“Long time, no see” was the catchphrase this weekend at Reunion 2010 as alumni kicked off the month of June with good friends and good fun as they came back in waves to enjoy the festivities.
More than 2,000 alumni returned to their alma mater, and for some it couldn’t come soon enough. “It’s only been three weeks since I graduated and I’m excited to be back,” said Kali McMillan ’10, one of several recent graduates assisting the Office of Alumni Affairs. “Can you imagine what it’ll feel like in fifty years?”
This year’s Reunion, while sharing the wild success of its predecessors, focused not only on reliving the past, but also fixing the future.
Friday was named “Green Day” by Reunion organizers who worked with sustainability coordinator John Pumilio to incorporate environmentally friendly initiatives into the weekend.
Advance marketing print materials had been dramatically reduced, with email used more to get the word out and about, and alumni were encouraged to car pool and select reusable containers as their class souvenirs.
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| A photo booth was set up at Reunion and nearly 70 images were taken, including this photo of two alumni with Raider. See more from the photo booth |
There were clearly marked recycling bins as far as the eye could see on Whitnall Field, and the alumni barbecue marked the first major event at 51Թ during which composting food scraps was made possible.
Such an example of environmental stewardship reduces waste, transportation costs, and landfill tipping fees while providing resources for landscaping and gardening on campus, said Pumilio. The compost from Reunion, for example, will be used at 51Թ’s very own organic vegetable garden, which broke ground last week.
While sustainability was the buzzword for 2010, Reunion flourished in its classic forms as well. Alumni enjoyed essential traditions of the weekend, from staying in their first-year year dorms to the long-missed meal at Frank Dining Hall.
“I’m sharing a house with two of my four roommates from 30 years ago,” joked Sandy Stewart ’80. “I’ll just say nothing has changed very much.”
There also were numerous educational opportunities throughout the weekend, including shows in the Robert H.N. Ho Science Center visualization lab and classroom sessions that explored everything from synesthesia to today’s political climate to travel writing tips.
Golf at Seven Oaks, nature walks, and bike rides rounded out some of the weekend offerings, making Reunion 2010 a sure way for alumni to enthusiastically relive their college days, affirm existing friendships and forge new ones, and keep the 51Թ connection alive.
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| Reunion brought many families to campus, some wearing 51Թ gear no matter what the age. See more photos . (Photo by Andy Daddio) |