Pamplin seniors reach class gift goal through 'launch' party

Though University Commencement for the Class of 2023 is still a few weeks away, the Pamplin College of Business assisted in kicking off the festivities a little early while also helping the senior class surpass their senior class gift goal.

The Pamplin New Alumni Launch Party hosted over 150 soon-to-be-graduates at Eastern Divide Brewing Company on Thursday, March 23. The celebration featured food, drinks, and music by DJ Lee Wade – also known as Pamplin senior Carter Frazier – with a special appearance by the Hokie Bird.

“This event was a celebration of our soon-to-be graduates, with the hope that they will stay engaged with Pamplin as they become alumni,” said Caitlin Camire, Alumni Relations coordinator for Pamplin.

Building on the theme of engagement, $5 of each senior’s registration fee was donated to the Class of 2023’s senior class gift. Pamplin’s goal of 555 seniors participating in the Senior Class Gift Campaign was surpassed with help from those taking part in the launch party.

“The New Alumni Launch Party was a wonderful way for me to reconnect with classmates and celebrate our accomplishments,” said Abby Stewart, a senior in business information technology. “The event was beautiful, and everyone raved about the food and an appearance by the Hokie Bird. Events like this are key to strong launches into our future as Pamplin alumni!”

Given the overwhelming success of the initial event, plans are already being made to hold a launch party next spring for the Class of 2024.

“I would consider Pamplin’s first-ever New Alumni Launch Party a success,” said Camire. “We’ll take what we learned from this year’s event and use it to make next year’s even better. I’m already looking forward to it.”

For more photos from the Pamplin New Alumni Launch Party, please view our photo gallery.