More than 250 alumni/ae and family members gathered on the campus June 25-27 to reconnect with one another and share their common story of growing up at Thornwell. There were plenty of hugs to go around, for first time returnees as well as veteran reunion attendees. At the registration table, the meal tables, and around tables in the Mayes-Dowdle Alumni/ae House, alums swapped stories from days gone by, poured over hundreds of photos, and updated one another on siblings, children and grandchildren.


During the business meeting on Saturday, new Thornwell Alumni Association officers were elected. Gene Smith will continue as Association President, along with Frank “Barney” Ellis, Vice President, Hattie Odom, Secretary and Randy George, Treasurer. Regional Vice Presidents are Jim Gilman and Randy Wofford, Georgia; Bobby Benchoff, Grace Walker, South Carolina; Shannon Moss, Margie Stewart, North Carolina; Don Taylor, Laurie Bee and Frank Caldwell, Florida.


Also, during the business meeting, TAA President Gene Smith presented Thornwell President Skip Stansell with a check for $13,000 on behalf of the alumni/ae in support of the children and ministry today.


Dr. Zane Moore, former Thornwell President, preached during the reunion’s Sunday morning worship service at Hartness-Thornwell Memorial Presbyterian Church. Everyone gathered for lunch following worship, then said goodbyes until the next homecoming in 2012.