PLAN A REUNION
John Burnette, of the Alumni Advisory Board, helped plan and implement the very successful Class of 1954 reunion held in September 2004. He offers the following as advice to other reunion groups:
So, you want to have a class reunion?
One person can make the difference...
Communicate your idea with several representative class members. Form a growing committee nine to twelve months in advance. Be sure to get the blessing of class officers. Decide on details (date, time, location, activities) UP-DATE ADDRESSES, phone numbers, e-mails, names, etc. Be sure to make specific reservations at eating places. Keep in communication with Rhonda Toon. Classes 1972 and earlier may also contact Roxie Williams Peugh. Addresses change by 911 addressing, zip codes, and moving. Keep listening for ideas of reunion activities. Leave plenty of time for good conversation and fellowship. Different age groups have different focus and purpose. Our golden reunion was helped because we were together twelve years. Share memories of “The Way We Were”. Continue to encourage attendance. Tell who will be there. Try to avoid extremely high costs. Keep all communication positive, even when discouraged.
Things I wish I had done:
- Have class members tell something special about another class member.
- Make a class memorial gift to Gordon College.
- Set a definite time for our next reunion.
- VERY IMPORTANT!!! Delegate responsibilities. Involve as many class members as possible in things that need to get done. Examples: name tags, games, refreshments, recognitions, photography, telephone contacts, etc.
YOU WILL BE HAPPY YOU HAD A PART IN YOUR CLASS REUNION!!!
By John Burnette
Class of 1954 reunion in front of Smith Hall (September 2004)