In January, five Wofford alumni decided to reunite in Prague, Czech Republic, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of their Interim trip in 2014.
Four spreadsheets, a detailed map and an itinerary later, Natasha Rudy ’14, Peter Blosser ’14, Will Thomas ’14, Will Ledford ’15 and Conner Maloy ’14 set out to rediscover the charm of the historic city’s cobblestone streets and Gothic spires. One highlight from the group’s trip was a visit to Wenceslas Square, where on the same date 10 years earlier they memorialized Jan Palach, a Czech student who self-immolated in protest of communism in 1969.
“Even though we were only there for two weeks the first time, all of us could navigate the city like we had never left,” shares Rudy, a genetic counselor in Greenville, South Carolina, “I think that speaks to the testament of what that initial Interim trip was. We really did get a good appreciation for the city that we were visiting. Not only the layout of it, but of all the history that happened there.”
Rudy says the group’s initial trip was her first time traveling outside of the country. Since then, she has taken multiple trips with her husband, Jacob Booth ’14. The couple recently visited their 10th country — Luxembourg.
“I think Wofford has a way of instilling curiosity, respect and appreciation for things that are different,” Rudy adds. “Yes, we took a lot of pictures, but we also wanted to make sure that we were learning about the place that we were in like we did in college… It’s interesting to think that 10 years later, we’re back here and that Wofford has been here and continued on with these memories.”
Rudy says the reunion trip symbolized both how much the group has grown and changed but also how enduring their friendships have been. Some members even brought their spouses on the trip to share in the experience.
“It's about keeping your friends close and making the time for them while also making the time for yourself to continue to do things that are important for you” Rudy says. “Not necessarily just your professional development, but also your personal growth.”
The 2014 trip was led by Dr. Natalie Grinnell, Reeves Family Professor in Humanities, and Dr. Mark Byrnes, professor of history. Grinnell says the trip celebrated Wofford’s first Prague Interim in 1969, which was led by Dr. B.G. Stephens ’57. She says Stephens and alumni who participated in that trip shared their memories with the 2014 group, including what it was like to be in the city while it was occupied by the Soviet Union.