Life has been busy up on the mountain these last few months. On April 17-19, alumni from across the country returned to PUC for Homecoming, the annual celebration of the college, of education, and of students. The weekend was packed with friends, laughter, food and memories. Each year at Homecoming I'm amazed at the stories I hear and renewed with the energy and love that comes back to campus. There is something about the shared experiences of a place that boosts the spirits. Though each experience at PUC is different from one person to the next, the fact that it all took place here is enough to bind us together.

Perfect weather showed up for the annual Malcolm Maxwell Golf Classic on May 12. This year the tournament moved to Eagle Vines Golf Club in Napa. There were over 100 golfers, of whom 23 were alumni and four were current students. The event raised over $70,000 to go towards student scholarships through the Malcolm Maxwell Scholarship fund. "This is one of my favorite events of the year. It's a day that friends of the college, employees, alumni and students can have fun while joining together for education, for students. Even those participants that cannot be there on the day of play can still enjoy the reward of furthering education for a number of students," says Tonya Kamaloni, annual giving director and tournament coordinator. "If you like to play golf or if you would like to be part of the biggest fundraising event of the year, I encourage you to contact us to find out how you can participate in next year's tournament, which will take place on May 10."

Every Thursday, students, faculty and staff gather for a weekly colloquy, and May 14 was no different. Well, there was one slight difference: It was Awards Colloquy, the annual program at which scholarships for the coming year are given to nominated students. This year, approximately $250,000 was given out in scholarships and awards to about 200 students. Many of these scholarships - known as "endowed scholarships - have been set up by alumni and friends of the college to assist students in their endeavor to obtain a degree. One student was excited to be chosen and recognized for her hard work. Another was so thankful for the financial assistance that the scholarship would provide. Every year students come into our office asking whom to thank for the scholarship and overwhelmed that someone would set up a fund to benefit students they don't even know and may never meet.

So though the last few months have been busy, each event has been a time to gather together as alumni, friends, students and employees. It has been a time to recognize the support that we give each other and how that support carries us forward.

*You can view pictures from Homecoming and the Golf Classic on our website at www.alumni.puc.edu in the gallery.

Deborah Thornton, '03
Donor and Alumni Relations