The life more abundant abroad: Travel program for alums offers unique experiences

President Sue Ott Rowlands toured Spain and Portugal with alums in October 2024. Traveling through Spain and Portugal with one of Randolph’s Alumni Travel Tours was an unforgettable experience for Martha MacLeod ’76.

“It was six cities in 10 days, but well worth it because we went to many out-of-the-way places I would have never dared venture on my own,” MacLeod said. “These places were some of the highlights, but by far what stands out to me was reconnecting with alums I knew when I was a student and making new connections with alums from other classes.”

Randolph’s Alumni Travel Program has been around for years, dating back to the 1990s, but it had gradually fallen by the wayside over the years until President Sue Ott Rowlands arrived on campus.

The College restarted the program in 2023 with a trip to Italy led by Ott Rowlands.

Tammie Lesesne ’68 and her husband participated. It was their first time visiting Italy.

President Sue Ott Rowlands and alums in Tuscany in 2023

“We decided to go for the destination, the convenience of logistics being handled, and the companionship of fellow alumni,” she said. “I was glad to meet College staffers who are devoted to  Randolph and who are doing interesting work.”

Since then, tours have visited Vietnam, Spain, Portugal, and, this March, Southern France.

Lorena Kern ’72 went on the Italy and Spain trips, excited to explore both locales and get to know Ott Rowlands.

“I would go on any trip with Sue,” she said. “She’s a delightful traveler and so knowledgeable.

“It’s lovely and easy to travel with alums,” she added. “You have a little common ground there. And we have had wonderful guides who knew so much about history, culture, and art.”

And there’s more to come: the Scottish Isles and Norway in June, followed by a seven-night river cruise along the Danube, visiting Europe’s oldest and most beloved Christmas markets, in December.

In 2026, destinations include the Dalmation Coast, Italy, and the Greek Isles. Find the full schedule at www.randolphcollege.edu/association/alumni-travel-program.

“Travel is a transformative experience that brings people closer together,” Ott Rowlands said. “I can think of no better way for our alums to stay in touch with one another than to see the world together, reconnect, and experience new things, all while developing closer ties to Randolph.”