Cathy O’Connell Stender (77C) and husband Bill recently welcomed Dr. Sandeep Mazumder to their home at the historic Poplar Grove estate in Huntsville, Alabama, for a special event introducing the new Berry president to local alumni and building awareness about the college among friends in the area. Cathy’s sister Margie O’Connell Tumlin (76C) joined the couple as cohost, along with Huntsville-based commercial real estate broker and developer Wesley Crunkleton (01C) and wife Meggan.
Guests were encouraged to explore the grounds, which featured curated displays that offered glimpses into Berry’s past, present and future. At each, they could sample chef-inspired creations, including dishes featuring beef and honey produced by Berry’s on-campus student enterprises and a special garden drink inspired by a recipe found in Martha Berry’s purse.
The evening also celebrated Berry’s ties to Henry and Clara Ford, a fitting tribute as Cathy owns the Woody Anderson Ford dealership in Huntsville and was the first woman inducted into the Ford Motor Company Dealer Hall of Fame.
