Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley Sister Cities has taken a big step forward with the launch of its first-ever Global Leaders Alumni Association. The group’s first meeting took place this week at Baumhower’s Victory Grill in Foley. Graduating program students, their families, dedicated teachers, chaperones, and the Board of Commissioners were all there to celebrate. Program leaders say the new alumni group will help everyone stay in touch and support both local and international student exchange in the future.

Details from the Meeting:

• The first alumni meeting happened the week of July 21, 2025.
• Program graduates, family members, teachers, chaperones, and commissioners attended.
• Members brainstormed ideas to keep the alumni group strong, such as:
• Publishing regular newsletters
• Starting a Facebook page for alumni
• Holding reunion get-togethers
• Planning a student return trip to Germany
• Baking traditional German gingerbread cookies
• Helping welcome new exchange students
• Designing alumni t-shirts
  
  

Purpose of the Alumni Association:

• Keep local and global students connected
• Encourage travel and cultural understanding
• Celebrate group achievements
• Work together to build peace through people
  
  

The idea for the association began when Executive Director Linda B. Spangrud attended a recent Sister Cities International webinar. After seeing how another city’s alumni association worked, she quickly shared the idea with the board, students, and families, who all gave strong support.

New Alumni Leadership Roles:

• Jennifer Watson and Jennifer Beckworth, Parent Co-Leaders
• Jordan Thomas, Director of Publications
• Sara Beth Sullivan, Social Media Administrator
• Claire Reissiger, Membership Chair
• Cooper Watkins and Alex Beckworth, Ambassador Chairs
  
  

Jennifer Beckworth said she looks forward to connecting alumni and supporting the community. Jordan Thomas, a recent grad and incoming freshman at the University of West Alabama, will use her new role to practice marketing, her future college major.

Special Guests:

• Maurice, an exchange student from Hennef, Germany, who visited Foley last October
• Ana, his sister, experiencing Foley for the first time
• More students from Hennef are expected to visit later in July
  
  

Other News and Upcoming Events:

• The new international cookbook, Cooking Connects, is now available at:
• Dorothy June Booksellers
• The Book Exchange
• A Better Way (all in Foley)
• Amazing Finds (in Summerdale)
  
• The cookbook features favorite Southern and German recipes.
  
  

Future Travel and Annual Events:

• Next student exchange to Hennef, Germany, is planned for June 2026.
• Annual Oktoberfest 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run is on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at OWA (8:00 AM)
• Bier, brats, and pretzels for runners
• Finisher t-shirts and medals
• Costume contest for German attire
• Runners can sign up at https://rb.gy/36vtbg
• Oktoberfest 5K Tailgate Party is on Friday, October 3, 2025 (4–7 PM)
• Baumhower’s Victory Grill, Tanger Outlet Mall
• Race packet pick-up
• Special food and drink deals
• Coupons for all participants
• Raffle drawing for first 50 guests (prizes: $75 value)
• Open run and raffle sign-up that night
  
  

How To Get Involved:

Email Foleysistercities@gmail.com for more information or ways to join. Learn more about Foley Sister Cities on Facebook or at www.foleysistercities.com