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.
Event recordings for current and past Reunions can be found in these libraries:
Past Classes
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.