Emory & Henry Alumni Updates

06/24/2026

📅 Save the Date: Homecoming 2026 is October 9–11! Full schedule + event registration open August 1, 2026. We’ll see you back on campus! 🎉 💙💛

06/12/2026

Last June, many of you followed the story of Madison “Madi” Reeser ’25 as she explored her passion for psychology, studied abroad, and prepared for life after graduation.

One year later, Madi is pursuing a specialist-level graduate degree in school psychology at the University of Montana, building on the experiences that shaped her at Emory & Henry.

As a student, Madi studied abroad in South America and Europe, worked with ESL students, and developed a passion for serving diverse communities. Today, through her graduate fellowship, she works with Indigenous students in Montana. This coming year, she will continue serving students in rural schools, mentoring student-athletes, and representing her peers through the Montana Association of School Psychologists.

Reflecting on her time at Emory & Henry, Madi shared: “My immersion experiences in the World Languages department during my time at Emory & Henry greatly shaped where I am today.”

Madi’s journey reflects the lasting impact of an Emory & Henry education. The opportunities she experienced here prepared her to make a difference in the lives of others.

As June 30 approaches, your support helps provide scholarships and transformative opportunities for students writing their own stories today. Please make your gift to the Emory & Henry Student Scholarship Fund.

You can make your gift today at emoryhenry.edu/giving/give-online/

06/09/2026

A huge congratulations to Don & Fran McDaniel, who recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary!!! 🎉

An E&H love story, Don & Fran met here on campus in 1962. They got married after graduation in 1964, and they have been building a beautiful life together ever since, including their two sons and five grandchildren. 💕

They now reside in Roanoke, and are always grateful to the place where their story began. 💙💛

🎊 Congratulations you two!! 🎊

06/05/2026

🎓 “The strength of Emory & Henry has always come from alumni and friends who believe in its mission.”
— Tyler Kidd ‘98, Chair, Board of Trustees
Every graduate in this photo represents the impact of a community that believes in the power of an Emory & Henry education.
There is still time to make your gift before June 30.💗

Make your gift today: https://www.emoryhenry.edu/giving/give-online/

06/03/2026

It was great to reconnect with so many E&H alumni and friends in Western North Carolina to start this week off! We enjoyed a fun alumni social hour at Frog Level Brewing Company in Waynesville and a wonderful breakfast with President Fincher at The Terrace at Lake Junaluska during the Holston Conference Annual Meeting. Thanks to everyone who joined us, we always love catching up and celebrating our E&H family! 💙💛 We loved seeing our Chaplain Sharon Wright and all the students and young alumni who are working with the Holston Conference. We loved hearing about all they are learning and doing! The future is bright! Were you at the Holston Conference Annual Meeting? Are you there now? Tell us all about it! We love hearing from you all!

05/31/2026

The E&H Alumni Office is saddened to learn about the passing of beloved Coach Newsome. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Coach Newsome, today and in the days to come.

Emory & Henry Mourns the Passing of Former Head Football Coach Curt Newsome

05/28/2026

Sign up! Share! Three chances to connect with fellow E&H alums this weekend and next week:

• Saturday, May 30 – Guided Hike Steele Creek Park with E&H alum Justin Harris ’08 | Bristol, TN | 9:30 AM | RSVP Here: https://forms.gle/foH9dom4w8pEFqRQ7
• Monday, June 1 – Join us at Frog Level during the Holston Conference | Waynesville, NC | RSVP Here: https://forms.gle/QMuuMjD1nBEcmTxn7
• Tuesday, June 2 – Breakfast & E&H updates with President Lou Fincher | The Terrace at Lake Junaluska | 7 AM | RSVP Here: https://forms.gle/s6sHtjWWWX2DG9s19

05/22/2026

Caitlin Lamie ’26 🎓 is already making an impact as a social worker at Southwest Virginia Mental Health Institute in Marion, VA, and continuing her journey by pursuing her masters degree 🎯

“Emory & Henry not only gave me an amazing education but also allowed me to gain many connections within the community to flourish after my degree,” says Lamie.

🔗 Learn more and submit your own spotlight:

Caitlin Lamie of Chilhowie, Va., will receive a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

05/22/2026

Congratulations to Dr. W. Mark Handy ’86, on receiving the William and Martha DeFriece Award at our 2026 Commencement Ceremony. 🌟 Dr. Handy was honored for his positive contributions to the University and region as a medical practitioner, educator, healthcare leader, and musician.

🔗 Learn more about the DeFriece Award: emoryhenry.edu/178th-commencement