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A Reunion for the Record Books

Apr 04, 2022 By Queens University Communications

There’s nothing like the feeling of returning home after a long period of travel. There’s comfort in reuniting with loved ones, rest in the familiar sights and sounds, and a sentimentality that stems from walking the halls of a place that has housed so many fond memories and moments. Having more than 400 alumni gathered on campus for the first time since 2019 generated the same emotions as a long-awaited homecoming.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 and 2021 Alumni Reunions were postponed, making this year’s event the largest reunion in Queens’ history. A multitude of alumni, whose class years ranged from 1955 to 2017, came to campus to take part in a variety of programming and reminisce about their years spent under the oaks of the Myers Park campus. Though the event spanned just two days, the schedule included multiple class parties, a workout for former student athletes, tours of newer campus facilities, and everything in between. Among the celebrations, Miss Betty received a standing ovation as she was recognized for her 60th year on campus. On Saturday, alumni gathered for lunch and conversations with Queens President Dan Lugo where the 2020, 2021, and 2022 alumni award recipients were recognized.

The award recipients included Ronnie Compton ’15, LaNelle Dominick Barber ’70, Margaret Hackett Murphy ’70, and Kristin Wade ’90 for 2020; Mary Armistead ’11, Kathy Broadway McCollum ’71, Elizabeth Pearce ’76, Dr. Clyda Rent, and Pat Rodgers ’18 for 2021; and L.A. Loschiavo ’12, T.J. Lewis ’97, Malek Jandali ’97, Dr. Norris Frederick, and Connie Gill Rogers ’67 for 2022.

The weekend was a chance to enjoy connection on campus and to celebrate the achievements of alumni who have leveraged their Queens education to accomplish remarkable things. It was also an opportunity for multiple generations of Royals to hear about the direction Queens is moving toward as the university continues to gain prominence as an innovative higher education institution. At the annual Scholar’s Luncheon that kicked off the weekend’s festivities, President Lugo shared his vision for the future of Queens.

“Queens has the opportunity to be among the new forerunners of American higher education – a hub of talent, ideas, and resources that contribute to solving Charlotte’s most pressing challenges,” said President Lugo. “Our current strategic framework positions Queens to do the important work of empowering economic mobility, cultivating different perspectives, prioritizing health and wellness, and leading in diversity, equity and inclusion.”

To learn more about the Alumni Association at Queens University of Charlotte.