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.
As we’ve come to the end of another academic year at Barton, so has my time serving our alumni association as board president. I had the honor of welcoming another 250+ graduates to alumni life during the 123rd annual commencement ceremony this past Saturday. What an exciting time in the lives of new alumni as they embark on new journeys, careers, and life choices. It’s been a joy, and a dream come true for me, too, these last several years. When I walked on ACC’s campus in August of 1990 (the name changed to Barton one month later) as a first-year student, I never imagined I would one day become director of admissions for our alma mater, much less president of our alumni association and member of the Board of Trustees. My heart is full and will always bleed blue!
My message to you will be the same as I gave the Barton College class of 2025. Think back to your graduation from Atlantic Christian or Barton for just a few minutes and feel all the feels from that day. Remember it well, I hope! That day was the culmination of your undergraduate (or graduate) academic journey, a well-earned college education, but also a life experience… the ACC experience… the Barton Experience! No one can ever take that away from you. You and your family may have sacrificed a lot to get you to that momentous day—when you turned your tassel on your graduation cap from the right to left. You achieved one of many dreams come true in your life!
As alumni of this place that we call home, we need to continue the mission of Barton. Always be proud of your alma mater and be proud to tell your Barton story. Be an ambassador for Barton every opportunity you can. Think of it this way—alumni life is part two of your educational success. Shine your light in your career and be grateful for the roots you planted at ACC/Barton. Never forget where you got your start! Never forget your professors, your academic advisors, and your mentors, and all the other meaningful relationships you developed and never forget how you’re making a difference in this world.
Let me leave you with this request—please stay active and engaged! Come back to campus for Homecoming, sporting events, Lighting of the Luminaries, Alumni Weekend, Greek Show, the grand opening of the new state-of-the-art Health Sciences facility we’ll have here one day, or whatever else it may be that holds a special place in heart. Just keep coming home. You’re always welcome here!
Also, seek out and get involved with regional alumni socials or activities wherever you live, whether in North Carolina or any other state. Stay connected with each other and never forget you are always a Bulldog, no matter where you are. Keep your collegiate memories alive for new generations of Barton students to come. I hope you know that during your time spent at ACC/Barton College, you left your mark on this institution, and I sure hope you feel that this institution has left a lasting effect on you.
I’m so grateful for Barton and the life it’s given me. I hope you are, too!
With Bulldog pride,
Amy