A time of thanks!
Thank you to everyone who participated in Homecoming and Reunion Week activities. I had such a great time chatting with alumni, sharing our accomplishments and savoring that feeling of gratitude that comes with being a part of such a wonderful Winthrop family. I’d also like to extend my thanks to everyone – there’s too many folks to name individually – who helped make our annual celebration a success. Well done!
Now, let me update you on a few items that may be of interest:
Giving Tuesday
Please join me in supporting Winthrop on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2. Most of us are familiar
with this global initiative that is held the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. This year,
donations to the Winthrop Fund, Winthrop Scholarship Fund and the Gloria Jones Student Emergency Fund are being prioritized, but your choice to give
to any area you’re passionate about makes an impact. Let’s make a difference in our
students’ lives through contributions of any amount. Make your gift online!
Other Ways to Give
This time of year there are plenty of ways to share the joy. Please keep an eye on
the Daily Digest for a variety of collection and donation efforts that are gearing
up for causes like the Dean of Students’ food pantry and the Department of Human Nutrition’s
Food Box, Toys for Happiness, York County Council on Aging’s pet food drive, and more.
Volleyball Regular Season Champs and Accolades
With an impressive Nov. 14 win over Gardner-Webb, the volleyball team (18-6 overall,
12-2 conference) claimed its share of the Big South Conference Regular Season title
for the first time since 2019, splitting the honor with High Point. The Eagles earned
the top overall seed in the conference tournament which runs Nov. 21-23 at High Point.
Also, congratulations to Head Coach Heather Gearhart who was named the Big South Conference
Volleyball Coach of the Year and to senior Avery Jolley who was named the conference’s
Volleyball Scholar-Athlete of the Year and Player of the Year. Go, Eagles!
Annual Tree Lighting
On Friday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m., the Alumni Association and the Student Alumni Council
will host the 90th Annual Tree Lighting on the front lawn. Enjoy performances by the Winthrop RockHettes, Chorale and Collegiate
Choir, and countdown to the lighting of the flagpole on the front lawn. Just like
last year, the flagpole at the fountain will be lit in the shape of a Christmas tree
to celebrate the season. If you cannot attend in person, watch the livestream on the Alumni Association Facebook page! Stay after the tree lighting to enjoy the 6:30 p.m. Rock Hill Christmas Parade.
Faculty/Staff Holiday Drop-In
On Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m.-noon, faculty and staff are invited to the annual
holiday drop-in at Byrnes Auditorium. Lauren and I hope you will mark your calendar
to join us in Byrnes for delicious holiday treats and lively conversation.
December Commencement
Let’s celebrate our nearly 300 graduates and their incredible accomplishments on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 11 a.m. at the Winthrop
Coliseum! The ceremony also will include the awarding of an honorary doctorate degree
to our late Board Chairman Glenn McCall, recognition of Janet Wojcik as this year’s Kinard Award winner, and a few words from our Commencement speaker, Watts Huckabee ’89. Please join me
as we send our graduates off with the celebration that they deserve.
Finally, as we enter this season of giving thanks, I am truly thankful for each of you and Winthrop. Lauren, the girls and I wish you and yours a blessed Thanksgiving.
Edward
Edward A. Serna
President
