St. Andrews Alumni To Enjoy Varied Events This Weekend
Laurinburg, N.C. - A diverse program will greet more than 500 alumni and friends coming Friday and Saturday to the annual alumni weekend hosted by St. Andrews Presbyterian College.
An art show, an induction into the St. Andrews Athletic Hall of Fame, recognition of a distinguished alumnus, traditional alumni parties, a softball tournament, and an alumnus' survivor's story from the Hudson River Plane Crash are among the weekend's activities.
"We are thrilled at the breadth of activities for our alumni," said Susan Wentz, St. Andrews alumni director. "We have 13 reunions, a tour of our revitalized Archives Room, and the dedication of the Sadie McCain Plaque."
The plaque dedication will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Flora Macdonald Neuk next to DeTamble Library. McCain served as the dean of women at Flora Macdonald College from 1951-57.
The Rev. Mac Legerton of the Class of 1973 will be recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award by the St. Andrews Alumni Association during Friday night's annual alumni banquet. Legerton founded the Center for Community Action in Robeson County. The Center has received numerous awards for its contributions to social change.
Following the banquet, many alumni will attend the opening of the Colorcopia, the college's senior art show in the Vardell Building. Artwork from students, faculty, and alumni will be on display. The art show will be open free to the public through May 9.
On Saturday morning, former St. Andrews Director of Athletics Carl Ullrich will be inducted into the prestigious Athletics Hall of Fame. Ullrich served twice as the college's director of athletics.
The St. Andrews College Press, renowned as the first undergraduate press in the nation, will be offering its wide selection of books during the weekend. Its collection includes authors from throughout its years of printing.
In its earliest years, St. Andrews became known for its unique Christianity and Culture program that gave students a broad liberal arts training. On Saturday morning, retired Professor Mac Doubles will bring together members of the first student trip in 1969 to the Mediterranean as part of the program's curriculum.
A special Tri-Shield Luncheon on Saturday will honor alumni from 1959 and earlier from Flora Macdonald College and Presbyterian Junior College.
In the afternoon, alumni will have the opportunity to tour both the newly opened Scottish Heritage Center and the new Archives Room in the DeTamble Library. Alumni from Flora Macdonald College funded the Archives Room.
At 3:30 p.m., Bill Elkin of the Class of 1989 will talk about his experience as a passenger on US Airways Flight 1549 that crashed into the Hudson River on Jan. 15. All 155 passengers and crew survived. The pilot, Chesley B. Sullenberger, became an instant hero to the nation.
For the athletic alumni, there will be a softball tournament throughout the day while at 2 p.m., there will be a soccer game.
Alumni will have the opportunity to have an informal conversation with College President Paul Baldasare at 4:30 p.m. followed by a mini-concert by the award-winning St. Andrews Pipe Band, a picnic, a writer's forum, and a dance.
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About St. Andrews Presbyterian College
An innovative and bold academic venture to an interdisciplinary curriculum, a highly acclaimed college press, an award-winning pipe band, national champion equestrian teams, and first-rate scholarship have marked the distinctive character of St. Andrews. In addition to classes on the main campus, adult learners also choose the Center for Adult and Professional Studies opportunities through St. Andrews @ Sandhills and St. Andrews ONLINE.
St. Andrews was formed by the merger on Aug. 29, 1958, of Presbyterian Junior College and Flora Macdonald College. Further information may be obtained by visiting the College's website www.sapc.edu, calling 800-763-0198 or sending an e-mail to info@sapc.edu.
