With potluck dishes abound from baked brie to crab dip and from ice cream cake to pumpkin cupcakes, Dr. Lori Blanc’s Blacksburg home was filled with delicious smells this past Sunday afternoon. And with 18 students from her Virginia Tech North Queensland 2010 study abroad group laughing and recounting memories, the house couldn’t have been filled with more excitement.

During the course of the program this past summer, many students became close friends and now regularly spend time with each other. Two students even share an apartment together now after forming a strong friendship.

For those that had not seen each other frequently since the program, the reunion provided a source of reminiscing.

AUIP’s Eleanor is in Blacksburg for on-campus marketing this week and made sure to arrive on Sunday in time for the reunion.

While Lori’s dogs made countless friends (pictured left), students went back for seconds and thirds of the food. Prizes were awarded for specific categories as well:

– Most creative potluck dish (group vote): Ryan for her curry rice received a sweatshirt from On the Wallaby
– Yummiest dessert (group vote): Kristen for her Oreo cheesecake received a guidebook from Let’s Go
– Yummiest savory potluck dish (group vote): Adam and Trey for their fried chicken received travel books from Fodor’s
– Riding a bike to the reunion: Laura received a sustainable sushi guide
– Anyone who came in carloads of 4 or more: Multiple students received some candy

Arguably the best highlight of the reunion was Lori presenting her video capturing the best memories and funniest moments from the course. Click here to view the video.