The 2019 reunion for the MD Class of '09 had a fun circus theme.
Class reunions have the power to help busy professionals maintain connections that are not always otherwise possible. For many alumni, losing touch with close friends and classmates after graduation can feel like a minor drawback on the start of an exciting career; reuniting after a few years provides a valuable opportunity to catch up and rekindle friendships.
But a lot needs to happen to get everyone together. Reunions take careful planning and attention to detail to ensure everyone will have a good time and leave with great memories. Our experienced alumni share a few lessons they learned planning class reunions, and advice to other grads looking to organize a fun and unforgettable event.
1. Start early
People with busy lives will appreciate advance notice of a reunion, especially if they need to fly from other cities. The sooner you can decide when and where you will have the reunion, the better for everyone. "We were a bit late 'getting out of the gate' on our last reunion, as we made a relatively last-minute decision to try to pull something together," remembers Gerry Moysa, '74 MD. "I wouldn't necessarily try that again!"
The MD Class of '69 celebrated aboard the Edmonton High Level Streetcar.
2. Keep it simple
While formal dinners are very nice, sometimes all people want is a relaxed night out. "Keep it simple and casual, unless you poll your class and they vote for a formal event," says Candice Bjornson, '94 MD, remembering the success of her 2019 class reunion. "The pub setting was great and allowed everyone to circulate and say hello to lost or old friends. I feel that at a seated dinner, you may only get the chance to really chat with those at your table, and miss out on catching up with others."
3. Think of your group's needs and logistics
Your class will likely have a few grads living in other cities, and even in other countries. When planning your reunion, think about their logistics (travel time, type of reunion event, available downtime) and what would make for a smooth and enjoyable trip. "My first thought was, 'If I were coming to this from out of town, what would I want to see, and experience, and do?'" recalls Harvey Albrecht, '69 MD. "My initial and most important answer was that I wanted to see my classmates and chat with them. So as a committee, how do we make that happen? How much structured time do we plan, and how much free time do we 'allow'? Good food and comfortable surroundings will make those things more likely to happen."
MD Class of '74 at the 2019 Alumni Weekend Brunch.
4. Stay in touch
In the months leading up to a class reunion, it's important to choose the best contact method for keeping everyone updated and reminding them about the upcoming event. Missing details or infrequent communication can lead to fewer people showing up to the celebration. "The class organizer must rely on personal contact by phone, either directly or indirectly via other class members with whom they may have social contacts," advises George Goldsand, '59 MD. "Remember, older folks may not read mail, or do not have an email address."
Gerry Moysa emphasizes the importance of constant contact. "The big thing is to find a way to communicate... and then communicate, communicate, communicate," he says. "Overdoing it has benefits. Find at least one really nice 'signature' venue and event, do it really well so that people want to come, and promote it relentlessly."
5. Get some help from the faculty if you need it!
Planning an event can be overwhelming for first-timers without guidance and support, and the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry's alumni office is here to help. The office helped Moysa update his contact list, set up event registration and plan meals. "That made it so much easier," he says. "I highly recommend that other classes get to learn what services and resources the alumni office can offer."
Want some help to plan your next class reunion? Contact the alumni office at fomdalum@ualberta.ca.