The Alumni Board President’s Column provides a personal glimpse into Amy Denton’s journey as both a Barton College alumna and the current Alumni Board President. Drawing on her own college experiences, Amy shares timeless memories, unexpected moments, and lessons learned, while keeping alumni informed about key initiatives and events. Join her as she reflects on the past and celebrates the future of our vibrant alumni community.
Well, Homecoming 2024 has ended – and it was a great one at that – but the energy and excitement for our Alma mater doesn’t have to. Homecoming is truly a special time in the life of the College! We talk it up with friends/sorority sisters/fraternity brothers weeks in advance to plan for a good time, organize tailgates, make group dinner arrangements, and more….all in anticipation of coming back – coming HOME to where it all started. For many alumni, it’s an annual expectation. It’s just a tradition they’ve had for 10, 20, 30, 40 years. And, for others, it’s their first time back to campus in 50 years.
Then the weekend finally arrives and all plans are in motion. Maybe some unexpected ones, too. We hug a lot of necks, take a lot of pics, and make some great Facebook posts to remember the good times for years to come. We are excited to see old friends, or every day friends, and meet new ones along the way….all because of the Barton connection. It’s like we all become one that special weekend! Memories, laughter, and love fill our hearts! We’re in the moment, life is good, and we couldn’t be happier. After all, we’re HOME! We’re back where it all started.
Saturday night ends. Then Sunday morning comes and we’re hugging necks again…this time to say goodbye and thank you and I love you and can’t wait ’til next year! We’ve already recounted all the fun we had the previous two days and nights….and laughed a few more times with each other. But it’s the end. Homecoming is over and most of us are already looking forward to next year. It’s just the way it is, right?!
Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could have a Homecoming campus culture (mindset) year-round? And it didn’t have to end!
It doesn’t have to!! I want to challenge you, my fellow ACC/Barton alumni, keep your enthusiasm for this institution going way past Homecoming. If you’re close enough to Wilson, come back to campus….to the Lighting of the Luminaries, a sporting event, a theatre show, the annual art exhibit, or just take a stroll through campus and grab lunch in the Bistro. Plan it with friends or your family. If you’re farther away, plan a mini reunion where you live with other alumni. Or take a trip. Whatever you do, just get together! Feel the connection and keep the Homecoming energy and excitement going.
With Bulldog Pride,
Amy Denton, Class of 1994