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UA+Ed’s “Generations” Pop-up Soda Shop highlights UA traditions and connects students to the Upper Arlington Alumni Association
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
The Upper Arlington Education Foundation (UA+Ed) and Alumni Association (UAAA) was proud to be part of the 4th Annual hUmAn Connections Festival at the high school on Tuesday, March 24th. The Foundation Room, home of UA+Ed and UAAA, located on Golden Bear Boulevard, transformed into UA’s finest 1950s Soda Shop, appropriately named “Generations,” a fun and nostalgic space introducing current students to the Upper Arlington Alumni Association.
Students were treated to old fashioned root beer floats served by UA+Ed staff and trustees, while Student Alumni Ambassadors welcomed students in and used instant cameras to capture students wearing vintage UA gear and having fun with soda shop photo props. The Upper Arlington Historical Society provided photos of historic UA ‘soda shops’ like Kunklers and Chef-O-Nette while Kristin Greenberg, Executive Director of the Historical Society, was on site to participate in the fun. Kristin noted, “Watching the students so excited to put on vintage UA spirit and athletic wear and pose for pictures was heartwarming. The event provided this uniquely tangible connection with Golden Bears from past generations. By sharing our history, we strengthen the bonds connecting our community.”
Upper Arlington 2005 Alum and Ritzy’s owner, Corey Webb, generously donated ice cream for the rootbeer floats. Ritzy’s, nostalgic to many UA Alum, officially reopened in 2018. Webb noted that of the many UA residents who have come into the shop, some of the most special visitors have been past UA teachers. When asked why it is meaningful to help connect current students with the UA Alumni Association, Webb said, “the best way to improve a community is by investing in the next generation. As an alum and now a member of the community, I feel a responsibility to leave it better than I found it, so future generations can experience it the same way I did, or even better.” Webb touted the UA Alumni Association as an opportunity for Alums to pay it forward in order to help out current and newly graduated UA students. He said, “If there’s something I, or any alum can offer to a current student, whether that’s guidance, perspective or opportunity, I believe we have a responsibility to share it.”
“Generations” offered more than just a taste of the past. It created a welcoming, interactive space where students engaged with staff, trustees (all of whom were UA Alums), and their fellow Student Alumni Ambassadors while trying on a 1967 UA Letter Jacket, a 1980s band uniform and flipping through 1950/60s Norwesters and classic UA football programs. “Generations” was also open during the evening portion of the hUmAn Connections Festival which allowed for parents and community members to take part in the fun. These shared traditions help students build a sense of belonging in our Upper Arlington community. Once a Golden Bear, Always a Golden Bear.
The Upper Arlington Education Foundation was established in 1985 to raise private funding to support meaningful opportunities for students beyond the district’s budget. The Alumni Association is a vital component of UA+Ed and aims to keep graduates informed, connected, and engaged with their alma mater. Alumni Student Ambassadors are a group of diverse juniors and seniors selected to be connectors between their peers and UAAA and to raise awareness of The hUmAn Connections Festival is a student-led event that celebrates the many cultures, backgrounds, and experiences represented in our schools.
