“I didn’t do Westminster right.” This thought often crosses my mind when I reflect on my undergraduate years. As a commuter student from the west side, I spent my time on campus napping or eating between classes, pulling late nights in the now non-existent basement computer lab in Giovale Library, or occasionally attending on-campus events for The Forum. I worked multiple jobs to manage student debt and participated in volunteer projects, which meant I missed out on campus life. So, when I saw the Westminster Return to May Term Alumni Travel program announcement on my Instagram feed, I jumped at the opportunity to reconnect with the school, this time determined to embrace the experience fully.
I chose to join the inaugural trip, “Legends and Libations: An Alumni Journey Through Greece,” because the itinerary was tailor-made for me, offering a perfect blend of history, humanitarian efforts, outdoor adventures, local cuisine, and ample free time to reflect and tour the city on my terms.
Additionally, the International Partnership for Service-Learning and Leadership (IPSL) component promised an immersive learning experience, and I was keen to see if the alumni travel programs would strengthening my bond with the school and fellow alumni.
We started our journey together before setting foot in Greece.
The Pre-Trip Orientation, Meetings, and Readings
Dean of the Honors College Alicia Cunningham-Bryant and her predecessor, Richard Badenhausen, organized pre-trip meetings to talk about our travel agenda, and readings, which explored Thessaloniki’s complex history and human interactions with “place,” setting the travel expectations and historical foundation for our collective journey.
Additionally, Victoria Georgouvela, the IPSL Program Director in Thessaloniki, planned excursions that emphasized sustainability, community, and a global perspective on humanity, and had selected co-hosts who were warm, welcoming, and eager to share their love and knowledge of Thessaloniki.
Day 1: Saturday, May 24, 2025
First Impressions
For two of us, our conversation about our collective humanity began during our drive from the airport to our hotel, where our Greek co-host, Iriana Sporidou, shared her discoveries of the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on early childhood development in Greece. As we approached the city, she pointed out country houses, many of which had been confiscated during the German occupation, raising thoughts about social justice and restitution for WWII atrocities.
That afternoon, I explored the city by sea and on land with a fellow alumna from California (I’m from New York). Later, we joined the group for welcome drinks, where Victoria and co-host Stamos Kousvelaris toasted with “Yammas” and shots of Tsipuro, followed by appetizers and overlapping conversations—an alumni bonding moment reminiscent of happy family gatherings.
I couldn’t imagine a better introduction or welcome to the city, or precursor to the days to come.
Day 4: Tuesday, May 27, 2025
The Refugee Care Center
Our humanitarian and hands-on service learning opportunity took place on the fourth day at the Refugee Care Center, which operates with the support of the Christian-based organization Agape, Hellas, and collaborates with local and international volunteers and community partners to provide food distribution, clothing services, and skills courses, along with laundry and personal hygiene facilities.
We had expected an orientation, a tour of the facility, and the opportunity to connect with the refugees, but the center needed assistance that day, so we accepted prep assignments—making sandwiches and sorting loaves of bread, fruits, and vegetables into bags.
Once the doors opened, we assumed new responsibilities—gatekeeping access to the center and clothing room, supervising the children in the playroom, staffing the coffee station, and assisting with food and clothing distribution. I engaged with some of the refugees, where I learned about their career aspirations.
That evening, we debriefed on the experience, concluding that although it was not what we had expected, we took home thought-provoking lessons and observations about equity and global humanitarian efforts.
The Olive Oil Tasting
Continuing with the theme of sourcing local, Dimitrios Psathas, a certified oil taster and founder of Klea, led our olive oil tasting and sensory session, sharing the history of the olive tree and production. He highlighted interesting facts, such as the oldest olive-producing tree in Crete being around 5,000 years old and how the olive has come to symbolize peace, unity, and excellence. We learned how to cup and heat olive oils to enhance their aromas, sharing laughs over our abilities and inabilities to identify different notes and the oils we liked. To finish, we paired the oils with vanilla ice cream and chocolate, discussing our favorite pairings.
Dinner and Folklore
Our fourteen-course meal at The Vouka’s, which also sourced fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients, highlighted the richness of the Mediterranean diet and traditional Greek flavors. For those at my end of the table, dinner also came with Tryfon’s humorous telling of local folklore, which included tales of haunted mansions and cemeteries, battles won by divine intervention, and a mischievous boy who had saved a boat from fire during World War II. It was another night of fun and educational bonding.
Day 9: Sunday, June 1, 2025
Final Thoughts
On our last morning, we experienced each other’s departures, just as we had our arrivals, via WhatsApp messages confirming pickups and airport arrivals.
On the flight home, I reflected on the trip and the goals of both IPSL and alumni travel programs. Was I coming back with a better awareness or a new understanding about our shared humanity and global community? I think so. The city of Thessaloniki itself set the stage for these conversations through its commitment to sustainability and support for vulnerable groups. The food history portion highlighted the interconnectedness of humans over centuries, and our experiences at the Refugee Care Center underscored the global challenges facing migrant populations and the organizations that support their transition.
Did this inaugural trip of the alumni travel programs effectively accomplish its goals? Yes. Definitely. As an adult, I regret not having immersed myself in the undergraduate experience at what was then Westminster College. I was more focused on academics and limiting student loan debt than I was on fostering lifelong relationships with classmates and my future professional network. I came on this trip to reestablish a connection to the school and form a community among my peers, but I walked away with so much more.
My peers, who represented five decades of graduates with careers spanning entrepreneurship, healthcare, data analytics, academia, and publishing, truly inspired me—reminding me of how much I enjoy critically thinking about global issues and being challenged through thoughtful and respectful discourse. Additionally, their fond memories of Westminster and our group's board members’ dedication to the school’s future inspired me to make yearly contributions. Ultimately, I was grateful for the opportunity to “redo” my undergraduate experience. For me, Westminster's inaugural Return to May Term trip was a well-rounded success.
-Maritza I. Herrera-Diaz ('02)
To read Maritza’s complete narrative, please visit her blog.
Market tour
Maritza at tower
Mount Olympus hike
Thessolaniki, Greece
