The IMC program at West Virginia University often describes itself as a community, even though many of us will never meet each other face to face. Indeed, I’ve felt connections with IMC students and teachers that transcend the fact that we’re talking on-line, for the most part not in real time. Given all of that, it was a real treat to get to meet some of my fellow classmates and professors at the IMC Information Weekend and Student Reunion dinner in Morgantown on Friday, June 1.

When I entered the opening reception, I immediately ran into Rebecca Wissler and her husband Nick (photo below middle & right), just a few months back in the “states” from his Navy posting in Italy. Rebecca and I took our first two courses in the program together, and it was so much fun to meet in person. So far, she’s the farthest-away classmate I’ve had the pleasure of studying with. But being abroad presented some interesting challenges for Rebecca, which I’ll relate in a future post. We sat at dinner with Joanne (photo below left), who should finish up the program late this year (wish I were that far!). Check out her story under “featured profiles” on the new IMC homepage.

It was also fun to talk with Dave Michaels, who is in my current class, Creative Strategy 615. Dave came in from Maryland with his girlfriend Allison, and we got a chance to discuss our class experience so far, and share more details about our lives than we have on line. Where were the rest of you 615 folks?! ;-)

All in all it was a great evening. I also got a chance to chat with Dean Reed, Prof. Mezera, and Prof. Stump, (photo below 2nd from left) and meet the couple who are the poster children for the IMC program’s sense of “community.” Phil Satterfield and Stephanie Camp (photo below right & 2nd from right) both graduated from WVU, but they didn’t meet until Information Weekend two years ago. You can guess what happened next: they’re engaged, hoping to marry in 2008. Way to go IMC program! Most of us signed up to get an education—but who knew you could meet the love of your life?