George Williams College Hosts Successful Open House and Reunion Oct. 27

WILLIAMS BAY, Wis., Nov. 13, 2007 —More than 100 George Williams College alumni, friends, faculty and staff, community members attended the open house and reunion held at the George Williams College of Aurora University campus in Williams Bay, on Saturday Oct. 27.

"It was so wonderful to see so many George Williams College alums enjoy themselves and reconnect," said Barb Calvert, Director of Alumni Relations at Aurora University. "GWC alumni from as far back as 1937 attended and it was wonderful to see former and current faculty and staff and community members as well."

Highlights of the day for Lake Geneva area community members and alumni included a dedication of new facilities, an academic open house, campus tours, a book signing and a variety of other activities and events. A number of events for alumni included a gathering for Class of 1957 alumni, social work and recreation administration program alumni gatherings, and a reception and banquet followed by a camp fire in the historic tradition of the campus. Reunion events continued Sunday, Oct. 28, with a breakfast for alumni.

Sanford “Sandy” Bates, an alumni from Lakeland, Fla. who received a bachelor’s degree in 1976 and a master’s degree in 1986 said, “It was so enjoyable to be around friends I hadn’t seen in over 25 years. The George Williams College campus has always been very special to me and I’m so proud of how it has flourished.”

A dedication ceremony for Beasley Campus Center, Meyer Hall and Emery Lodge, historic buildings that honor the spirit and legacy of the campus, was also held. All three of the buildings honor longtime supporters of George Williams College who served for many years on the Board of Trustees — Theodore P. Beasley, Edward W. Emery, and Frank R. Meyer, Jr. Meyer Commons was also dedicated and honors F. Richard Meyer III and his wife Geraldine Schloerb Meyer, who represent the second generation of his family to give generously of their time and support to their college.

Lunch followed the dedication in the Beasley Campus Center with more than 100 people in attendance. Other highlights of the weekend included an academic open house; tours of Yerkes Observatory; boat tours of Geneva Lake; and a book signing with Sandy Alcorn of Glen Ellyn, Ill., author of the recently released, “Strong Roots: A Group Memoir of George Williams College.” The book recounts stories of generations who have passed through George Williams College for more than 100 years.

A dedication ceremony for Beasley Campus Center, Meyer Hall and Emery Lodge, historic buildings that honor the spirit and legacy of the George Williams College campus, was held on Saturday, Oct. 27. More than 100 community members, alumni, and former faculty and staff attended the ceremony. Lunch followed the dedication in the recently remodeled Beasley Campus Center.

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