‘Nothing Short of Magical’: Dickinson Celebrates First Alum Wedding in Paz Center
'We couldn't have asked for better,' says the happy groom
by MaryAlice Bitts-Jackson
Wedding bells rang out on campus this summer, as Dickinson’s John M. Paz '78 Alumni & Family Center hosted its first alum wedding. Joe Winberry ’79 and his bride, Erin Anderson, said “I do!” on a mild and sunny day in early June. From the heartfelt ceremony to the lively cocktail hour, elegant reception and overnight stay, it was an event steeped in meaning and joy.
It was also a happy milestone for the college, which has seen untold wedding proposals, ceremonies and celebrations over the centuries, but only one alum Paz Center wedding so far.
Mayor Sean Schultz presents the newly married couple. Photo credit: Royce Images Photography.
'I'd never seen the inside of the president's house ...'
Joe, an optometrist living in central Pennsylvania, graduated from Dickinson with a biology degree and a minor in chemistry. Five years ago, he met Erin, a registered nurse and medical-center administrator, and they fell in love.
The idea to marry at Dickinson arrived during the college’s 2024 Alumni Weekend. The couple attended an Old West Society luncheon in the recently opened Paz Center—a premier facility located in a handsome, historic building, which was home to Dickinson’s presidents for more than a century.
“I’d never seen the inside of the [former] president’s house, so I was curious to see it,” remembers Joe. “When we got inside and looked around, I said, ‘This would be a great place for our wedding.’ ”
The big day
The wedding ceremony, held in the Paz Center Gathering Room, was officiated by Sean Schultz, mayor of Carlisle. Guests then enjoyed cocktails on the terrace and an indoor reception, with a DJ and dancing. Family members in attendance included Erin’s children and grandchildren and her sister-in-law—Dickinsonian Laurie Fromer Mackrell ’86.
Delicate hydrangea blooms added romance and charm to the floral displays. The couple’s first-dance song was “We’ve Only Just Begun,” a favorite of Joe’s late mother as well as a fitting choice for Joe and Erin’s new chapter together. “Every moment unfolded in a setting rich with history and beauty,” says Christina Salomone, Paz Center experience manager, who helped Joe and Erin plan their big day. “It was nothing short of magical.”
Even the inevitable wedding-day mix-up was fun. “Traditionally, you feed a slice of cake to each other, but I forgot and fed myself first,” says Joe with a chuckle. “That made everyone laugh.”
The couple stayed in a Paz Center suite, where they were greeted with chilled champagne, a charcuterie board and chocolates. There was also a gift basket brimming with Dickinson-themed swag. “Everything was beautiful. We couldn’t have asked for a better day,” says Joe.
The Paz Center can accommodate smaller indoor events, such as the Winberrys’ ceremony and reception, and larger, tented events on its grounds. View more information or book your stay.
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Published August 8, 2025