MBU welcomed alumni home for Reunion Weekend on April 4–7, featuring celebrations for the 125th anniversary of the Alumni Association, TED-style talks, updates from university leadership (watch a recording of the State of the University here), and class dinners and gatherings.
Several events also gave alums the opportunity to connect with current MBU students, something which Clair Carter Bell ’76 particularly enjoyed.
“Hearing them gave me the feeling that you can do anything, that Mary Baldwin is the foundation for you to launch off and do whatever it is that you want to do,” said Bell. “It’s a pretty awesome place here.”
Six devoted and energetic alumni were also celebrated for outstanding service to their communities and their alma mater at the Alumni Awards Celebration Dinner.
2019 Alumni Award winners included (front row, l–r) Sally Dupree Barnett ’63, C. Lindsay Ryland ’73, Tiffany Elizabeth Hamm ’89; (back row, l–r) Lida Angier “Angie” Brock ’69, Lee Johnston Foster ’75, Theresa Cash Lewis ’99
The Emily Smith Medallion recognizes alumni who have made outstanding contributions to the university, their churches, communities, and beyond: C. Lindsay Ryland ’73.
Ryland credits Mary Baldwin for whetting her appetite for lifelong learning. Her professional career spanned such diverse positions as director of transition ministry for the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia and senior vice president of Bank of America. Her many volunteer activities have included the United Way, Habitat for Humanity, the Memorial Child Guidance Clinic, and Virginia Voice.
The Emily Wirsing Kelly Leadership Award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated outstanding service and excellence in leadership on behalf of Mary Baldwin University: Theresa Cash Lewis ’99.
Lewis leads a senior team of professionals as treasurer – secretary for the Mutual Assurance Society of Virginia. Her responsibilities include accounting and reporting, human resources, and risk mitigation. She has served on the board of directors for Read Aloud Richmond and continues to be active in the Junior League of Richmond, where she has held many leadership positions.
The Service to Community Award recognizes alumni who provide distinguished and outstanding volunteer service to their communities and bring honor to their alma mater through their activities: Sally Dupree Barnett ’63.
A champion of childhood literacy, Barnett worked for nearly 40 years as a librarian and teacher on two continents, as well as the Marshall Islands. She continues serving others as a leader in local and global outreach through her church and as board member for the Women’s Guild Huntsville Museum of Art.
The Service to Community of Faith Award was created to honor alumni who have provided distinguished service to their faith and spiritual communities: Lida Angier “Angie” Brock ’69.
Brock has written hymn and anthem texts in collaboration with American and British composers, is an active member of Grace Episcopal Church in Yorktown, has led workshops for Shrine Mont and the Diocese of Southern Virginia, and writes a monthly blog for Lumunos, an organization focused on enhancing well-being.
The Career Achievement Award Created recognizes alumni whose outstanding career performance demonstrates the value of a liberal arts education, serves as an inspiration for current students, and brings distinction to the university and alumni: Lee Johnston Foster ’75 and Tiffany Elizabeth Hamm ’89.
Foster has devoted more than 30 years of service to the College of William & Mary, primarily in university advancement, most recently holding the position of executive director of principal gifts and foundation operations. William & Mary named her an honorary alumna in 2013 and recently elected her a trustee emerita.
Hamm ’89 stands on the frontlines of the war against AIDS and HIV as director for global health at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine. Her accomplishments include building HIV programs in four countries from the ground up and seeing significant impact in the lives of the communities she supports.
All alumni are encouraged to watch for the MBU alumni survey, coming to them in May. The university looks forward to hearing alumni perspectives and gaining valuable input moving forward. In advance of the survey, please make any updates to contact information here.
Moments from Reunion 2019
