Chil's Point of View….

Last weekend, I was at my alma mater at Washington University St. Louis (see visit blog entry). This weekend, I was again at my other alma mater at Warren Wilson College in North Carolina.

It was nice being back in Asheville/Swannanoa. The college community remains to be friendly, and the mountain views are still the best. Warren Wilson college campus is still beautiful!

I took a red eye Thursday night, connected in Cincinnati (Ohio), and was in Asheville (on time) mid Friday morning. It has been 5 years since I lived in North Carolina, and many things have change. When getting out of the airport, I got lost for a second because I did not remember I-26. I just remember I-40. My thinking was take I-40 from the airport, and I will find my way to the college. But I started remembering directions, and I was fine in no time.

I stayed at Jim Lauer�s house, who was still a really good host. His house is conveniently located a few minutes from the college.

Friday included catching up with old faculty and staff, attending the science/math alumni reception, and the traditional homecoming BBQ/bonfire at the college farm. After the farm, I went off to the alumni basketball game - caught up Jenn and Brett Love ; and also saw Ms Causwell (Johnelle) who came in late (JC style/trademark). Osborn Guy later hosted me, Johnelle, Aby and Kirk; at his house in Swannanoa - It was a continued catching up with the good times evening.

On Saturday morning, Johnelle beat me to the Business/Economics reception (apparently she was early - Ms Causwell`s trademark seems to have failed here). The rest of the day included alumni festivals, soccer games, dinners, and hanging out.

George Asuke made it out from Greenville, SC. It was nice seeing him after many years. George, Steve (the other Mukenya), and —– (I forgot her name) hanged out for a bit.

Sunday was Chilumba and Jim�s day. In the morning, we went down into Asheville and looked at some new stores. We even got some Cashews so that I could try out a recipe Jim had shared (nice cocktail/finger food we enjoyed with some wine the night before). We later came back to his house, had a nice quiet lunch. Teshale stopped by Jim�s house, and we spoke about the dual degree 3-2 program. He had the same kind of questions I had before going into the program. After Teshale left, Jim and I talked for the rest of the afternoon until it was time to go to the airport � this time, I remembered I-26!

I enjoyed being back at the college. As expected, I did not recognize any students. But it was nice to see faculty and staff, from my years, still there; and people who were students, and are now working for the college.
Where is Nelly? Why did she not come back?
Many people kept asking why Nelly did not show up. I passed the message to her, and she will have to attend homecoming next year!

Click [HERE] to see the pictures I took on the weekend.