Dear Sewanee Family,

If you hear a steady drumming noise coming from Sewanee this month, check by our stone gates—it’s probably the sound of students tapping their car roofs as they depart the Mountain. I’ve always loved this tradition, and it’s in full swing each May.

Of course, there’s also plenty of roof-tapping in August, when our freshmen arrive and returning students come back to the Domain. There’s often a lot of symmetry between endings and beginnings. As the saying goes, when one door closes, another opens.

Commencement is now just a few days away, and I’ve been thinking about how the word “commence” means “to begin.” If your child is graduating on Sunday, congratulations on this exciting ending that’s also a new start! We’re proud of the Class of 2026 and can’t wait to see where they land next. If you haven’t yet scrolled through our Commencement season photos, you can view them on Flickr here.

Also, don’t forget about commencement.sewanee.edu, where you’ll find a link to our Commencement livestream, along with answers to all your FAQs. All tickets for American Struggle, the May 8 event featuring our Baccalaureate speaker, Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Jon Meacham, C’91, H’10, and veteran news anchor John Seigenthaler, have been claimed, but you can watch the Zoom livestream here.

I’ve had the best time getting to know our Sewanee families throughout this academic year. I know this is goodbye for some of you, but I hope to see you on campus again soon. Your Sewanee Angel will be waiting!

Bess Turner, P’25, P’28, P’30
Director of Family & Donor Engagement

Whether you spend the summer relaxing at the beach or tackling a major to-do list, Sewanee won’t be far away—you can find University updates and resources at parents.sewanee.edu. 

We also regularly share photos and information on our Sewanee Alumni & Parents Facebook page and on Instagram at @sewanee_alumni_parents. Keep in touch!

As a reminder, if your summer travel plans include a trip to the Mountain, check out wheretostay.sewanee.edu for a wide variety of accommodations on and off the Domain.

As many of you know, Sewanee’s traditions don’t take a break when the academic year ends—they just look a little different. Our annual summer conferences are a well-loved part of campus life, and we hope you or your family members will participate in one or several!

Check the Upcoming Dates section at the bottom of this message for a list of opportunities.

Join us in a round of applause for the undergraduates who showcased their research and creative projects at Scholarship Sewanee 2026! 

Coordinated by the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship, this year’s event was held on April 24 and featured posters, art, and oral presentations on an impressive spectrum of topics, ranging from burying beetles to midwifery manuals. See the full program here, and check out photos on Facebook here.

Want to know where Sewanee students go when they become Sewanee graduates? Check out Career Readiness’ First Destinations page to see the most popular career sectors, geographic destinations, employers, and graduate schools for recent Sewanee alumni. 

Within six months of graduation, 93% of the Class of 2025 were employed, continuing education, in the military, or participating in a fellowship or service commitment.

This summer, 168 Sewanee students will receive funding to intern and conduct research in 22 states and 15 countries. Thanks to generous donors, Sewanee will provide over $620,000 in stipends to support their work in unpaid and underpaid summer internships.

If you’re looking for a way to connect with other Sewanee families during the summer but can’t make it to the Mountain, we’ve got you covered! Our summer send-offs and socials bring together alumni, parents, and students at regional events in all parts of the country. Keep an eye on this webpage for upcoming send-off dates and locations, and please plan to join us!

If you live in the Jacksonville, Florida; Georgia Coast; or Boston area, you’re in luck—Sewanee summer events in those locations are happening soon. Look for details in the Upcoming Events section at the bottom of this message.

We’re gearing up to offer fun, fellowship, and friendly competition at two big Sewanee sporting events! Mark your calendar for the 27th annual Sewanee Golf Classic on June 12–13 at our award-winning course—or sign up for our new Sewanee Tennis Classic at the Bruton-Guerry Tennis Center, also on June 12–13. Registration for both events is live, and space is limited. Make plans today!

Seeking a Sewanee leadership opportunity? The Sewanee Parents' Council offers parents and grandparents the chance to meet and engage with University leaders, students, and one another about issues related to the Sewanee experience. 

Through two in-person, on-campus meetings each year, families learn the latest Sewanee news and information, provide important feedback, and enjoy building relationships within our community. To learn more about the Parents' Council, including responsibilities and financial obligations, please visit parentscouncil.sewanee.edu.

Many thanks to everyone who has joined our fun Friday happy hours! As the academic year wraps up, we’re cutting back to monthly gatherings—our next two get-togethers will be on June 12 and July 3. Weekly happy hours will resume on Sept. 4.

Stay tuned to the Sewanee Alumni & Parents Facebook page for updates!

May 13—Sewanee Club of Jacksonville Summer Social
May 14—Sewanee Club of the Georgia Coast Shrimp Boil
May 15–17, May 29–31—Sewanee Tiger Tennis Camp (Adults)
May 31–June 5, June 7–12, June 14–19, June 21–26—Sewanee Tiger Tennis Camp (Youth)
June 7–12—Nike Swim Camp at Sewanee (ages 9–17)
June 10—Sewanee Club of New England Summer Social
June 12—Fridays at McGriff Happy Hour
June 12–13—Sewanee Golf Classic
June 12–13—Sewanee Tennis Classic
June 14–28—Sewanee Spanish Language Camp (ages 14–17)
June 14–28—Sewanee Chinese Language Camp (ages 14–17)
June 14–July 12—Sewanee Summer Music Festival
June 21–27, July 5–11—Sewanee Summer Seminar
June 24–July 3, July 6–15, July 18–27—Sewanee Environmental Institute (ages 14–17)
June 28–July 11—Sewanee Young Writers’ Conference
July 3—Fridays at McGriff Happy Hour
July 14–22—SUMMA Theological Debate Summer Camp
Throughout June and July—School of Letters Guest Lectures and Readings