Homecoming at Maryville College is a special week. Alumni travel here from all over, full of nostalgia and ready to reminisce about the memories this campus holds for them. This year’s Homecoming festivities were no different, and to honor the spirit of nostalgia and reflection that filled the air last weekend, alumni shared their answers to this question: “What does Maryville College mean to you?”
Frank Kilgard (‘69) kept it simple with a sentiment many alumni share: “No matter where you go, it’s always home.”
Beverly Wells Spangler (‘64) and John Spangler (‘64): “Maryville College means a lot to us because it’s where we met.” They were introduced the first week of their first year, went on to date all four years of school, and have now been married for 60 years. The two mentioned that the rules about dating on campus were much stricter back then, and shared a story about being called into the dean’s office for holding hands.
Rachel Rushworth-Hollander (‘08) and her daughter Rowling Hollander: “It was a place where I figured out who I was, it’s where I met my husband and best friends, and it allowed me to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I’m really lucky to be a part of an alumni group that hopefully helps bring others here and sets them up for their lives as well.” Rowling, potential future Scot (‘36), added, “we like it really a lot, it’s so fun to go here!” Rushworth-Hollander also mentioned writing for the Highland Echo when she was a student, an experience she remembers fondly.
Calista Jones (‘24): “Maryville College was a place where I not only met some of the most important people in my life but also where I got indispensable career opportunities. I can’t imagine how things would be had I gone to another school.” Jones also worked as an assistant editor for the Highland Echo during her time as a student.
Elaina Wilson (‘24), Connor Goins (‘24), Lauren Gaines (‘24) (left to right): “Maryville College means home and friendship and lifelong joy.” These three were friends all throughout their years at MC, a testament to the strength of the connections made on this campus.
David Moore (‘10), Jake Burns (‘10), Jaytona McCarty (‘10), Adam Bean (‘10) (left to right): Burns spoke for the group, sharing how much this place means to them and their 18-year long friendship. “Because of this place, we’ve all had opportunities in life that have been great. What I learned here at MC helped me with that, but what I really cherish even more is the fact that we’re all still here, and because we love each other so much, it’s a lifelong thing. I can’t express enough gratitude to this place and the fact that it brought me these people.” Burns also shared that he was the sports editor for the Highland Echo during his time here, and Bean worked as the online editor.Carrie Lloyd (‘04) (left) and Lauren Miles (‘04) (right): To Lloyd, MC means “great memories and a feeling of coming back home.” Miles added that for her, MC means “an excellent foundation for future endeavors.” The two were friends, roommates, and classmates in the Biology major throughout their time as students, and have stayed in touch since.
