Swem Library celebrated Homecoming 2012 with a variety of special events. New this year were two highly successful events - the parade viewing party and alumni author breakfast.
On Friday, Oct. 26 current and former Swem Board of Visitors members, alumni and library staff watched the Homecoming Parade from Swem's Special Collections patio. Attendees enjoyed Pierce's Pitt barbecue as they watched units march by, some chanting "Swem" as they passed - to the delight of all!
"The patio provided the perfect viewing spot for old and new friends of Swem to celebrate Homecoming, reconnect and form new relationships," said Dean of University Libraries Carrie Cooper. "We hope this new annual event will become one that people will look forward to each year."
Visit our Facebook page to see photos from the event.
On Saturday, Oct. 27 more than 115 people came to Swem Library to meet children's book authors Tom Angleberger ('92), creator of the Origami Yoda series, and Cece Bell ('92), author of the Sock Monkey series. After enjoying a full breakfast, families gathered to hear the authors share how they developed characters and storylines, demonstrate how to draw characters and read passages from their books.
"I appreciated the message Cece shared about being different and sharing the struggles she faced after losing her hearing as a young girl. Knowing that her life experience was the inspiration behind her book 'Bee-Wigged' made a large impact on my young daughters," said Allison Peabody, William & Mary grant administrator.
After the presentation, Tom and Cece greeted their fans, taking photos and autographing books. Photos from the event are posted on our Facebook page.
Also on Saturday, television program writer Chitra Sampeth came to Swem Library to discuss her experience in television. Sampeth, currently on the writing staff of TNT's police drama "Southland" and a 2006 William & Mary Film Studies alum, shared how she went from being a W&M student to a writer in Hollywood.
These events, along with several Special Collections events, tours and more, made our Homecoming weekend a great success!