Sullivan Alumni Weekend

If you plan on attending ANY of the following opportunities, please register for the weekend using the button on the right side of this page. You will have the chance to complete your weekend choices on a form once you submit your RSVP.

Friday, October 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m.-Alumni Gathering at the home of Ali and Nate Banchiere (Rollins, 2002)

Saturday, October 19,

• Morning Activity Option-Explore Asheville or Group Activity (TBD based on registration)
• Afteroon offerings are optional but you may choose one or attend both, if able.
  • 1:00-4:00 p.m.-Sullivan Fellows Year 1: LEADERS-Leadership Panel & Portfolio Mentors
    • This event follows our Year 1 (Leaders) at the Sullivan Fellows Retreat in Black Mountain at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly. After a morning of team building activities and reflection , our Sullivan Fellows leaders will hear from leaders around Asheville and from our alumni network. Alumni are invited to attend to learn more about the Sullivan Fellows Program- Year 1 “Leaders”. Students will be asked to present a Leadership Portfolio that provides a detailed overview of an individual's qualities, skills, experiences, and characteristics that make them an effective leader. There will be a reception from 3-4 p.m. to mingle after the Panel and you’re welcome to stay and connect with students on their leadership journey.
  • 3:00-5:00 p.m.-Sullivan Fellows Year 3: CHANGEMAKERS-Storytelling & Mentor Connections, HATCH Innovation Hub, Downtown Asheville
    • This event follows our Year 3 (Changemakers) around Downtown Asheville as they connect with social entrepreneurs on their leadership journeys. This session is open to alumni who are interested in being partnered with a Sullivan Fellow for their mentorship and entrepreneurial life plan, as well as those who are already commited to the Sullivan Mentors Program.
  • 5:00-7:00 p.m.-Sullivan Fellows & Alumni Meet & Greet, Highland Brewing Company, 12 Old Charlotte HWY, Asheville, NC
    • This event will be a time to reconnect, reflect and understand the needs of our network and community. There are food trucks at the venue to choose from, as well as a 40-acre property with volleyball courts, an 18-disc golf course, so come prepared for a fun time!
  • 8:00-9:00 p.m.-Ignite Retreat Keynote Speaker, YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, Black Mountain, NC
    • Each year, we host a special Keynote speaker for all Ignite Retreat Participants, Fellows & Faculty included. We hope you will join us this year to get some insight into our message to our students. This year, Amber Smith, Nonprofit Founder & Social Entrepreneur and Executive Director of Activate Good out of Raleigh, NC, will discuss how to create a roadmap to a life and career that creates positive social change.

Sunday, October 20

• 9:00 a.m. Coffee and Conversations at YMCA Black Mountain Lodge
• 10:00 a.m.-Student Pitch Competition, YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, Black Mountain, NC
  • Each year, we give our Ignite Retreat students the opportunity to take what they have learned from our Personal, Problem & Project Tracks and pitch us their ideas and impact business strategies. Each participant will be able to “vote” for their favorite. The top prize for the weekend is $250, while we have prizes for runner-ups, as well. Come back out to Black Mountain to help our Ignite Students push their ideas to reality!
• 11:00 a.m.- Conclusion

While we do not have a block of rooms, we do hope you will consider spending the weekend with our students. Here are some recommendations for hotels.

• Downtown
  • The Restoration Asheville (27 min to YMCA; 9 min walk to HATCH Innovation Hub
  • The Foundry Curio Collection by Hilton (25 min to YMCA; 4 min drive to HATCH Innovation)
• Biltmore Village
  • The Grand Bohemian
  • The Double Tree
• Black Mountain
  • Hampton Inn Black Mountain (9 min. From YMCA; 25 min. to HATCH Innovation Hub)
  • Monte Vista Hotel (7-9 min from YMCA; 25 min. to HATCH Innovation Hub)
  • Local Air BnB or VRBO
  • YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly *If you’d like to stay at the retreat center, please email Courtney Carlton for availability.