Greetings from Hamlin Hall! I'm truly joyful to be representing Park in this increased commitment to alumni relations. Two main areas of focus in my new role are increasing alumni communications and events, beginning with daily calls and emails along with reviving the alumni newsletter, Postscript, as a biweekly mass email, while planning more and new alumni events - starting with the revival of Alumni Mixers with an added feature of honoring a beloved teacher at each one (welcoming nominations!), then reconvening the Alumni Association with more agency and officers (all alumni encouraged to get involved!), and offering new elements to old traditions on campus. In October, we added a bountiful Harvest Meal from Oles Farm after Country Fair. On January 31st, we're planning a Cabin Fever Fest with Earth Spirit after Winter Carnival. And on May 30th-31st, we're merging Reunion and Sports Hall of Fame with the annual Auction and Spring Sports Pep Rally for one big weekend. Speaking of sports - we're moving the alumni basketball game to Thursday, March 13th, in order to bring back the current students and restore the tradition of Alumni vs. Varsity. We're also meeting alumni where they're at, from periodic visits such as my recent trip to Vermont to a formal alumni gathering of Florida alumni in Sarasota on February 12th (all welcome to attend!). Please propose an alumni gathering wherever you are, we can help make it happen! Last and perhaps foremost, we're expanding and creating programs for connecting alumni with current students to enrich their experience here and help them prepare for life after Park. I'm seeking more alumni and parents to present at the annual Career Fair on March 7th, and from there looking to launch two related initiatives: Teaching Alumni, in which alumni of various vocations return for a day to share their expertise with all students; and Parknerships, in which specific alumni are paired with students to provide real experience in their desired career path. If you'd like to be part of any of this, have ideas of your own, or just want to stay connected with Park in any way, please contact me at 716.839.1242 x110 or sgallivan@theparkschool.org. Pictured left, from top to bottom: The September return of the Alumni Mixer was a joyful scene, honoring longtime music teacher Michelle Thomas with live music, long-lost friends, and connecting alumni across generations, including the soon-to-be alumni Class of 2025. A fall trip to Vermont included a visit with Pat Burns Richardson '58 and Alison Clarkson '73. Ryan Stewart '98, Seamus Gallivan '96, Tom Leed '97, Jason Mallo '97, and Steve George '97 gathered for dinner and a Sabres game in November. A RENEWED FOCUS ON MEANINGFUL ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT Seamus Gallivan '96, Alumni Engagement Coordinator Alumni are welcome and encouraged to join the Park community at any of the following events: 26 January 31 Winter Carnival & Cabin Fever Fest with Earth Spirit February 12 Alumni & Friends Mixer in Sarasota, Florida March 7 Career Fair March 13 Alumni vs Varsity Basketball April 3 Alumni Mixer May 1 Countdown to Commencement Dinner for the Class of 2025 May 30 Reunion 2025, Spring Sports Pep Rally & Sports Hall of Fame Ceremony May 31 Auction 2025 Stay tuned for additional details. Contact alumni@theparkschool.org for more information or to help with planning these events.
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