Alumni Association Executive Board Meeting, March 23

Members of the executive board met at Culpeppers in Rockwall to discuss the Association Board of Directors summer retreat. A general outline was developed as well as a list of possible locations.

Dinner Dance Planning Meeting, March 27

The final meeting before the dance was held at the Renaissance. Twelve staff members of the hotel met with the site selection committee to finalize plans for the weekend of events. The full dinner dance committee met to make assignments for the events, look over the list of attendees, and to take care of the last minute details.

Alumni Ambassador Forum, April 6

Twenty-five alumni were honored during the Seventeenth Annual Alumni Forum. Alumni Director Kayla Price was the Toastmistress. Association President Gary Finney welcomed the group on behalf of the Association, and President Keith McFarland provided the University greeting.

Dinner Dance 2000 Golf Tour. and Night Out, April 7

Seven teams of players participated in a golf scramble at Twin Wells Golf Club. That evening, approximately 250 alumni and friends gathered at the hotel for a cash bar reception in the lobby/bar of the Renaissance Hotel. Smaller groups then went to various restaurants in the area for dinner.

Dinner Dance 2000 Gatherings, April 8

Gatherings for the different Greek and social clubs were held in a ballroom of the Renaissance Hotel while registration was being conducted in the entry area. Participants were given information about the area, a survey of the weekend, roster of the attendees, nomination forms for various alumni awards, Association dues information, a schedule of the weekend, and their nametags. Later that evening over 300 alumni, former students and guests gathered for a reception, dinner and dance. Co-chairs Bobbie Purdy and Joe Ondrusek presented a brief program. Gary Finney welcomed the group on behalf of the Association. Dr. Keith McFarland greeted the participants on behalf of the University. Gary and Alumni Director Kayla Price presented Bobbie and Joe with University clocks for all their work over the past two years. Several groups and individuals were recognized. Dancing went on until midnight.

Dinner Dance 2000 Farewell Breakfast, April 9

Participants met in the restaurant of the Renaissance Hotel for a last chance to catch-up until 2002.

Kappa Delta 40th Anniversary Celebration, April 15

Gamma Upsilon Chapter of Kappa Delta celebrated its 40th anniversary on campus on April 15. The gathering started with a reception at the Home of President Keith McFarland and wife, Nancy. The group then adjourned to the First Baptist Church for a catered luncheon held in the newly built wing of the church. The Toastmistress was Tracey Wolfe. Special guest speakers included Dr. Keith McFarland with a welcome from the University, Chapter President Barbara Shaw with greetings from the chapter, and Kappa Delta National President Julie Johnson who provided the keynote address. Alumni were then invited to the chapter house to see the rush skit and to sing songs.

Alumni Association Board of Directors Meeting, April 29

Association Board members gathered at the Memorial Student Center on campus for a regularly scheduled meeting. President Keith McFarland presented an update on the University as well as his vision for its future.

Fifty-Year Club Reunion, May 5

Alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago gathered at the University to celebrate their graduation from East Texas State Teachers College. Members of the Class of 1951 were special guests for the occasion. The group enjoyed reminiscing in the Gold Blazer Room of the Alumni Office, a luncheon with comments from President Keith McFarland, and a banquet with the Fifty-Year Club induction. Alumni Director Kayla Price introduced the inductees as Association Board members Janet Peek and Diane McDowell presented certificates and medallions to the honorees.

Alumni Association Executive Board Meeting, May 9

The members of the Alumni Association Executive Board met at Culpeppers to hear an update and make final plans on the Association Board retreat to be held in June.

Commerce Area Alumni Board of Directors Meeting, May 11

Plans were made for the chapter picnic. Discussion was held regarding the chapter scholarship and other projects.

Graduation, May 13

The Alumni Association hosted a party on the lawn in front of the Ferguson Social Sciences building, the location of graduation. Graduates and their families were treated to a performance of the University’s Steel Drum Band. Lemonade, tea and cookies were served.

Commerce Area Alumni Red, White and Blue Picnic, May 20

Alumni members of the Commerce Chapter met at Watson Cafeteria for a picnic. The location had to be changed to indoors due to inclement weather. Janice King decorated the tables to go with the Red, White and Blue theme, in honor of Armed Forces Day. After brief comments from University President Keith McFarland and Chapter President Jerry Lytle; Rheba Icenhower and Peggy Fox held a contest for door prizes.

First Annual Agriculture Sciences Alumni Day, June 2

Approximately 60 alumni gathered on campus for the First Annual Ag Alumni Day. The group enjoyed reminiscing before a brief program. Dr. Don Cawthon, department head, greeted the group on behalf of the department after which, University President Keith McFarland welcomed the alumni back to Commerce. Participants met and heard from two new faculty members, Dr. Randy Harp and Dr. Robert Williams. Following a barbeque lunch, various activities such as golf and dominoes were held.

Golf Tournament, June 9

Alumni and friends gathered in Wylie for the Boley Crawford/Harless Wade Golf Tournament. Participants golfed at Woodbridge Golf and Country Club until the weather necessitated their cease of play. A barbeque dinner and silent auction were held in a pavilion on the course following the golf tournament.