Summer 2019

From the President

In this edition of the magazine, you’ll see a number of stories about the varied journeys Longwood graduates take after crossing the graduation stage on Wheeler Mall and setting off on their lives and careers.

You will see the remarkable array of next chapters for our most recent graduates, the Class of 2019, heading off into a world that urgently needs their optimism and commitment. You’ll meet a number of alumni who work together at the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, pursuing their passion as their vocation. And there is a conversation with Marianne Radcliff ’92, the outgoing rector on Longwood’s Board of Visitors, who, after building an extremely influential career in government relations in Richmond, has devoted countless hours to her alma mater these past eight years, doing great and lasting good.

I hope all these stories bring for you, as they do for me, a special pride and perhaps a knowing smile. Life takes unexpected twists and turns. But in a challenging world and a rapidly evolving economy, a Longwood education firmly rooted in the liberal arts and sciences both ignites passions and provides the tools and courage to pursue them. I am deeply proud of the extraordinary variety of ways Longwood graduates become citizen leaders in Virginia, the nation and the world.

Many graduates, like Marianne, reconnect in deeply meaningful ways with Longwood. For some, it may start with a visit for reunion weekend or just a weekend trip to Farmville with friends or family. For others it could be volunteering or mentoring in their local community or professional field through Longwood’s Alumni and Career Services offices.

However it happens, I hear from alumni that reconnecting with Longwood is almost always a source of great satisfaction. When you come to Longwood as a student you are a Lancer forever—wherever your journey in life may take you.

My best wishes,

W. Taylor Reveley IV

President