Marist School Alumni Return to Campus for Heartfelt Reunions

Activities began on Friday evening with the much-loved Welcome Back BBQ held on campus for all alumni over 21 years old. The atmosphere was electric as guests enjoyed music by Matt Osborne '85, delicious food provided by Gezzo’s and Sweet Auburn food trucks, and a campus tour led by Mrs. Angela Gentile Elledge ’88, who guided alumni on a stroll down memory lane. Many alumni enjoyed touring the Goizueta Center for Immersive Experience and Design for the first time. The space is home to the Intelligent Machine Lab, Immersive Theater, and broadcasting, podcasting, and music technology studios, among other educational resources for current students.

 

The pinnacle of the weekend was celebrating the milestone reunion parties for classes ending in 3s and 8s on Saturday, April 29. Alumni took the opportunity to reconnect with one another during gatherings across nine classes held on and off-campus. 

 

“Our 10-year reunion was so special,” said Anna Roche ’13, who served on her class reunion planning committee. “I was so impressed to hear about all the awesome things our classmates are doing with their lives and the impact we are having both in our Atlanta community and all over the world. The best part was seeing everyone happy, successful, and filled with Marist pride as we reconnected as a class.”

 

Alumni enjoyed spending time together in unique areas on campus, such as the Fr. Gunn Art Gallery, featuring artwork by current students, and the Parents Club Arcade Dining Area, which provided a view from the heart of campus. As the familiar tunes from their days at Marist filled the air, the sound of fond memories being shared resonated as graduates rekindled old friendships. Notably, members of the Class of 1973 were inducted into the Half Century Club, which includes all alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago. These members are hereafter invited to attend a special reception each year during Homecoming.

 

Alumni Chaplain Fr. Mark Kenney, S.M. celebrated Family Mass Sunday morning, and attendees participated in an alumni community service project led by the Alumni Association Service and Spirituality Committee. Spiritual nourishment and service to others are integral parts of the Marist experience, and the events that took place on Sunday underscored this enduring commitment of Marist graduates to make positive impacts on the world.

 

The Reunion Weekend events culminated with the highly anticipated and sold-out Alumni Golf Tournament on Monday at Capitol City Club Brookhaven. A shared love of the game and opportunity for companionship brought alumni together for a day of friendly competition. “Participating in the Alumni Golf Tournament for the first time was a fun way to celebrate our 20-year reunion,” said Hodge Wooten ’03. “It was great to catch up with old friends and hear about their lives. I look forward to playing again next year.”

 

Reunion Weekend is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Marist School community and allows alumni to forge new memories while treasuring the traditions of their shared past. As the Marist community looks forward to future reunions, the camaraderie nurtured this Reunion Weekend will endure.

 

View 2023 Reunion Weekend photos captured by Devon Morgan McKenna ’00, owner of Photosynthesis Studio.

 

Learn more about the Marist Alumni Office.