A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of being a guest speaker at a Manchester University Community Club meeting. This club is a group of retired Manchester alum, professors and MU fans alike that meet once a month in the upper JYSC and have dinner catered. At each dinner, there are usually guest speakers from the college to give updates about what’s going on around campus and the university as a whole. After speaking with them, I realized just how strong Manchester roots, traditions and the Manchester family really is. The love and compassion that is group shared for all things Manchester is truly remarkable. They are wholeheartedly invested in this school and the people on this campus. I had the opportunity to speak with many alum and listen to them tell stories about their time at Manchester- it was so neat to hear their old college tales. At the end of the night, they sang “By the Kenapocomoco”, a tradition that we still sing at opening convocation each semester. The whole night, I saw each alum beam from ear to ear, grinning while they spoke so highly about their life at MU is something I loved to see. Being able to speak with them about how campus used to be and what has changed was eye opening.

    The Manchester family is something that I will always cherish. There is just something so special about the connections that are made at Manchester; whether it be with current students, professors, or alumni, there is always a commonality that ties you together. I hope one day I can be like them and share my stories with Manchester’s future Spartans. Roots run deep here at Manchester… and that’s what makes it so special.


Katie Byers '18 is a biology-chemistry major & business minor. A member of MAC and STAT, she studied abroad in New Zealand, and her dream job is to work at an orthopedic hospital.