A Day of Memories, Friendship, and Celebration
On May 12, Adult Education Center graduates, board members, family, and friends gathered at Ralph’s on the Park for a special day of memories, friendship, and celebration.
The day began with warm reunions as the graduates reconnected with Jeanne Geoffray and were welcomed by the Exchange Place documentary team, including director Philip Braun and executive producer Matt Johnson. More than fifty years after their time together at the Adult Education Center, the women gathered once again to share stories, laughter, and reflections on the school that forever connected their lives.
Philip Braun, Jeff Geoffray, Gail Grant and Shirley Rondeno
During a filmed conversation for the upcoming PBS documentary Exchange Place, Jeanne and the graduates looked back on the friendships formed, the barriers overcome, and the legacy that continues through the 431 Exchange. The gathering also included a joyful birthday celebration honoring 431 Exchange board member Shirley Rondeno and Adult Education Center graduate Gail Grant — another reminder that the relationships created at Exchange Place have lasted across generations.
Gathered around the table (left to right): Sandra O’Neal, Linda Teamer Phoenix, Gail Grant, Gwendolyn Shepherd, Shirley Rondeno, Jeanne Geoffray, Pamela Cole Wimbley, Raphael Morgan, Hilda Jean Smith, Connie Payton-Nevels.
Together, the graduates then boarded a bus for a return trip to the French Quarter and Exchange Place, the site of the school where their remarkable journeys began. That emotional return will be shared as part of the upcoming documentary.
Pamela Cole Wimbley and Linda Teamer on the bus to the French Quarter
These photographs capture the beginning of that unforgettable day — moments of reunion, storytelling, laughter, and the enduring bonds that continue to unite this extraordinary community.
We are deeply grateful to Ralph’s on the Park and the Brennan family of restaurants for their warm hospitality and for providing such a meaningful place to gather, reconnect, and celebrate together.