Keuka College Welcomes More than 400 Guests for Green & Gold Celebration Weekend

Milestones, awards, and alumni tributes highlight a festive reunion weekend.

Monday, September 30, 2024

Keuka College’s annual Green & Gold Celebration Weekend drew more than 400 alumni and guests to campus over the weekend to reconnect, commemorate milestones, and celebrate all things Green and Gold.

A bonfire at Point Neamo punctuated a Friday evening welcome party for returning alumni and events throughout the weekend – including a Saturday afternoon barbecue, a Field Period® expo, an outdoors movie, and campus tours – allowed guests and friends of the College to reconnect while mingling with students, faculty, and staff.
 
Among the highlights was Saturday’s Alumni Association Award Presentations and Dr. Arthur F. Kirk, Jr. Hall of Fame Inductions. President Amy Storey shared some of the College’s recent successes, including an impressive incoming Fall of 2024 class and ongoing renovations to campus facilities, as well as offering a sneak preview of the latest television commercial in the College’s “Small on Purpose” campaign.

Honored at the dinner were this year’s alumni award winners: Dr. Daniel Riggs ’02 (Professional Achievement Award), Dr. BettyLou Koeffel ’74 (Eleanor Judd Wilkes ’35 Service to Keuka Award), Sue Ellen Bordwell ’67 (Effective Use of Retirement Award), Shadayvia Wallace ’15 (Graduate of the Last Decade Award), and Hall of Fame inductees Dr. Nicole Zahtilla Zell ’07, Jessica Bandrowski Smith ’14, and Austin Gerber ’15.
 
“I am grateful for the opportunities I had to grow and develop as a student-athlete at Keuka College,” said Jessica. “The lessons I learned on and off the field have shaped me into the person I am today.”

Added Sue Ellen: “Without Keuka College, there would be no me. Thank you!”
 
The weekend kicked off on Friday afternoon with the annual Pathfinders Luncheon and Medallion Ceremony.
 
Pathfinders at Keuka College are alumna who graduated at least 50 years ago, so the Class of 1974 was inducted this year.
 
In addressing the luncheon, President Storey highlighted some of the progress women have made achieved the decades while pointing out challenges that remain toward equal representation in areas including elective office and the business world.

The Class of ’74 Class Gift was presented – a new scholarship funded by the class and totaling more than $60,000.
 
The College also launched a new tradition: A Class Plaque was presented to the Class of 1974, acknowledging the alumnae for their generosity and continued connections to the College.
 
The spirit of Keuka College was evident throughout Green & Gold Celebration Weekend, leaving alumni and guests with fond memories and a renewed connection to their alma mater.