The 2007 annual SVS Alumni Reunion brought graduates from many different years back to the campus to rekindle memories of old times and to get to know the seminary as it is today. For most of the alumni present, this reunion was their first chance to interact with new Dean Fr John Behr and Chancellor Fr Chad Hatfield. There were several opportunities for the alumni to sit down and talk with the new leadership from Tuesday, October 16 through Thursday, October 18, 2007.

Speaking at a Tuesday evening banquet, both the Dean and the Chancellor invited the alumni to reconnect to and rediscover their alma mater. They were encouraged to visit the campus regularly, to recommend potential students to the seminary, to share their practical experience with current seminarians, and to help financially support their school.

The banquet honored Ann Holod Zinzel, “the seminary alumni’s best friend,” for her many years of service to the seminary. Also honored at the banquet were members of the Class of 1957 (50th anniversary) and the Class of 1982 (25th anniversary).  Laughter filled the room, often evoked by stories beginning with “remember when…”

A beautiful hand-painted icon of St Anna the Prophetess holding the Three Hierarchs Chapel was presented to Ann Zinzel. Upon receiving the precious gift, Ann exclaimed with tears in her eyes, “I will take this to my grave.” It was a moving occasion to see someone honored who has dedicated most of her life to service of the seminary and the Church.

Ann went to the microphone with heart-felt words to express her joy and privilege of having worked for Fr Alexander Schmemann and for having been able to serve the seminary for so many years. She recounted the tale of how she came to work for SVS forty-five years ago. Fr Chad read personal notes and letters of congratulations sent by various alumni expressing their appreciation of Ann’s steadfast service and kindness.

Wednesday afternoon, a “Meet the new leadership team” session in the Three Hierarchs Chapel offered alumni short presentations by both Fr Chad and Fr John followed by questions and answers. Alumni asked for more clarification on the newly implemented Master of Divinity curriculum, shared some of their favorite memories of former faculty, and showed an interest in finding out more about the new leadership’s plans and vision.

A general assembly meeting on Wednesday evening brought a lively exchange of ideas and feedback and was followed by a wine and cheese fellowship. During the meeting, Alumni Association President Fr David Barr reported on the Alumni Board’s work including reports on regional alumni events, increasing alumni involvement in seminary life, and the format and timing of the annual reunion.

Concurrent to the reunion, the Alumni Board held its annual face-to-face meeting.  Key points of the Board's discussion included: the development of a set of bylaws to guide its work, an election process, which is representative of alumni diversity, the clarification on what constitutes an alumnus/a, and a discussion on how to strengthen mutual support between the seminary and its alumni.

The reunion gave alumni several opportunities to worship and pray together in the Chapel during daily Matins and Vespers, as well as during a Memorial Service for the seminary’s departed alumni. A Divine Liturgy for the Feast of St Luke the Apostle on Thursday morning concluded the reunion.

The alumni reunion participants were delighted to visit the campus again, to meet the new leadership, and to give their input on the future of St Vladimir’s Seminary.

Please visit our photo gallery to see images from the banquet, the “Meet the new leadership team” session and the general assembly during the 2007 alumni reunion.