Alumni Gather

For the Birds

Thirty alumni and friends gathered in Saltville, Virginia, on a cold October day to learn more about migrating birds. Emory & Henry teamed up with the Holston Rivers chapter of Virginia Master Naturalist, and the walk was led by Beth Andis Fairbanks ’92, Leola Neal Griffin ’87, Terri Adkins, Monica Hoel ’85 and Katie Cordle VI ’95. Katie conversed with one of the participants, naturalist, author and artist Suzanne Stryk.

The old SIG posed for photos, like this one with ABXer Meg Hathaway Retinger ’76

Smokies Baseball Special Guest: Josh Mancuso

Josh Mancuso ’03, comedy sensation known for mascot videos, was the special guest at this year’s Emory & Henry outing at a Tennessee Smokies baseball game. The old SIG posed for photos, like this one with ABXer Meg Hathaway Retinger ’76, and signed autographs, like this one for the son of his old pal Myra Brooks Carter ’01.

The old SIG signed autographs, like this one for the son of his old pal Myra Brooks Carter ’01.

E&H at R&R

The annual gathering at Bristol’s Rhythm & Roots drew a crowd of nearly 75 alumni and friends despite the fact that it poured rain. Good-natured alumni socialized while waiting on the weather to change. Bucky Claybaugh ’69 got to know the Alumni Office student intern, Cornelius Barber ’24, and Richard Graves ’08 encouraged kids to draw a picture that he in turn painted for them as a keepsake.

Richard Graves ’08 encouraged kids to draw a picture that he in turn painted for them as a keepsake.

Mike Austin ’75

During Homecoming weekend, Emory & Henry hosted an exceptional afternoon of opera featuring renowned tenor Michael Austin ’75 at the Kennedy~Reedy stage in the McGlothlin Center for the Arts. The event celebrated Austin’s distinguished career in opera. He is particularly well known for his portrayal of Otello. Austin received the Emory & Henry Legacy of the Arts Award for elevating the College’s artistic reputation. His performances have drawn crowds internationally as he has performed in the United States and across Europe. Austin’s journey from Emory & Henry marked the beginning of his remarkable career. In 2005 the College honored Austin with an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree for his outstanding contributions to the arts, and in 1985 the E&H Alumni Association named him the Young Alumnus of the Year.