Darlington will come alive with the stories, experience, and energy of 29 alumni returning to campus for Career Day 2026, an event hosted for Upper School students by the Alumni Council on Jan. 26. From entrepreneurs and physicians to engineers, artists, and nonprofit leaders, these Tigers are coming back to share not only what they do, but how their Darlington experience helped shape who they are.
"Career Day is one of the clearest expressions of what makes the Darlington Community so special," said Stephen Taylor ('02), director of alumni relations. "Generations of Tigers come together, not just to look back, but to lift up those who are just beginning their own stories."
The day will kick off with a keynote from J.T. Watters (’97), owner of Manasas Textiles, who will reflect on how Darlington gave him the foundation, confidence, and curiosity to build a successful business and make a lasting professional impact.
Throughout the day, students will rotate through interactive sessions with alumni including: Peyton Albertson (’14), Ben Bagley (’00, LD ’20), Zena (Hanner) Buckley (’99), Mitch Crego (’18), Elliott Echols (’08, LD ’25), Helen (Davis) Hanavich (’02, LD ’12,) Bob Ledbetter III (’16), Barton Lowery (’05, LD ’14), Thomas Mew (’90), Katie (Tullos) Mitchell (’11), Cole Miller (’12), Stuart Minshew (’01), Ed Mundy (’99), Emily Orr (’17), Kim Parnell (’98, LD ’23), Katherine (Knight) Patterson (’08, LD ’18), Trey Payne (’08), Scott Poley (’03), Beau Pollard (’10, LD ’25), Robert Sawyer (’03), Wiley Sharp (’04, LD ’25), Kellen Spivey (’01, LD ’14), Rachel (Rice) Turner (’98, LD ’18), Beth (Mooney) Wellesley (’00), Doug Whatley (’02), Lindsey (Evans) Willis (’12, LD ’25), and Taylor Wynn (’10).
During the morning, Upper School students will rotate through four interactive sessions, beginning at 9:45 a.m. and concluding at noon, allowing them to engage with multiple alumni and explore a variety of career paths. Throughout the day, Darlington’s Advancement Ambassadors, along with members of the Alumni Council, will serve as hosts, welcoming returning alumni and helping ensure each session runs smoothly. Alumni Council President Izzy Hortman (’08, LD ’15) will be among those supporting the event and helping guide the day’s activities.
“We are thrilled to welcome 29 alumni back to campus for Career Day,” said Hortman. “Their experience and perspective will inspire our students, and I am deeply grateful for the time they are giving to this day. My hope is that students walk away with new insights and meaningful connections, and that our alumni leave knowing they truly made a difference.”
Click here to see photos from Career Day 2024.
