New beginnings and the casting away the old year’s cares were celebrated at the William and Mary Alumni Association, Washington, D.C. chapter on December 19. The traditional and sophisticated celebration was held at The Army and Navy Club at Farragut Square, Washington, D.C.

This annual event, with its roots dating to the 1930’s, is the highlight of the alumni events season. Recent William and Mary graduates mingled with alumni from classes of the 1960s and all decades in between. Conversations were jovial and many reconnections were made. The reception featured a crepe bar, passed h’orderves, the wine bar included hot toddies and mulled wine, as well as beautifully decorated holiday cookies.

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Guests took holy sprigs from the passed basket and lined up to cast the sprig beating the past cares and the hopes for the future on the “fire of the yule log.” The holy was symbolically cast.

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Two  good news “sub-plots” came to my attention which deserve mention.

University Philanthropy specialist, Jonathan Overstreet, shared with me that he was accepted into the Fulbright Program where he will be an English Teaching Assistant at the Nelson Mandela University in South Africa. His appointment is for nine months beginning in January 2020. Jonathan explained that, “The mission of the program is to create mutual understanding between the rest of the world and the US. We will be practicing public diplomacy. I leave at the end of January and am looking forward to sharing and learning.”

On the fashion front, guest, Katherine Ford, wore a very special vintage Pendleton blue and red paid skirt. Katherine explained that the skirt had belonged to her grandmother and was from the 1940s, “I was a fashion major and I love this skirt because it is in perfect condition. It is easy to wear and it fits perfectly. I feel a very special fondness for my beautiful grandmother when I wear this skirt. She passed away several years ago.” Katherine paired the beautifully matched plaid skirt with a black velvet jacket. She look every bit on trend and very elegant.

The holy was collected to be delivered to Williamsburg, Virginia where it will be thrown on the authentic yule log just before Christmas.