The Reunion chair is responsible for planning and executing the class Reunion every five years. This is a major event that requires a great deal of planning and work, so many classes have two or more individuals appointed as chairs. Reunion chairs must enjoy large-scale event planning, adhere to deadlines, work closely with their Reunion staff contact, recruit and lead a committee of classmates and fellow officers to help run the class’s Reunion, delegate responsibilities to fellow officers and Reunion committee members, and have the capability to remain flexible during busy times. In addition, Reunion chairs establish a Reunion budget and monitor Reunion account statements.
Reunion chairs are most active in the year prior to their Reunion and when their class is officially in “Reunion mode” (beginning July 1 in the year prior to the class’s Reunion through October following Reunion). In non-Reunion years, chairs should still assist their fellow officers by supporting their on-going efforts (e.g., providing classmate updates to class correspondents, hosting class events, assisting with affinity networking, and supporting fundraising initiatives).
Reunion chairs should plan to assemble a team of committee members to address the many functional areas of a Reunion: working with the caterers, class programming, hospitality, etc. Chairs and key committee members are strongly encouraged to attend the Reunion of the class preceding theirs (also known as their “sister class”) so they can observe events, venues, key personnel, registration procedures, promotion, and administration of Reunion. Lastly, it is imperative that Reunion chairs attend Reunion Kick-Off (RKO) in Ithaca, NY, a weekend workshop hosted in September or October the year preceding Reunion and Mid-Winter Training, a secondary training hosted online in February.
Reunion chairs should speak with their class/group treasurer to understand potential cost reimbursement related to conference registration fees, travel, and lodging associated with their role.
Visit the Events and Reunion page for more resources and information.