Reunion Weekend Back to School Classes

Back-to-School Classes

Recapture the heart of the ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø experience—time spent learning in the classroom! All alums, families and students are invited to enjoy virtual Back-to-School Classes.


Past Classes

an older male wearing a pink shirt and jacket while smiling

Thursday, April 4

8-9 p.m. ET

Life's Potluck Buffet Behind the Scenes

With John Paulas '99

Sponsored by the Class of 1999 Reunion Committee

A behind-the-scenes look at Life’s Potluck Buffet with John Paulas. John talks about the inspiration behind the YouTube work culture and lifestyle podcast and its evolution over the last year. Plus, John draws a card from the Life’s Potluck Buffet deck for the group.


an older white male wearing a suit and tie with glasses

Tuesday, April 9

7-8 p.m. ET

Fashioning a Foreign Policy for Today's World

With Charlie Skinner '69

Sponsored by the Class of 1969 Reunion Committee

There are key concerns around China, Russia, and the Middle East. Addressing these issues goes beyond specific conflicts like Putin's invasion of Ukraine or the Hamas-Israel war.  Realists stress that China has become our main competitor.  The Class will focus on these three problems. There is a need to develop policies that engage regional allies and other significant powers to tackle global challenges ranging from military threats to environmental issues. But there is a challenge that also involves effectively communicating and gaining support for these policies among the American people, especially in a politically polarized environment.


Professor Susan Roberts

Thursday, April 25

7-8 p.m. ET

Data Driven Campaigns and Generative Artificial Intelligence: A Danger to Democracy?

With ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø Professor of Political Science, Dr. Susan Roberts

Sponsored by the Class of 1979 Reunion Committee

Changes in contemporary American political campaigns are dramatic, frenzied, and fast-moving. Within the political context of hyperpolarization and the presence of election deniers, Susan Roberts examined the extent to which data-driven campaigns involving micro-targeting and Generative Artificial Intelligence have been transformative, including their impact on an already fragile confidence in democracy and free and fair elections.


w/Chris Clunie ‘06, Vice President and Director of ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø Athletics; Scott Abell, ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø Head Football Coach; Matt McKillop ‘06, ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø Head Men’s Basketball Coach; Eddie Williamson ’74,  retired college football coach and former ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø football player; and Steve Shankweiler ‘74, retired high school and football coach, Current Director of High School and Alumni Relations at East Carolina University and former ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø football player

Tuesday, April 30

7:30-8:30 p.m. ET

The NCAA Transfer Portal, NIL and ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø Athletics

With Chris Clunie ‘06, Vice President and Director of ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø Athletics; Scott Abell, ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø Head Football Coach; Matt McKillop ‘06, ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø Head Men’s Basketball Coach; Eddie Williamson ’74,  retired college football coach and former ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø football player; and Steve Shankweiler ‘74, retired high school and football coach, Current Director of High School and Alumni Relations at East Carolina University and former ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø football player

Sponsored by the Class of 1974 Reunion Committee

The landscape of college athletics is evolving rapidly, and ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø is at the forefront of these changes. This captivating discussion, led by a distinguished panel of current ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø coaches and former ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø athletes with long careers coaching intercollegiate athletics, dove into the impact of recent regulations surrounding the NCAA Transfer Portal and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) on collegiate sports programs across the nation, including here at ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø. 


Panel speakers for Reflections and Insights: 40 Years of Teaching at ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø

Wednesday, May 1

7-8 p.m. ET

Reflections and Insights: 40 Years of Teaching at ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø

With Dr. Peter Krentz, Chair and W. R. Grey Professor of Classics and Professor of History; Dr. Cynthia Lewis, Charles A. Dana Professor of English Emerita; Dr. Bill Mahony, Charles A. Dana Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies; Dr. Lou Ortmayer, Professor Emeritus of Political Science; and Dr. Clark Ross, Frontis W. Johnston Professor of Economics

Sponsored by the Class of 1984 Reunion Committee

Professors discussed the changes they experienced over 40 years of teaching at ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø! Answering questions such as: how did the students change? How did the campus culture evolve? What did they need to adjust in their teaching strategies to accommodate these changes? 

Blue and red hands shaking hands, representing civil discourse

Monday, May 13

7-8 p.m. ET

A ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø Tradition: Civil Discourse and Active Citizenship in a Divisive World

With Drew Henderson '89, Julie Mayfield '89, Maria Douglas Reeve '89 and Paul Renner '89 and moderated by Jay Barron '89

Sponsored by the Class of 1989 Reunion Committee
 
Please join panelists from the Class of 1989 for a timely panel discussion about active citizenship & discourse. Topics to be addressed include how best to stay politically involved in a divisive world, how current levels of divisiveness, polarization and partisanship affect civil discourse, and what was learned at ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø that guided the panelists in navigating today’s political climate.