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The Office of Institutional Advancement held its annual Retired Faculty and Staff event on October 2, 2025, in Belk Dining Hall West. This year, 70 retirees enjoyed breakfast together and the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and friends.

鈥淲e enjoy the Retired Faculty and Staff event every year. It is a group of people who come in with smiles and excitement about the community that many of them have served for decades,鈥� said Astra Ball, director of advancement services. 鈥淣o matter the challenges they encountered in their careers, they still have a fondness for Meredith, knowing that when they left, they left the College better than when they arrived.鈥�

First held in 2010, the annual gathering serves as a meaningful way for the College to express its appreciation for past employees while keeping retirees connected with the latest campus news.

This year鈥檚 program featured a welcome from Lennie Barton, vice president of institutional advancement, an invocation led by Sharon Vinson, former executive assistant to Barton, and campus updates and words of gratitude from President Aimee Sapp.

鈥淎s I begin my second year as president, I鈥檓 learning just how deep these roots run. Over the past year, I鈥檝e listened to stories about your dedication, your mentorship, and the countless ways you shaped lives here,鈥� said Sapp. 鈥淓ven if we haven鈥檛 met before, your legacy is present in every corner of campus鈥攆rom the traditions we uphold to the curiosity and drive of our students.鈥�

President Sapp shared a few campus updates with the group, including the news that 30 pre-nursing students are currently enrolled and plan to apply to the nursing program later this year. She also highlighted Meredith鈥檚 new majors in data analytics and statistical and data sciences, which provide students with strong career pathways after graduation. In addition, President Sapp announced that the College has seen its largest undergraduate enrollment increase since 2020.

In athletics news, President Sapp shared updates on the new Estes-Speight Family Athletic Center and announced the addition of Meredith鈥檚 11th varsity sport鈥攆lag football鈥攕et to launch in spring 2027. She also highlighted the College鈥檚 first-ever Legacy Pinning event, held on Move-In Day, where alumnae had the special opportunity to pin their students and celebrate the Meredith bond that connects their families.

鈥淚 know how meaningful these gatherings are for you. Meredith isn鈥檛 just a place where people worked and taught鈥攊t鈥檚 a family, and your commitment created that sense of belonging we all value. You made this college a place where students find not just knowledge, but encouragement and purpose,鈥� said Sapp. 鈥淭hank you for your years of service, for your continued engagement, and for the warm welcome you鈥檝e offered me as your president, even from afar.鈥�