Putting together an alumni reunion during a pandemic was a new challenge the TXWES alumni relations team never thought we’d face. But after 13 events over 9 days, and more than 500 alumni participating, it turned out to be a surprising success.

The week’s events ranged from the sublime, such as the music offerings from our talented students and faculty, to the hilarious when we enjoyed live comedians and magic in a Zoom format. Long-time coaches Bobby Cornett and Brennan Shingleton shared heartwarming stories about why they love coaching, and President Slabach inspired us with the future plans for TXWES. We even did some yoga and highlighted a new business here in the Poly community.

Some of the most fun came during the decade mixers, where alumni from all over came together and shared memories of their time at Texas Wesleyan. Due to the virtual format, we were able to connect with alumni from Austin and Conroe to Colorado and New York. One alumnus joined the virtual mixer at 1 a.m. in Geneva, Switzerland!

We capped off the week with some actual in-person waves and fist bumps at the outdoor musical on Saturday, April 24. Having alumni and friends back on campus – even in lawn chairs on the mall – was a welcome sight. Theatre Wesleyan did not disappoint with their rock concert style musical revue.

Hear what participants had to say about 2021 reunion:

“Thank you for taking your time to bring us up to date on what is happening and will happen at Wesleyan. And thank you for loving it as much as we do! -Eddye Gallagher ’69, Transformation TXWES 

“I stay excited about TXWES, but you are getting me even MORE EXCITED ABOUT TXWES FUTURE!” -Charles Willett ’65, Transformation TXWES

“First time yoga anything for me...LOVE!!!!!!” -Angelina Pinaga ’98, Stretch and Sip

“Great to see everyone! Please stay in touch!” -Nisha Lunia ‘93, 90s Decade Mixer

“Wow, the singers are awesome.  I am so happy that they could put this together.” -Alicia Chen ’19, Music Department Concert

“It was a memorable event as I was able to connect with my fellow alumni after such a long time. Thanks to the entire Wesleyan Alumni team for making it a possibility.” -Kamal Taiyeb ’95, 90s Decade Mixer

“Educating the whole person, that’s what we try to do at the university. Our new strategic plan is about engaging with community and leadership - all of those things are what TXWES athletics is about." -Ricky Dotson, Athletic Director, Ram Sports: Then and Now 

 “Loved catching up with (and meeting some new) friends at the 80’s mixer! Thank you so much for arranging and hosting events this week!” -Kathryn Miller ‘89, 80s Decade Mixer

If you weren’t able to join in on the fun, you can still check out many of the reunion events on the website. And don’t forget to download the TXWES Eats Reunion Cookbook for some fantastic recipes from TXWES alumni.