These events reward academic achievement and strengthen bonds among students, faculty, and alumni. Public events thrive on faculty participation.
· The Keith and Thyra Thomson Honors Convocation, held early each fall, recognizes undergraduates who were placed on the Dean’s, President’s, or Freshman Honor Rolls. Students selected competitively by the A&S Scholarship Committee give brief talks about independent study projects. Nominate your outstanding students for this honor. Congratulate your honor roll majors and encourage them to attend. The Dean’s Office invites the families of the honor roll students and hosts a reception following the ceremony.
· A&S Awards Banquet is a spring event to honor recipients of our Outstanding Alumni and Outstanding Former Faculty Awards. Nominations drive the process; committees of the Board of Visitors select the winners. Nominate your former colleagues and alumni. There are direct and indirect benefits to having winners from your department. Attend the banquet, especially when your department can claim an award recipient (see Nominations).
· Commencements are special events for students, and the college proudly hosts both December and May ceremonies. December commencement is geared toward those students who finish their degree program in the fall semester, and the May commencement is primarily for those students who finish in May and August. Each commencement depends on the active involvement of our faculty and staff. Department faculty are encouraged to join a reception line to congratulate students as they exit the stage. Over the years, the majority of our departments add to the occasion by hosting receptions, picnics, etc., during commencement week in May.
Reunions and receptions on- or off-campus provide opportunities to build and maintain relationships with alumni. Some departments host receptions at national conferences. Lecture series also provide opportunities to bring alumni back to campus. Alumni are also excellent resources for career advice. Development personnel can assist in identifying and contacting prospective speakers, mentors, or advisors.
The BoV is a group of alumni and friends who support the college. Their responsibilities are to assist in fund raising, community relations, and student recruitment. At their request, we also have participation from a faculty liaison group consisting of heads from each A&S division. The BoV meets as a group twice a year, in the fall and the weekend of the Awards Banquet. Meetings include presentations and site visits so members get to know the various departments.
The Board of Visitors sponsors:
· Outstanding Alumni and Outstanding Former Faculty Awards and the Awards Banquet;
· Student Summer Independent Study Awards – funded by annual gifts to the A&S Special Gifts Fund and some individual endowments;
· “Meet the Dean” sessions in member communities;
· Ben Franklin Circle – annual recognition for continuous donors to A&S (starting with at least two consecutive years);