More Than A Vacation Celebrates Silver Anniversary
It’s a classic love story. The love for a college coupled with the desire for life-long learning. Yet, how do you put a name on it?
That was the challenge 25-years ago as volunteers for Emory & Henry College met to work on the revival of an event called “Alumni College.” As they agreed on a name, they had no idea how difficult “More Than A Vacation” (MTAV) would be to remember.
It might have been a rocky start, but attendance numbers grew and soon MTAV became a tradition. And while it was created to bind alumni to the College, participants became bound to each other and an unintended but treasured family grew.
“In 2018, we will celebrate our 25th anniversary for the little event that could,” said Monica Hoel, alumni director. “Some folks will be new and some have been here for every inch of the journey. What a blessing both of those groups are.”
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New technology has allowed us to bring in speakers from farther away. In 2017 we reunited a couple of old football buddies (JS Staley and Scrapper Broady) for a presentation on the book "Hidden Figures," by Margot Lee Shetterly. Scrapper's aunt, Katherine Johnson, is featured in the book. -
Taking a "Road Trip" to communities around Emory has become an important part of the MTAV experience. Big Stone Gap, Saltville, Floyd, Hillsville, Bristol, Jonesborough, Gray, and Konnarock have all been on the visit list. Shown here is a group getting a personal tour of Marion's famous Lincoln Theatre. -
Even though MTAV has never paid a presenter, the group has enjoyed an array of great speakers, including world renown author, Mary Roach who talked to the group via teleconference from California. -
Each year the event usually has a theme. In 2015 the theme was "Something to Chew On," and the opening dinner was corned beef hash served in dog food bowls. The group also traveled to Bays Mountain to learn about the wolves and heard from an alumna who trains puppies for Guiding Eyes for the Blind. -
Some of the best moments of MTAV are unplanned: like when a simple tour of L.C. King Manufacturing (Pointer Brand) in Bristol was hijacked by the company's owner, Jack King. We also met Adriana Trigiani's mother on the trip to Big Stone Gap because a community member spotted her in traffic and asked her to come meet all the E&H visitors. -
The real success of this event is the willingness of participants to approach each session as a chance to learn -- as well as have a good time. Our trip to the carousel in Kingsport was informative -- but it was mostly fun. -
Even with no stipend offered, MTAV has managed to get some impressive speakers over the years -- including John Bassett III, shown here with two alumni. "JBII" was the focus of Beth Macy's book "Factory Man." We've also heard from a Vice President at the Academy of Country Music, the co-founders of Mental Floss Magazine, the guy who made a guitar for Marcus Mumford, and famed bluegrass musician Raymond McClain. -
This photo from the event's very early days give you a real picture of just how much has changed since the events inception. These kids grew up with MTAV participants watching -- and we now celebrate them as adults serving their own careers and communities and alma maters. This photo from the event's very early days give you a real picture of just how much has changed since the events inception. These kids grew up with MTAV participants watching -- and we now celebrate them as adults serving their own careers and communities and alma maters. -
Another great success for this event is the chance for interaction between generations. Friendships have been forged throughout the past 25 years that have created a small family group that is always excited to welcome new members.
For four days each summer, at the end of July, alumni and friends of Emory & Henry College gather on campus to continue their commitment to the pursuit of knowledge.
As it so happens, they also manage to have a great time and make great friends in the process. This year’s silver anniversary event will be held from July 25-29.
The program is built around a theme that is fairly common for MTAV: Stories We Never Knew. The event will explore new ideas, share fascinating backstories and urge participants to look deeper at the College.
Events scheduled for this year include a birding program led by an alum who serves with the Center for Conservation Biology, a discussion of microplastics with an alum who is a physicist trained at NC State, a children’s book discussion with a former E&H faculty member, and current events presentations by two former E&H presidents. In fact, every living E&H president is participating in some manner this year to honor the 25th anniversary.
Hoel hopes participants will go home to share their MTAV experiences with friends and family.
“We want everyone to rave about the beauty and culture of Southwest Virginia and the surrounding region. We hope they’ll share facts learned at the event and discuss viewpoints never before considered.”
She credits the success of MTAV to all of the people that have served as leaders, volunteers or attendees.
Jeannette Reynolds Kendall, a member of the E&H class of 1974, says the event opened her eyes.
“More Than a Vacation introduced me to more than the Emory & Henry I knew; it took me over the river, through the woods, beyond the mountains and valleys that surround this wonderful college,” said Kendall. “It brought people to us and took us places that help me better understand the Southwest Virginia I never knew while attending Emory & Henry.”
Nearly every review of MTAV comes back with two thumbs up. No matter what you call it (we get “Better Than A Weekend” all the time), make it a part of your summer tradition. After all…it’s a fun event…but…it’s “More Than Just A Vacation.”
To register for the event please contact Monica Hoel at mshoel@ehc.edu or click on the link below.
Open gallery
