West Virginia Universitys College of Business and Economics held its inaugural Executive Master of Business Administration alumni reunion in Charleston recently.

Kathryn Lester, a member of the initial Executive MBA Class of 1997, hosted the event in the Scott&Stringfellow Office, BB&T building, where she serves as vice president.

Throughout the evening former classmates reconnected and planned for future events through the creation of an Executive MBA Alumni Association Board.

In attendance were alumni from all graduating classes, members of the incoming and present classes, members of the College of Business and Economics Advisory Board, community officials, and faculty and staff from Executive MBA program and the Center for Executive Education.

Many of the participants were Charleston natives: Marie Prezioso, senior vice president, Ferris, Baker, Walker Inc; Jim Barton, chancellors office and director of research and technology for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission; attorney Steve Stockton; and NormanTripShumate III , Charleston Newspapers. Samuel B.TresRoss III from SBR Inc. and several of his classmates traveled together from Parkersburg.

The Executive MBA Alumni Association will work with the College of Business and Economics to reconnect graduates of the Executive MBA program and get them involved in college activities, including continuing education, social events and possible international residencies.

Upcoming events include a seminar on boardsmanship that will be delivered across the state using the Interactive Video Network.

The enthusiasm expressed by alumni regarding the opportunity to reconnect with their classmates and meet alumni from other graduating classes was wonderful to see,said Paul Speaker, director of graduate programs.This event will be a platform that will launch the Executive MBA alumni board, which all in attendance look forward to and want to be involved with.

Executive MBA alumni who were unable to attend but would like to become involved in future events should contact Elizabeth Vitullo at Elizabeth.Vitullo@mail.wvu.edu .

The Executive MBA program boasts more than 500 alumni and is offered in 10 locations across West Virginia, including its newest location in Keyser. The classes, held twice a week, originate from Morgantown and are offered locally via interactive audio-video to the satellite sites. This technology allows WVU to bring the classroom to adult students throughout the state.

WVU is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International and is a member of Executive MBA Council.