The uniqueness of the AHN experience and concept of the Academy family is evident in the annual alumni receptions across the nation. This year, President Mr. Art Raimo, Director of Alumni Relations Mrs. Patty Bohannan, and Director of Advancement Mrs. Debbie Gavalas traveled to Washington, D.C., to catch up with DC alumni to see how life after AHN is treating them.
Former AHN teacher Mrs. Kay Culbreth Heller and her husband Rod hosted the reception at the Cosmos Club on the evening of Tuesday, April 9.
Mrs. Gavalas loved the beautiful venue and how well the evening went. “My favorite aspect was seeing the breath of ages of our alums and how despite their ages, they all have a keen devotion to the Academy and the Sisters. I loved witnessing how much pride everyone has in AHN.”
The gathering had a great turnout of about 40 people with SNJM sisters, alumni, and their spouses. The oldest alum present graduated in 1951 and the youngest graduated in 2008.
Mr. Raimo evaluated the group as “a real cross section of alumni.” The hosts were pleased with the great turnout and the special connection alumni from various graduating classes shared.
Mrs. Bohannan also enjoyed seeing the interaction between all the alums. “What’s really cool is that they all enjoy talking to each other. There is no age barrier when they all get together. We always try to encourage them to gather even when we are not there, which they have done in the past.”
DC holds a large alum base, thus the AHN President, Director of Alumni Relations, and Director of Advancement try to visit the area on a somewhat regular basis. The alums always enjoy hearing about the future plans for AHN and what is going on at the Tampa school. A side benefit of hosting an alumni reception in DC in April includes the opportunity to see the breathtaking cherry blossoms.
Mr. Raimo enjoys the reception because it offers great benefits to all those who attend. “It is a great way for us to connect with alums who live in other areas and don’t get back to Academy frequently. It is also an opportunity for them to mingle with each other and relive old times.”
Ms. Emily Rouse A’03, Director of Communications for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, thoroughly enjoyed the reception as a guest. “I attended this alumni event so that I could reconnect with Ms. Bo and the other alumni in the DC area. It was a very rewarding experience to keep my connection to Academy strong and to connect with other AHN alums.”
