First Legacy Pinning Ceremony Held
By Emily Parker
First Legacy Pinning Ceremony Held
By Emily Parker
On Move-In Day, Meredith’s Office of Alumnae Relations started a new tradition by hosting a legacy pinning ceremony and reception. The event celebrated students whose mothers or grandmothers attended Meredith. In this first year, current legacy students who are sophomores, juniors, and seniors were invited to attend, along with new first-year students and transfers.
“The Office of Alumnae Relations is excited to start this new tradition,” said Hilary Allen, ’01, director of alumnae relations. “Traditions are a significant part of the student experience at Meredith, and we are happy to celebrate Meredith families who have made attending Meredith a family tradition. The event allowed us to honor past and present Angels as well as celebrate the ties that bind these families to the greater Meredith family.”
The event in the Science and Math Building Atrium brought approximately 100 people together to hear from President Aimee Sapp at the opening of the ceremony. Sapp thanked alumnae for sharing their Meredith experience with their students and encouraging them to choose Meredith.
“As a parent, I know just how hard it is to send your children off to college. For you to choose Meredith a second and even third time for some, that truly demonstrates the value of a Meredith degree and the transformative education one receives at Meredith. It shows that you want your student to have those same opportunities and experiences,” said Sapp.
During the event, Allen asked alumnae and current students to stand for the pinning ceremony and to read an oath printed on the card they received. Mothers and grandmothers, with tears in their eyes and beaming with pride, read the oath and then pinned their student.
“We hope you will remember this new tradition with appreciation for those who have come before you and recognize the Meredith family of which you are now a part,” said Allen. “May each of you make the most of your years at Meredith so that you, too, will want to one day pass this tradition onto your daughters, granddaughters, and other family members.”
Alumnae who pinned their daughters were excited and appreciative of this event on Move-In Day.
“I am truly honored and thrilled to be part of this new tradition celebrating the special bond shared between a mother and daughter who are living the shared Meredith experience and keeping the legacy alive. I am so happy to have had the opportunity to pin Savannah today!”
Crystal Turnage Bacon, ’01
“Pinning my daughter, Brody, at Meredith’s first Legacy Ceremony is a moment I will treasure forever. It is incredibly special to see her become part of a place that meant so much to me so many years ago, and now will mean so much to us both. Knowing she will walk the same paths, learn from inspiring faculty, experience unforgettable traditions, and form lifelong friendships makes me excited for her journey ahead. Meredith helped shape the woman I am, and I cannot wait to see how it shapes her.”
Heather Hudgins-McKean Cohn, ’96
“Pinning Millie at Meredith’s first Legacy Ceremony is a moment I’ll cherish forever. We’re now connected not only as mother and daughter, but as Angels. Two generations bonded by a place that shapes our hearts, our strength, and our sisterhood. Meredith Angel, ’99, to my daughter, ‘29. Go Odds! This legacy pinning is a moment of pride, love, and an unbreakable bond!”
April Hardison Perdue, ’99