Jim Milavec and his wife Maureen; Craft Beer Tasting with Ben Hock ’07; and Scotch Tasting with Charles Coleman and Bill Elder, Sr.
Sample reviews:
We loved Jon Vogels’ class. I’m biased because he was one of my favorite teachers when I was at CA, but I just love hearing him talk about things he’s passionate about. His best quality as a teacher is his ability to share his own excitement, while simultaneously coaxing out what excites students about the subjects he’s teaching. It ended up being a pretty casual discussion of the films, but I really enjoyed that. The biggest praise I can give him is that Andrea hadn’t seen either film and wasn’t interested when I asked her to watch them with me. After hearing Jon, she wants to watch both! –Ben Hock ’07
Thank you so much for including me in the Alumni Back-to-School Night! I had so much fun catching up with former colleagues, meeting new alumni, and enjoying Pickleball and Line Dancing with Marcia, Beth, Jim, and his wife Maureen. It was a huge success!!! –Linda Lister (former faculty)
We had so much fun at back to school night! I was sad we couldn’t go to all the classes. 😋 We enjoyed both sessions and so many looked fun! It was also fun, as always, to connect with other alums. –Emily Cohen ’06
We’re taking suggestions for new Alumni Back-to-School Night class ideas you’d like to see in 2024, and we’d love to hear from YOU. Please contact the Alumni Office.
