Latin American Alumni Celebrate First Reunion
View photos from the reunion
The spirit of Notre Dame is that indescribable feeling that alumni get when they set foot on campus; and thousands of alumni attend reunions on campus each year to recapture that feeling. But what about alumni who live a long distance away? Is it possible to recreate that feeling of “coming home” away from the Golden Dome? The answer was a resounding “yes” from attendees of the University’s inaugural Latin American and Caribbean Reunion June 5-8, 2008.
More than 300 alumni from 16 countries gathered at the Hotel Intercontinental Playa Bonita outside of Panama City, Panama to hear from University leaders, learn from professors, experience Panamanian culture and enjoy each others’ company.
The weekend opened Thursday evening with a Mass followed by a welcome reception at the hotel. Friday morning the group gathered for an opening ceremony where a representative from each country posted his or her national flag in the auditorium, where they would remain on display the entire weekend.
After a welcome by Alumni Association Executive Director Chuck Lennon ’61, ’62 M.A., Lou Nanni ’84, ’88 M.A., vice president of University Relations, moderated the first session, which was a panel discussion with University President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.; University Provost Tom Burish; and Executive Vice President John Affleck-Graves, after which attendees had an opportunity to pose questions to the University leadership.
Attendees were brought up to date on other University accomplishments and initiatives during presentations by administration leaders including Scott Malpass, Bill Scholl, Dan Saracino and Joe Russo. University faculty, including Dean Carolyn Woo, Rev. Timothy R. Scully, C.S.C., and Professor George Lopez, offered academic seminars on ethics, the impact of the upcoming U.S. election on U.S.-Latin American relations, and religion and social capital in Latin America.
A “Latin American Showcase” offered attendees the opportunity to promote their businesses and non-profit organizations, as well as to network with each other.
Alumni experienced the local area by participating in tours of the Panama Canal, the rainforest, and local markets. The most impressive cultural experience, however, took place on Friday evening. The Notre Dame Club of Panama hosted a spectacular evening event in The Ruins in Old Panama City. Dinner featured local specialties and attendees were treated to a performance of traditional Panamanian music and dancing. Afterwards, a band played as guests danced into the night.
The Latin American and Caribbean Reunion drew to a close on Saturday evening. Mass was celebrated in Spanish and English and ended with the singing of the alma mater. Guests then were treated to a surprise video message from Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., before everyone moved outside for the closing banquet, which was held on the beach.
Alumni stayed long after the music stopped playing, talking about how wonderful the weekend had been. Conversations then turned to how great it would be to have a second Latin American and Caribbean Reunion to share in the spirit of Notre Dame once again.
The Alumni Association offers a special thanks to the Notre Dame Club of Panama City, led by Ramon Smith, for being such a great host.
