THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
EPPES Alumni, thank you for your unmatched support, your presence, and monetary gifts you gave during our 42nd Reunion weekend.
It was a God blessed event. For the first time in a couple of years we were able to be face-to-face with our fellow alums, families, friends, and supporters.
A grand time was had by those who attended the Business Meeting including several elected officials from City and County governments who were inducted into the Society of Honorary Bulldogs.
Also, eleven (11) scholarship recipients were presented and congratulated. Thankfully, all have intentions of furthering their education in their chosen fields.
In addition to those announcements, the Outstanding Alumnus of the Year (OAOY) were made known. Both distinguished themselves in the category of Outstanding Performance in a Career. Dr. David P. James, member of the class of 1958, was awarded the honor for his many accomplishments in education. Most notably being recognized as One of the Top Mentoring Experts in the World in April of 2022.
Dr. Alice Faye Wiggins Joyner member of the “Junior Class of 1969”– Graduating Class of 1970, J. H. Rose.
Dr. Joyner’s was selected for accomplishments that include serving as a retired Associated Professor and former Assistant Dean of Outreach and Economic Development at Virginia State University.
Elections were conducted and officers for the 2023-2024 Association year were elected. They were installed by our very own Pitt County Commissioner Ann F. Huggins.
A major highlight of the weekend was the rededication of the renovated Heritage Culture Center. If you have not seen it, please come, and be dazzled by the physical improvements and history on display.
In the fun department, for our Family and Friends Gathering there were several vendors on the grounds with food, jewelry and other items for display and sale. Music was provided by Gerald Ward and some folks got their dance on.
On the other side of the coin, we had a few glitches with the technical presentations, we apologize. Rest assured we are working to get those corrected so that going forward, they will not be of concern.
The weekend closed out with a wonderful worship service. One of Outstanding Alums of the Year, Dr. Alice Faye Wiggins Joyner, bringing the word, beautiful music by a guest soloist and our very own Eppes Community Choir.
Your board will convene in August to conduct an “After Action Review” of the weekend. We will examine those things that were done right and where we need to improve for the next reunion.
My thanks and grateful appreciation to everyone who contributed to the successful weekend. The challenging and at times arduous work behind the scenes of many of our alums paid major dividends.
We invite you to join us as we continue “To hold we’ll always try. Our ALMA Mater high. Live long and never die. Dear Old Eppes High!”
JH