Launching Well: Asbury Young Alumni Find Renewal in the Mountains

Asbury retreat equips recent graduates with faith, community, and practical tools for life after college

From April 17 to 19, Asbury University welcomed recent graduates to Ridgecrest, N.C., for its Launching Well retreat, a weekend designed to help young alumni pause, reflect, and move forward with intention. Made possible by The TW Lewis Foundation, the retreat carried over some of the best qualities of Asbury (fellowship, formation, and the thoughtful application of deliberate Christian practice) into post-graduation life.

Set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the retreat created space for participants to deepen their faith, build meaningful community, and develop practical skills for life after graduation. Through worship, teaching sessions, and intentional conversations, alumni reconnected with the rhythms and relationships that shaped their time at Asbury.

This is a significant gift to recent graduates and, as Alumni Director Bert Jones puts it, demonstrates Asbury’s commitment to ‘care after commencement.’”

Dr. Kevin Brown Asbury University President

That commitment was evident throughout the weekend as alumni engaged topics like financial stewardship, vocational calling, and sustaining a resilient, Christ centered faith.

Participants described the experience as both grounding and transformative. One alum shared that the retreat felt like a “reset of the heart,” capturing the tone of a weekend that invited honesty, rest, and renewed vision. 

One participant shared: “An excellent weekend spent worshiping the Lord, being built up and encouraged by leaders and peers, and renewing friendships. The Lord was so present in our time together, and for that reason alone I would do it again without hesitating.”

In a season often marked by transition and uncertainty, Launching Well offered clarity and encouragement, reminding attendees they are not navigating life alone.

This Asbury investment into young alumni navigating the transition into early adulthood reflects a commitment beyond Commencement.

In a season filled with new responsibilities and decisions, the retreat offered both spiritual grounding and practical guidance, meeting participants at a pivotal stage with encouragement and clarity.

If you have graduated from Asbury in the last five years, you have to get a Launching Well retreat on your schedule. Your life will be greatly impacted.”

Bert Jones ’89 Asbury University Director of Alumni & Church Relations

The next Launching Well retreat dates are October 9-11, 2026 and April 23-25, 2027.

To sign up or  learn more, contact the Alumni Office at (859) 858 3511 ext. 2157 or alumni@asbury.edu.