On January 8, IWA welcomed 25 recent graduates back to campus, where they participated in our annual Alumnae College Panel.

During this morning of sisterhood and engagement, each grade level participated in a panel discussion with alumnae, posing questions related to study strategies, dormitory life, cultivating friendships, involvement in campus communities, career guidance and other areas of student life. The students greatly appreciated the candor and insight shared by the alumnae, and the atmosphere was filled with warmth and laughter. Following the panel, students had the opportunity to engage in brief one-on-one conversations with the panelists, fostering networking and reinforcing the bonds of sisterhood. Notably, several alumnae from different graduating classes were also able to connect, further strengthening intergenerational ties within the community.

“Moments like this are why we do what we do. Seeing our alumnae come back as poised, thoughtful college students, eager to guide and inspire those walking behind them, is incredibly moving. Their growth makes us proud, and their continued connection to 609 makes our hearts full,” Dr. Penntington-Dorsey said. 

We were also excited to have graduates from the Class of 2025 return to the 609 to pick up their yearbooks, entitled “For the Record.” The conference room was full of excited conversation and joy as the girls reminisced over their senior year and left heartwarming notes in each other's yearbooks. 

Thank you to Dr. Talia M. Pennington-Dorsey, our Director of Counseling, and our Office of Development for helping to organize these two annual events!