With over 170 events, a record number of alumni attended Meliora Weekend this past week a number that has successively grown each year. The success of this weekend is recognizable not just in the large turnout, however, but in the buildup surrounding the events and the execution of a myriad of events ranging from the Rochester Revue to Financial Symposium. What is perhaps most impressive and admirable still is that this conglomeration of events, organized by a variety of different offices, never lacks in creativity while also always run smoothly.
One of the best examples of that this year was the ‘Who’s George?” campaign, run by the Office of Alumni Advancement. Not only was the event well advertised fliering, use of the Weekly Buzz and working with student leaders were all utilized but it was also well executed. The unveiling of the statue itself had a large attendance and the added bonus of providing students with free shirts is always appreciated.
The decision to bring in Steven Chu as the keynote speaker is also indicative of the hard work put into this weekend. Chu is especially meaningful to the University community, not just because he is a big name in the U.S. Cabinet, but because of his alumnus status. Campus Activities Board also deserves recognition bringing Bill Maher to the River Campus was an impressive addition to the already jam-packed weekend schedule.
Other programmers should take note: Not only has Meliora Weekend been an unrivaled success year after year, but such a large event requires a lot of organization and a lot of oversight, and the work that goes into this annual event is commendable not just by the Alumni Advancement and Alumni Relations offices, but also by the sponsors of each individual event. Combining Alumni Weekend with homecoming and Eastman weekend means that the expectations are high, and the fact that alumni, undergraduate and graduate communities are satisfied by the festivities is a testament to the how well-run these events are on campus.
campus brat
Meliora Success
The first realization of my own age hit me in the months before I started college. I was helping my dad clean the small office he’d occupied in Rush Rhees longer than I’d been alive. The walls of which boasted childhood drawings that my sister and I had crayoned. Even though I was looking at my distant past, I realized I would soon be starting a new page of my future. Read More
Commencement
Meliora Success
For graduated senior Helen Jackson, who hadn’t been able to go home for breaks for the past two years, these last few months have been a much-needed break. “I’m moving halfway across the country in July for my PhD program, so I probably won’t be able to come home very often after this,” she said. Read More
budgeting
Meliora Success
Take it from a rising Take Five: URochester’s dining plans have improved plenty over the past couple of years. But that doesn’t mean they encompass all student needs — whether that be allergen restrictions, finding internationally sourced ingredients, or accommodating general preferences. So, when you eventually get tired of Douglass, Danforth, and the Pit, here’s a list of locally-based grocery stores to try, all within walking or shuttle distance. Read More