Nearly 1,000 Alumni Viewed Events From Virtual Alumni Weekend 2021

Westminster hosted a highly successful virtual Alumni Weekend from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 16, 2021, with nearly 1,000 total views on the College’s website, Facebook, and YouTube pages.

State of the College Address

The day kicked off at 10 a.m. with opening remarks by J.R. Andrews, Vice President of Institutional Advancement.

Interim President and Chief Transformation Officer Donald P. Lofe, Jr., proceeded to deliver a comprehensive State of the College address, which he introduced as a new Westminster tradition.

Lofe, who was appointed President and Chief Transformation Officer by the Board of Trustees on April 6, gave a summary of the past year and discussed a number of important initiatives at the College.

Among the topics discussed were COVID-19, strategic planning initiatives, alumni relations and ongoing outreach efforts, enrollment and admissions increases, curriculum development, international students, Greek life, Blue Jays athletics, the latest with America’s National Churchill Museum, community outreach, and the College’s newly reconstituted diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative.

Lofe concluded his address by pointing out he is aware Westminster has faced challenges in recent years but that the College is making a number of strides and a concerted effort on all fronts, including strong efforts at being good stewards of its resources.

Through it all, Lofe said the College never lost sight of its mission of educating students for the future. He said Westminster’s alumni base can be thanked for much of the College’s success today.

“All of you are so generous with your time, your talents, and your treasure,” Lofe reflected.

1851 Challenge Results

Following the State of the College address, the impressive results of the new 1851 Challenge were announced at 11 a.m. The total amount raised was $596,099.

Both J.R. Andrews, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, and Donald P. Lofe, Jr., Interim President and Chief Transformation Officer, thanked the Westminster alumni community for its support.

“Westminster College had an incredibly successful spring fundraising campaign in the 1851 Challenge this year,” Andrews said. “We’re incredibly grateful to all those alums who participated in the challenge this year by making donations and who embraced the new 1851 Challenge.”

Total results from all groups can be found below.

Alumni Achievement Awards Convocation Ceremony

This year’s virtual Alumni Achievement Awards Convocation ceremony at 12 p.m. on April 16 was a triumph, garnering the most views of all events throughout the day. More than 950 people watched introductions and awardee presentations from across the United States.

Honoree biographies are available on Westminster’s website, while the ceremony can be viewed in its entirety on Westminster’s YouTube page.

Interim President and Chief Transformation Officer Donald P. Lofe, Jr., concluded the event by thanking members of Westminster’s Alumni Council and all past and present Alumni Achievement Award recipients.

He stated, “They are leaders in a global community who embody the goals of our time-honored liberal arts tradition. During the life-changing journeys at Westminster, they truly found the intense focus and clarity to discover their purpose and contribute meaningfully and continually to society.”

50th Reunion Celebration and Presentation of Medallions

A 50^th Reunion Celebration at 2 p.m. on April 16 for the Classes of 1970 and 1971 capped off Alumni Weekend ceremonies, with welcoming remarks by J.R. Andrews, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, and a slideshow presentation of alumni.

Skulls of Seven member Ashlynne LaFlamme, ’22 ΚΚΓ, led the presentation.

Following the slideshow, Interim President and Chief Transformation Officer Donald P. Lofe, Jr., summarized major events that took place on campus in 1970 and 1971.

Lofe then thanked the two classes for the many ways they have given back to the College throughout the last five decades.

“I know how much Westminster means to you … and as a fellow alumnus, I share your love and passion for this institution,” he said. “Thank you for joining us today, and congratulations on your exciting 50-year milestone.”