Marywood Alumnae Homecoming

Approximately 120 former Marywood graduates gathered to reunite with old friends and classmates. On Friday (August 20), a reception was held from 6 – 8 p.m. with food, fun and cheer. Saturday (August 21) was packed with events, speakers, workshops and campus tours.

Terri Handlin, one of the homecoming committee members, wrote: “This is the first attempt to bring all of the  Marywood Academy graduates together at one time. We had women from the 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's. The Academy closed in 1975. The class of 1975 was the largest represented. They were a very spirited and enthused group who really enjoyed connecting with each other. There are other nice events that happen with individual reunions and potlucks but it was fun pulling the decades together. The workshops on Saturday were extremely successful and the tours were very special. We were finally able to visit areas that, as students, were off limits.

“The memorabilia portion of the event was very successful. Not only did we bring up great items from the archives (including the cafeteria Academy "china") many guests brought their yearbooks, beanies, pictures, student council pins, and anything that they were still holding on to from their days at Marywood. Overall this was an extremely successful event.  

“Two outside speakers were able to help with the workshops: Dr. Roni Devlin who owns Literary Life Bookstore & More offered the session "What have you been reading since English Lit. Class?", and Nichole Caudle, (from 360 Massage & Holistic Therapy) a Reflexology Specialist and Medical Massage Therapist gave us valuable relaxation methods.”

Everyone found the Honorable Judge Sara Smolenski an excellent choice as guest speaker. Although not a graduate of Marywood, she has a strong connection with the Dominicans who taught her at Catholic Central. She also has stayed very loyal to the Dominicans Sisters ~ Grand Rapids. Her relaxed humor and perspective on life is one of the many treasures of Grand Rapids.

The overwhelming response from all alumnae in attendance was one of great pleasure at the opportunity to reconnect with other Marywood graduates. Many are already looking forward to the next homecoming, and brainstorming about ways to find and contact those who we were unable to locate. Thanks to all those who were involved in making this a wonderfully memorable event.

submitted by: Rosemary Steers, Communications Specialist