Alumni, Students and Friends Celebrate During Homecoming Weekend
September 27, 2023
Memories, inspiration, hole-in-ones, bubbles and balloon animals were all present at Webster University’s 2023 Alumni Homecoming Weekend September 22-23 in St. Louis, Missouri. A packed two-day schedule allowed alumni, students and friends to celebrate and reminisce about their time at the University.
On the 100th anniversary of Webster’s Alumni Association, Webster community members traveled across the country to take part in the celebration, including California, New York, Oregon, Texas, Vermont, New Jersey and many other states.
The weekend kicked off Friday with the annual Golden Circle Luncheon, a special gathering for all graduates of 50 or more years. Alumni from the class of 1954 through the class of 1973 were in attendance, including Eugenia Young who earned her master’s degree in teaching in 1973 at age 51. Now, at age 101, Young and her classmates received pins to commemorate their induction into the Golden Circle.
The Golden Circle Luncheon, held in Webster University's Luhr Building.
Chancellor Stroble greets attendees.
Recipient of a golden pin with Chancellor Stroble.
A group of Webster alumni from the 1950s catch up.
Chancellor Stroble with Eugenia Young and her son.
Attendees raise a glass in a toast.
Later in the evening, four incredible individuals were recognized for their great achievements, their compassion towards others and their loyalty to Webster at the Alumni Awards Dinner. An audience that included alumni from eight decades, from the class of 1957 to the class of 2023, were inspired by the lives and stories of the honorees. Following an introductory video, each awardee or their representatives captivated the audience with heartfelt speeches. The 2023 Alumni Award Winners included:
Distinguished Alumni Award – Jacqueline K. Dace (BA ‘05)
Loretto Service Award – Carlita D. Vasser (BSN ‘05, MA ‘15)
Mary Elizabeth Newell Award – Richard Fox (BA ‘76)
Young Alumni Award – Elliot Laurence (BA ‘21)
President Julian Z. Schuster speaks at the Alumni Awards Dinner.
A family at the Alumni Awards Dinner.
Two Webster employees enjoying conversation at the Alumni Awards Dinner.
Awardee Jacqueline K. Dace (BA '05) (at right) with attendees.
A Student Government Association representative writes on a scroll for a time capsule.
Carlita Vasser (BSN ‘05, MA ‘15), recipient of the Loretto Service Award, shares a few words.
A video from Awardee Richard Fox (BA '76) was played.
Representatives of Awardee Richard Fox.
Elliot Laurence (BA '21) is honored with the Young Alumni Award.
Saturday’s festivities teed off between the shelves of Emerson Library - not with books, but with golf balls, obstacles and fairways. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the library tested patrons with a round of miniature golf, bringing the excitement of putt-putt through the aisles of fiction, mystery, romance and more.
Also taking place Saturday afternoon, three of Webster community’s brightest minds enlightened audience members with presentations on relevant topics at Lightning Talks, while graduates of the 1970s had a groovy celebration at the 70s Happy Hour.
More than 300 alumni, students and friends gathered on the Quad for Saturday evening’s Homecoming BBQ. In addition to great camaraderie, guests of all ages enjoyed the Bubble Bus, face-painting, balloon animals and yard games.
Putt putt golf was open for attendees to play in the Emerson library.
Attendees enjoyed the activities several booths had to offer at the BBQ event.
Several Webster student organizations hosted booths.
Gorloks grabbing a bite to eat at the BBQ portion of the event.
Future Gorloks playing in the bubbles.
Webster employees enjoying the day.
Free face painting was offered to all attendees.
A group of Webster employees attending the event.
Gorloks browsing the booths set up during the BBQ event.
School of Education representatives at a table.
A group takes a break on a bench.