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Foley Sister Cities Launches Their First Ever “Global Leaders Alumni Association”

Press Release

Foley, AL – Foley Sister Cities has launched its latest venture, the Foley Sister Cities Global Leaders Alumni Association, with an inaugural meeting this week at Baumhower’s Victory Grill. The meeting brought together the first graduating students and their families, along with teachers, chaperones, and members of the Board of Commissioners.
 
During the event, founding members brainstormed ideas to shape the alumni group’s future. Suggestions included developing newsletters, creating a Facebook page, hosting reunion events, planning a return trip to Germany, baking traditional German gingerbread cookies, assisting with welcoming new exchange groups, and designing alumni t-shirts. The alumni’s mission is to stay connected, encourage travel, celebrate achievements, and, above all, “Build Peace through People.”
 
Linda B. Spangrud, Executive Director of Foley Sister Cities, exclaims that Foley Sister Cities is “really rockin”.  She expressed excitement about the involvement of the community, students, families, teachers, and commissioners. She explains that the Alumni Association idea came up at a recent Sister Cities International webinar while she was presenting Foley’s initiatives.   During that webinar, she learned that a long-term Sister Cities organization had an Alumni Association. Spangrud quickly gathered input from the Board of Commissioners, students, and families, all of whom quickly supported it. With only a few weeks left before the graduating students start the next chapter of their lives, Foley Sister Cities called an organizational meeting.

Newly appointed alumni leaders include parents, Jennifer Watson and Jennifer Beckworth, serving as organizational co-leaders. While students taking on roles are:

  • Jordan Thomas - Director of Publications
  • Sara Beth Sullivan - Social Media Administrator
  • Claire Reissiger - Membership Chair
  • Cooper Watkins, Alex Beckworth – Ambassador Chairs
Jennifer Beckworth is thrilled to be involved with the alumni to ensure continued support and encourage ongoing and increased community engagement.  She says, “I believe it is very important to continue the communication and nurture and expand the program.”

Jennifer Watkins states, “Being part of the first Foley Sister Cities was so exciting! Now the excitement continues with the creation of an alumni community.  Helping future FSC participants allows me a chance to remember my experiences made possible through this wonderful organization.”

Jordan Thomas, one of our recent graduates and an incoming Freshman at the University of West Alabama, is excited to stay involved with Foley Sister Cities as their Director of Publications for the Alumni Association.  She says, “it will be a perfect opportunity to build my skills in my chosen field of marketing, which is what I am majoring in this fall.” 

Special guests at the meeting included students Maurice and Ana from Hennef, Germany. Maurice participated as an exchange student in October 2024, and this time, he brought his sister on her first visit to the U.S. Additional guests from Hennef will be arriving later this month.
 

Other News

Cooking Connects
Foley Sister Cities’ international intergenerational cookbook is now available for purchase at Dorothy June Booksellers, The Book Exchange, and A Better Way (all in Foley), as well as Amazing Finds in Summerdale. The book features a delightful collection of Southern and German cuisine recipes.
 
The next student exchange trip to Hennef, Germany is scheduled for June 2026.
 

Upcoming Events

Annual Oktoberfest 5K / 1-Mile Fun Run - Saturday, October 4, 2025 – OWA, 8:00 AM
  • Bier, brats, and pretzels will be served
  • T-shirts and medals for runners
  • German costume contest for participants
  • Sign up now: https://rb.gy/36vtbg

Oktoberfest 5K Tailgate Party – Friday, October 3, 2025, 4–7 PM
  • Baumhower’s Victory Grill, Tanger Outlet Mall
  • Run packet pick-up
  • Biergarten, food, and drink specials
  • Coupons for all run participants
  • Raffle drawing for the first 50 guests (3 prizes valued at $75 each)
  • Open Run and Raffle Registration following your meal

If you are interested in getting involved, email us at Foleysistercities@gmail.com. 

For more information about Foley Sister Cities or its Commission, please view our Facebook and visit www.foleysistercities.com.
 
 

Foley Sister Cities Launches Their First Ever “Global Leaders Alumni Association”

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