Like an eager mother at Thanksgiving, Beacon College welcomed back to the academic nest many familiar faces during the Third Annual Alumni Reunion weekend.
The festivities kicked off March 31 at Via Port Florida where alumni bowled, tested their arcade skills and played catch-up with old classmates.
On campus Saturday, campus officials, led by Chelsea Eubank Smith (Class of 2010), director of alumni and parent relations, greeted alumni with goodie bags filled with alumni swag and treated them to breakfast.
President George Hagerty opened the reunion outlining the State of the College. During his address, Hagerty shared the college’s growth plan and renderings of how that growth will transform the campus over the next few years.
Meanwhile, Allan S. Boress, a certified public accountant, presented, “A Financial Roadmap for Beacon Alumni.” Boress, in a presentation that often left alumni in stitches over humorous anecdotes about his own fiscal mistakes, shared with the audience financial tips and tricks to manage their finances as grow in their careers and build wealth.
Vice Admiral (ret) David L. Brewer III
speaks at Beacon College Alumni Reunion.
Keynote speaker Vice Admiral (ret) David L. Brewer III proved a showstopper. The retired navy man offered his perspective on the four “E’s” — economics, education, exercise and ethics — “no romance without finance” — weaving in stories about his three-decade-plus naval career and his collegiate life at Howard University and Prairie View A&M University, as well as recommending a small library of books to read for success.
Later, after the admiral shoved off, alumni toured the campus, stepping back into their old classrooms, visiting old haunts.
An alumni panel Q&A closed out the presentations. Stephen Staik (Class of 2006), president of the Alumni Council, led the panel, joined by alumni Dr. Rosalyn Johnson (Class of 2009), Andrew Marvin (Class of 2010), Steve Adam, (Class of 2008) and Jamar Butler (Class of 2009).
Alumni peppered panelists with questions exploring their definitions of success and obstacles they had faced during job search journeys. Panelists responded with candid, heartfelt, relatable answers.
The reunion wrapped up with a Mexican fest overlooking Lake Harris at the Leesburg Boat Club.
Dr. Bob Bridgman, the college’s former vice president of student services, emphasized the importance of supporting both the college’s alumni association and its continued growth.