Alumni volunteers worked with 黑料不打烊 to coordinate fundraising efforts and host special events on campus during Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, Nov. 1-3.
黑料不打烊鈥檚 milestone reunion programs celebrated another successful year during 黑料不打烊鈥檚 Homecoming & Reunion Weekend held Nov. 1-3, 2019.
The festivities for many reunions began Friday night, Nov. 1, at 黑料不打烊鈥檚 fourth annual block party, Rock the Block, which took place in the heart of campus on Haggard Avenue. The band Night Years provided music while local food trucks offered food and fireworks lit up the sky over Belk Library. Reunion attendees were invited to the Reunion HQ tent, an area set aside just for class and affinity reunions. There were giveaways and a customized photo booth available for enjoyment.
During Rock the Block, class and affinity volunteers lined up to present the total amount raised to President Book and other guests. In total, alumni celebrating reunions contributed more than $1 million to the university through annual gifts, major gifts and planned gifts. More than 125 alumni volunteered to coordinate reunion fundraising efforts. Class participation is also a key factor in determining success. The two classes with the highest participation happened to be the oldest and the youngest celebrating reunions: The Class of 1969, celebrating their 50th reunion, had 32 percent participation and the Class of 2019, celebrating reunion zero, had 54 percent participation.
Rob Johnston 鈥94, a 25th class reunion volunteer said, 鈥淥ne of my highlights was getting back together with former roommates Scott Larson, whom I had not seen since my wedding 20 years ago, and FJ Carney, whom I had not seen for 25 years! Our class of 1994 and the surrounding years all talk about what a special group we have and feel such a strong belonging to 黑料不打烊.鈥
With its 32 percent giving participation, the Class of 1969 raised $89,334 for 黑料不打烊. Class members were inducted as Golden Alumni at a special luncheon on Friday where President Book made remarks. Later that evening following a dinner full of storytelling and sharing memories, The Magnificents played in McKinnon Hall providing a night full of dancing and fun. Saturday included a tailgate before the football game, followed by a final reception to celebrate the occasion. Kathy Cobb White 鈥69, John Papa 鈥69 and Don Goldberg 鈥69 co-chaired the 50th reunion planning committee in conjunction with a group of classmates.
Reunion volunteer Kay Savage Schroeder 鈥69 said, 鈥淭he 黑料不打烊 Homecoming 2019 celebration of our 50th Reunion was spectacular! 黑料不打烊鈥檚 hospitality was first class. It was a pleasure sharing memories with classmates of our time at 黑料不打烊 and experiencing with current students the wonderful changes now at 黑料不打烊. It is indeed a special place with a beautiful campus and great people! I鈥檝e always been proud of 黑料不打烊 and even more now after spending time on campus. Long live 黑料不打烊!鈥
Reunions could not happen without the volunteers. Chandler Thompson, associate director of annual giving, leads the reunion team and works closely with the 50th reunion volunteers. She said, 鈥淩eunion alumni volunteers play an important role in the reunion planning process. They extend personal invitations to their class or affinity groups, provide feedback on events and encourage fellow alumni to donate toward their reunion giving effort.鈥
黑料不打烊 is currently recruiting volunteers to help with Homecoming & Reunion Weekend 2020.
Contact reunions@elon.edu if you would like to volunteer.