Heartfelt thanks to all classmates who responded to the 50th reunion program committee survey. We heard from 108 of our 387 classmates (28%). We appreciate your feedback on the program content and format, suggestions for topics, and willingness to share your expertise and that of your classmates.
The class of 1972 is clear that fun stuff and social activities are the preferred format for our reunion (chosen by 86%). Program committee members believe that many of the most memorable moments at reunions happen in conversations with old friends and opportunities to connect with classmates we may not have known well. We are delighted to learn that you affirm our goal of having plenty of time for social activities, unstructured time, and fun.
The activities and social events of most interest are a tour of campus (80%), reception at John Ophaug’s home (66%) [Thank you John and Patsy!], outing to Keepsake Cidery (66%), canoe rental on the Cannon (46%) and folk singing (39%). Similarly, Keeping Nature in Our Lives through outdoor activities resonates strongly; 80% expressed interest in an Arb tour on restoration and management, 62% want to hike, and about 45% would like to join an all-classes service project, or engage in cloud, star, or bird watching.
Structured, more formal formats also are of interest. Two-thirds of the class expressed interest in lectures by classmates or faculty and 57% prefer small group discussions, with 52% liking the panel format. We will factor this in providing a variety of formats for the issue-based content of the program.
Classmates affirm the reunion planning committee’s belief that music brings back memories and strengthens connections. The playlist under construction by the outreach committee will provide an important resource for a lecture by Carleton Professor Andy Flory, rated as being of interest to 75%. Other issues of interest to half or more of our classmates (in order) are Coping with Climate Change, Anti-Intellectualism and the Future of U.S. Higher Education, Defining Moments: Social Justice, and Vibrant Aging in Place.
The program committee is very grateful for your network of connections and thoughtful ideas for other activities and issues. Please keep the ideas and suggestions coming. Also, thank you for identifying classmates who could be involved in programming. We are delighted that many of you volunteered to share your expertise. And we will consider some of the new ideas you suggested as we shape the program to provide venues for conversation, learning, and connection.
— Bill Kuhlmann and Margaret Crowley, Program Committee Co-Chairs