Latest news with #Classof2000
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
PEC's ex-students roll back the years at reunion
A recent reunion of the 1996-2000 B. Tech batch of the erstwhile Pondicherry Engineering College (PEC), now the Puducherry Technological University (PTU), to mark the silver jubilee of their graduation, was virtually a transatlantic event, with former students from far-flung destinations across the globe gathering at the alma mater. Some of the former students had arrived from the bustling metropolises of the U.S, others headed down from Australia, European cities, West Asia and South East Asian cities. 'The reunion both rekindled and reinforced bonds and a collective spirit fostered in the campus', said Saravanan S, who was among the core group behind the 'I'mPECcable Y2K' reunion. It took well over a year of planning and virtual conferencing to pull off the event, which was special as it marked the 25th anniversary of passing out for the Class of 2000. And, about 130 students made it to the silver jubilee bash. Students of the batch take pride in its diversity. It is hardly about the global spread of the alumni network, but about the heterogeneous mix that includes a fair share of high-flyers, from entrepreneurs to CEOs, a top-ranking law enforcement officer, a Buddhist monk, a Catholic Nun, and talented homemakers. Students attribute the diverse paths taken by batchmates in finding fulfilment to the academic atmosphere in the institution that moulded them to be free-thinkers. Back at their academic home, the collective decided that the best way of giving back to the alma mater was to spearhead a slew of alumni-driven initiatives that would benefit the next generation of engineers and sustain institutional excellence. The centrepiece of the goodwill gesture of giving back to the alma mater is a proposal to establish a Centre of Excellence Ambitious in its scope, the project aims to create a state-of-the-art facility, fostering advanced research, innovation, and skill development, thereby significantly enhancing the university's academic and technological capabilities. The other proposals range from campus beautification, upgrade to the college's facilities and setting up a RO water cooler. Adding to these immediate improvements, the alumni has also planned for continued collaboration with PTU, a long-term engagement to train faculty members and students on the latest engineering skills that would ensure that the university's curriculum remained at the forefront of technological advancements. The batch has also committed to assisting current students in securing placements in top-notch companies, leveraging their extensive professional networks to open doors to promising career opportunities. S. Mohan, PTU Vice-Chancellor who was the chief guest for the launch of silver jubilee reunion addressed the alumni virtually.
The Hindu
26-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
KITSW alumni contribute ₹2.7 crore to alma mater
Alumni of the Kakatiya Institute of Technology and Science, Warangal (KITSW) have contributed ₹2.7 crore towards the development of the institution, said principal Prof. K. Ashoka Reddy at the Alumni Meet and Silver Jubilee Reunion of the Class of 2000, held on Saturday on the campus. The event, organised by the KITSW Alumni Association (KITSWAA), was inaugurated by the president of the KITSWAA National Executive Council (NEC), C. Sridhar Reddy. He highlighted that KITSW has a global alumni base of over 27,000. Mr. Sridhar Reddy also noted the presence of alumni chapters in Hyderabad and Warangal, with plans to establish more in the future. A total of 131 members from the Class of 2000, also known as the Y2K batch, attended the reunion. Participants included alumni based in the United States, Australia, Singapore, Canada and various parts of India. KITSW Chairman Capt. V. Lakshmikantha Rao described the Y2K batch as a 'star batch' and called on alumni to contribute their knowledge, professional experience and values to the student community.
Winnipeg Free Press
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Garden City grads pay it forward
Twenty-five years after walking the halls of their high school, they came back to reconnect — and ended up leaving something behind for those just beginning their journey. Garden City Collegiate Class of 2000 grads Melni Ghattora and Liette Kampic first floated the idea of a 20-year high school reunion back in 2020. But like many plans that year, it was sidelined by the pandemic. Determined to keep the idea alive, the pair regrouped in 2024 and pulled together a 12-person committee of fellow Class of 2000 grads, aiming for a more informal, social-style event. JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS Garden City Collegiate teacher Chris Pereira (right) calls graduating student Marisa Goncalves — winner of the Quiet Strength Award — an 'absolute standout.' 'We just wanted to bring people together. The buildup was exciting but we didn't know what to expect.' says Ghattora. 'It ended up turning into something so much bigger.' The event quickly grew beyond its original scope. A Facebook group sparked interest, and word-of-mouth helped it spread quickly. What began as a gathering for one graduating year evolved into a full-scale, all-years celebration in May this year, bringing together more than 400 alumni from the '80s, '90s and 2000s. It was a turnout that exceeded expectations, with more than double the number of attendees the organizers had hoped for. 'Our goal was simple. If we sold 200 tickets, we'd break even,' says Kampic. 'We were nervous we might not sell enough tickets, and even had a backup plan for a smaller space. But in the end, we didn't need it.' The success of the event wasn't just in the numbers — it was in the atmosphere it created. Old friends picked up right where they left off, and some even travelled from out of town to be there. The night served as a powerful reminder of the shared history and strong sense of community that once connected them. 'Even though many of us have kept in touch through social media, there's something special about reconnecting in person after all these years,' Ghattora says. 'So many people thanked us for organizing it. One person told me, 'This was the event we all needed but didn't know we wanted.' That really stuck with me.' Thanks to strong community support and a few sponsorship dollars, the organizing committee not only pulled off a bigger event than initially planned, but also ended up with a $3,000 surplus. After covering all expenses, they saw an opportunity to turn that extra money into something lasting, choosing to reinvest it in the next generation of Garden City Collegiate students. 'We started talking about creating scholarships,' Ghattora says. 'One of our committee members shared how much it meant to receive an award in high school — not for academics, but for personal growth. It inspired us to do the same.' Ghattora and Kampic wanted the reunion's legacy to go beyond a typical scholarship. As parents, they thought about the kinds of strengths they hoped to see in their own children, and in other students whose efforts might not always be recognized with traditional awards. BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS Melni Ghattora (left) and Liette Kampic, who both graduated from Garden City Collegiate in 2000, display old GCC yearbooks. 'I have two kids, and my six-year-old is so creative,' Ghattora says. 'It made me think about celebrating students who inspire others through creativity and storytelling.' Using the reunion's $3,000 profit, the committee created three $1,000 Garden City Collegiate scholarships for this year's graduates. 'I got a message from Melni saying their event was such a success, they wanted to donate some of the funds raised to support three of our students,' recalls Chris Pereira, a teacher at Garden City Collegiate. 'As someone who's been teaching here for 13 years, I understand the kind of momentum and encouragement that can give to a student. It can really make a difference.' Excited by the offer, Pereira helped connect Ghattora with school administrators. From there, the reunion planning committee took the lead, working closely with the school to establish the criteria for the scholarships. Together, they ensured the new scholarships would reach deserving Class of 2025 students, including those whose contributions might otherwise go unnoticed. This led to the development of three distinct awards: the Spark Award, which celebrates creativity and imagination; the Resilience Recognition Award, honouring students who have overcome personal or family hardships such as illness, loss or economic challenges; and the Quiet Strength Award, designed to recognize someone whose impact might not always be loud but is felt within the school community. 'We knew there were already a lot of awards for academics and sports,' says Kampic. 'We wanted to think outside the box and recognize something different.' Marissa Goncalves, 18, a 2025 Garden City Collegiate graduate and recipient of the Quiet Strength Award, says she was thrilled to receive the award after struggling to find scholarship opportunities. 'I was really happy,' she says. 'My scholarship search hadn't been going very well, so I was excited and grateful to actually get one.' BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS Melni Ghattora (left) and Liette Kampic, who both graduated from Garden City Collegiate in 2000, reminisce over old GCC yearbooks at Kampic's home in West St. Paul, Man. Goncalves is a student whose impact speaks volumes — even if she doesn't. 'I've always been the quiet kid, not the type to be front and centre,' she says. 'But that changed in the last couple of years when I joined the student council. That's where I found my place.' She discovered a passion for organizing events, working behind the scenes and collaborating. 'Marissa is an absolute standout,' Pereira says. 'But throughout her time at Garden City, she's never been one to seek glory or recognition. Even when she told me about her involvement with the student council, she left out the fact that she served as co-chair.' It's a role that carries weight at the school, and Goncalves, typically soft-spoken and reserved, rose to the challenge. 'Despite being a shy and quiet person, she became the face of our student council,' Pereira says. 'That meant overcoming her fear of public speaking, and she did it. She addressed the school numerous times, standing in front of over a thousand people.' It wasn't easy, but she handled it with quiet determination. 'I saw her push through the discomfort, never making a fuss and quietly doing what needed to be done,' he says. 'That takes real character.' Goncalves plans to put her scholarship toward her education — she's already been accepted into the University of Manitoba's faculty of engineering and is set on building her future in the field. Supplied Ariah (left) and Ethan Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 'I'm leaning toward aerospace or maybe chemical engineering – I'm not 100 per cent sure yet,' she says. The Resilience Recognition Award went to Ethan Pereira, while Ariah Oquendo was the recipient of the Spark Award. Reflecting on the recent reunion, Pereira — himself a Garden City alumnus — says there's always been a special energy about the school, and that spirit was clearly still present at the event. 'It might not be unique to Garden City, but there's definitely a vibe,' he explains. 'That energy is still alive and well, and I see it every day as a teacher. What this reunion showed former grads — and signals to this year's graduating class — is that their time here mattered.' sabrinacarnevale@ Sabrina CarnevaleColumnist Sabrina Carnevale is a freelance writer and communications specialist, and former reporter and broadcaster who is a health enthusiast. She writes a twice-monthly column focusing on wellness and fitness. Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
On this day — May 21
May 21, 1950, in The Star: Armed Forces Day was celebrated in Anniston yesterday in grand style, with everything going according to schedule — even the desired weather. Visitors lined the streets downtown long before the parade started at 10 a.m., and 'thousands of visitors inspected the goings-on at the Anniston Ordnance Depot and Fort McClellan,' according to the front-page account. Folks who trained their eyes skyward saw squadrons of bombers flying over the city. Overall, the event Saturday was the first-ever united Armed Forces celebration. Also this date: Formal organization of the Heflin Calvary Baptist Mission into a church will be held today at 2:30 p.m., with the new church to be called Calvary Baptist Church. It will be the 34th Baptist church in Cleburne County. The minister will be Cole Skelton, a ministerial student at Howard College. May 21, 2000, in The Star: Today's edition contains details of all the graduation classes of area high schools in The Star's coverage area. At Oxford High School, for example, graduation ceremonies for 208 seniors are to be held in two days at Lamar Field. Co-valedictorians of the Class of 2000 at Oxford are Elizabeth Ann Bernardi and John R. Sudduth IV. The salutatorian is John Bryant. At Wellborn High School the valedictorian is Misty Dawn Phillips and the salutatorian is Charity Summer New. And at Anniston High School, the valedictorian of the 109-member class is Omoruyi Osula and the salutatorian is Crystal Shonte' Maddox.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Rose-Hulman exceeds giving day goal, raises over $679,000
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology said its sixth annual Rose Giving Day surpassed expectations, raising $679,322 from 533 donors, exceeding the ambitious goal of $675,000 and breaking last year's record $650,233 raised. The event this year was held on March 14 — Pi Day. The contributions will provide support for student scholarships, academic programs, athletics, mental health services, campus initiatives, and other key areas. 'Once again, the incredible generosity of our Rose-Hulman community has made an enormous impact,' said President Robert A. Coons. A number of donors helped amplify the impact of Rose Giving Day through matching challenges for the college's "Greatest Needs." Among those were: • Dave and Susan Hoecker matched the first $10,000 given to Rose-Hulman's Greatest Needs. • Cindy and Kurt Kalkomey issued a $10,000 match for contributions to Greatest Needs. • Joe and Judy Moser pledged $20,000 if donors collectively gave $20,000 to any academic department, with their match benefiting the Math Department. Investing in student scholarships and programs were: • Frank and Becky Levinson provided a $20,000 match for all donations to class scholarships. • Marie Stettler Kleine and Kaleb Kleine pledged $10,000 if an equal amount was raised for the Engineering Design Program. • Janet and David Cooper matched $10,000 in donations to support Rose-Hulman's summer programs. Strengthening mental health, ROTC, and athletics were: • Trustee Kelly Noel matched $10,000 in contributions to mental health services. • Randy Potts pledged $5,000 in support of ROTC. • Roger Vandersnick led the way in supporting athletics with a generous $35,000 match. • Greg and Lindsay Gotwald matched $25,000 in tribute donations, with their contribution directed to the Annie Gotwald Memorial. Additional generous contributions came from Dan and Elise Price, who made a $10,000 donation in honor of the Class of 1975's 50th reunion. Also, Craig Pohlman made a $5,000 donation in honor of the Class of 2000's 25th reunion, further strengthening the impact of Rose Giving Day. President Coons and his cabinet also joined in, offering matching gifts of $10,000 and $5,000, respectively, to encourage widespread participation.
