On Friday, September 25, the PAF program welcomed back nearly 50 members of the PAFamily to reminisce about their time as PAFs at the annual Alumni Weekend Reception. PAF alumni, friends, and university staff were greeted by current fellows, Kelly Bartz and Alec Nadeau, who introduced the guest speakers for the evening. President Steven Knapp then made remarks about the importance of the PAF program within the history of the university and expressed his interest in seeing what current and alumni fellows will accomplish in the future. Next, two alumni fellows, celebrating their fifth and tenth undergraduate graduation reunions, respectfully, spoke about the importance of PAF in their lives. Kelley Stokes, CCAS BA ’10, GSEHD MA ’12, discussed the value of giving back to GW and to the community. She also spoke directly to her fellow alumni about how to stay engaged from a distance. Phillip Zeeck, CCAS BA ’05, GSPM MA ’07, related how the relatively new GW phrase, “Raise High” applied to his tenure as a student and how he continues to embody that in his daily life.
PAF Program Coordinator Toby Davidow was recognized for her years of service to the program and spoke about how important the PAF program has been during her time working at GW. She shared stories of PAFs’ humor, describing a time when fellows brought a street performer to her office to serenade her. The program concluded with PAF Program Director Robert Snyder outlining how PAF alumni have supported the current cohorts in the past year, highlighting that the last year’s cohorts met their goal of engaging over 50% of PAF alumni, and encouraging all PAF alumni to remain connected with the program and the university. A few ideas include participating in PAF selection, serving on a professional development panel, connecting with or informally mentoring a current fellow, or attending an upcoming happy hour and other alumni events. Photos from the event will be shared on the PAF Facebook page.
