Downtown Staunton will be the place to be Friday night, April 21, as local merchants and organizations will help celebrate ý’s 175th anniversary and welcome back alumni from all classes during the , April 20–23.
The Friday night festivities will begin with the Mary Baldwin 175thAnniversary Archival Exhibit Opening Reception at the R.R. Smith Center for History and Art located at 20 S. New Street, where visitors can enjoy a display of Mary Baldwin history. Attendees will next journeyto the Stonewall Jackson Hotel at 24 S. Market Street for an event featuring five food stations to satisfy every palate: an international fruit and cheese display, custom-made Caesar salad, cheese ravioli, curried chicken breast with apricot chutney, cous cous salad, sliced beef sirloin with scalloped potatoes, assorted breads and rolls, and a variety of sweets including a ý celebratory cake. Coffee, iced tea, and water will be available as well as a full cash bar with specialty drinks.
Alive band will perform during the event, playing instrumentals from the 1940s to the present.
“This event will allow guests to not only enjoy being together in one place for a seated meal, but also have the opportunity to either be seated by class or move around and sit with other classes,” said Anne Holland, director of alumni events.
Shops in downtown Staunton will remain open later than usual for alumni to shop throughout the evening. Alist of those shops that will stayopen latewill be included in registration packetsupon arrival to campus.
A special note: Those purchasing more than $25 at a participating downtown shop will be entered into a drawing for abeautiful gift basket giveaway to include items from both downtown Staunton and ý. The winner willbe announced during the All-Alumni Tent Crawl (progressive dinner) on Saturday night on campus.
The downtown event will be followed by informal conversations at the Fire Piton campus.