Steven and Allison Aldrich ’91, Valerie and Charles Merritt ’91, Ivana Devine ’22 and I on a stroll through Borough Market after a tour of Shakespeare’s Globe
Written by Allie Chadwick ’21, a participant on the Morehead-Cain London Alumni Journey in September 2024
Ivana Devine ’22, Cameron (UNC ’84) and Hadley Callaway ’84, and I, about to see The Real Thing after sharing a delicious meal to celebrate Ivana’s birthday
As Morehead-Cains, we celebrate the power of seven: the idea that we each have the opportunity to know scholars in seven classes during our time at Carolina. Connecting with your own class, the three classes ahead of you, and the three classes below creates extraordinary opportunities to learn from and build relationships with fascinating people. I recently had the pleasure of attending the third Morehead-Cain Alumni Journey in London, which took “getting to know” fellow scholars to a whole new level.
By the numbers, this adventure entailed eight days with 27 Morehead-Cains and their spouses (plus one incredible daughter!) from 11 class years spanning four decades of the Program, as well as current scholars and many more alumni who joined us along the way.
The week was a reminder of everything I love about our Program: the genuine conversations, the ease with which we connect, the deep care for one another, and all of the moments that make you think, only at Morehead-Cain.
Isa Lucas ’26, David Greer, and I after seeing the gorgeous jewels at Tower of London
I have a vivid image of Sam Moorhead ’83 leading us through the British Museum in a UNC baseball hat as we bounced from exhibit to exhibit. James Dean ’89 engaged us in a lively conversation with Nicholas Ralph, the star of All Creatures Great and Small, in which we got a behind-the-scenes look at television production. Beyond our itinerary, I had heartfelt conversations about everything from caregiving to investing in women’s sports. Throughout the trip, thoughtful questions asked by Ivana Devine ’22, Allison Aldrich ’91, and others sparked curiosity in all of us, reminiscent of an Honors first-year seminar.
We also delighted in fellowship with British alumni at a banquet celebrating the 55th Anniversary of the British Morehead-Cain Programme. During the event we honored Morehead-Cain Foundation Vice President Megan Mazzochi, who embodies the spirit of the Morehead-Cain with her kind heart, selflessness, and pursuit of excellence, along with her husband, Jay, who has certainly earned his place as one of our own!
To the Excitement of Encounters by Fabienne Verdier
One of my favorite moments on the trip was seeing beautiful pieces by Fabienne Verdier at Waddington Custot during an art tour of London organized by Adrian Biddell ’85. One of her works, To the Excitement of Encounters, felt like an apt description of the trip. I was thrilled to enjoy the company of my fellow Morehead-Cains, even if only for a week, and I left with a renewed enthusiasm for seeking out new relationships, ideas, and experiences.
This experience reminded me that, while we all graduate from Chapel Hill, we never really graduate from Morehead-Cain; membership in this community never expires. Since returning from the trip, I’ve already met up with Allison and Steven Aldrich ’91 to cheer on the Oakland Roots, experienced the hospitality of Tonya Turner Carroll ’89 and her husband Michael at one of their gallery openings in Santa Fe, and been welcomed into the home of Alan Young ’87 and Mary Beth Knight in Chapel Hill for a delicious dinner.
This community is there for you whenever and wherever you need it, and what a wonderful thing that is!
Tonya Turner Carroll ’89, Michael, and I at their home following an amazing opening for the works of FAILE at [CONTAINER] by the Turner Carroll Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico
More about Morehead-Cain Alumni Journeys
The next Morehead-Cain Alumni Journey will be in Santa Fe, New Mexico, from May 15 to May 18, 2025. The trip will be an opportunity to become acquainted with a city renowned for its rich artistic heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and ever-present blend of cultures. Learn more about group travel through Morehead-Cain Alumni Journeys.
