The Swarthmore College Alumni Gospel Choir recently performed its 40th anniversary concert in the Swarthmore Friends Meeting House on campus. Members of the student choir joined the program, which also featured solos by Sandy Epps-Flint ’79, Marsha-Gail Davis ’10, Gerald Cox ’78, and choir director Vaneese Thomas ’74, among others.

“When we were students, the choir was our cultural, spiritual, and educational refuge,” Thomas says. “We needed each other for everything, so the concept that we'd still be singing together is not so far fetched. There's also the need to mentor students as we were mentored. We're committed to that.”

In May, the choir begins a week-long trip to China that will include performances at Shanghai Normal University and the Xi'an University of Arts and Science. Two students, Jalisa Roberts ’13 and Carolyn Maughan ’12, are accompanying them.

Members of the Alumni Gospel Choir gather in prayer on the steps of the Friends Meeting House before their 40th anniversary concert.

Choir Director Vaneese Thomas '74, H'14 leads the choir in song.

Sam Brackeen '68 offers a prayer.

Gerald Cox '78 (right) performs a solo during "Just in Time."

Freeman Palmer '79 and Vaneese Thomas '74 perform solos during "Listen to the Rain."

Members of the College's student gospel choir joined the program.

"When we were students, the choir was our cultural, spiritual, and educational refuge," says Vaneese Thomas. "We needed each other for everything, so the concept that we'd still be singing together is not so far fetched. There's also the need to mentor students as we were mentored. We're committed to that."

Members of the Alumni Gospel Choir gather in prayer on the steps of the Friends Meeting House before their 40th anniversary concert.

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40th Anniversary Celebration: Part 1

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Featuring "Praise Him," solo by Tamika Jones; "When I Die," solo by Berneta Miles; "Just in Time," solo by Gerald Cox '78; and Listen to the Rain," solos by Freeman Palmer '79 and Vaneese Thomas '74. Their CD, "Hallelujah! Amen" is available for purchase in the Swarthmore College Bookstore.

40th Anniversary Celebration: Part 2

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Featuring "Go Tell It," solo by Tamika Jones; "I Bless your Name," solo by Marsha-Gail Davis '10; "Joyful, Joyful," solo by Marissa Davis '08; "Gracious Good Shepherd," solo by Phillip Hayes '73; and "Hallelujah! Amen," solo by Sandy Epps-Flint '79.