Hundreds returned to Brenau University on April 14-15 for the annual Alumni Reunion Weekend to reconnect with classmates and faculty, recognize milestone reunions and honor alumni award winners.
On Saturday, Brenau President Anne Skleder gave a State of the University address that was live-streamed and attended by alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the university. Skleder also shared a toast during the Champagne Brunch, a traditional part of the weekend.
“As this weekend celebrates what this university means to so many, I would like to take a moment to celebrate what you mean to this university. Brenau has impacted each of you, but all of you have made Brenau into the university it is today,” Skleder said. “So I raise a glass to all of you and say thanks – and keep up the good work!”
A luncheon for classes of 1972-74 kicked off the weekend on Friday afternoon. Alumni from the class of 1973 were given special recognition for their 50th year reunion; they joined Brenau’s 24 Karat Club and were presented with their 50-year medallions.
On Friday night, several Brenau alumni were recognized by the Alumni Association during a dinner celebration.
Mary Bob Acree Hobgood, WC ’45, was posthumously inducted into Brenau’s Alumni Hall of Fame. The award was accepted by her daughter, Mary Evan Hobgood Bannister, a Brenau alumna, and her son, Stephen Bannister. Hobgood served as president of the Stephens County Chamber of Commerce and was Stephens County’s first female Realtor. She held leadership roles in Toccoa civic clubs and at her church and helped her husband run their business for 55 years.
Other award winners included:
- Academy Alumna of the Year: Angela Duffield Harrell, A ’84, has worked as an actress, drama teacher, TV news anchor and radio talk show host.
- Young Alumna Award: Zoe Durden, WC ’14, serves as chief of staff for the data executive of Bank of America’s CFO Data Management group.
- Community Service Award: Michelle McGowan, BU ’10, ’13, ’20, is executive director of the nonprofit Unified Healthcare for the Rural Underserved.
- Professional Achievement Award: Dr. Drew Huggins, BU ’18, graduated from Brenau University’s inaugural Doctor of Physical Therapy cohort and is a physical therapist at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta.
- Service to Brenau Award: Alyson Shields, WC ’13, worked as an award-winning news anchor and reporter for many years before returning to Brenau in 2021 as a writer and editor for the Office of Communications.
After the awards ceremony, alumni from class years ending in “0” or “5” were presented with their reunion pins.
Class Day was held Saturday morning and the May Court was presented in the afternoon, followed by the traditional wrapping of the May Pole. Annabeth Vandiver was presented as the May Queen, with Tiffany Kovash as the May Prince and Katherine Fourey as the May Princess.
On Saturday afternoon, Autumn Dodson, Ed.D., WC ’16, BU ’21, this year’s Alumni Speaker, shared how the Brenau Ideal remains an important part of her life.
“At Brenau, it’s so beautiful how much they empower women to just go out and pursue their dreams, regardless of the challenges that come,” Dodson said.
She challenged other members of the Brenau community, especially alumni, to reflect upon how they are upholding the Brenau Ideal.
“Are you living and loving what you do? Are you fearing nothing and hating never? Are you being confident in yourself and knowing who you are?” Dodson said.
Saturday night, Dodson was inducted into the Brenau Athletics Hall of Fame for her achievement in basketball. She holds several Brenau records, including all-time leading scorer. In addition to Dodson, the 2023 inductees were:
- Elizabeth Campell, WC ’15, soccer, 2011-15
- Linda Chukwuji, WC ’14, soccer, 2012-14
- Gabby Harvey, WC ’13, basketball, 2010-13
Taylor Green also was recognized with the Michael D. Clanton Excellence in Athletics Award during the Hall of Fame event. Green is a junior who plays basketball and is on the track team.
Alumni Reunion Weekend coincided with a number of student events, including the Brenau Collaborative exhibit of student art, a fashion show featuring student collections, and dance and theater performances.
