Reunion 2013
Just the Facts
Registration
Who's coming?
Other Questions
Activities and Amenities
Travel and Lodging
What is Reunion Weekend?
Reunion is the largest Grinnell alumni event held each year. Alumni return to the College to rekindle connections with classmates, enjoy lively conversations and lectures, explore the current campus, and revisit their past. We expect over 1,000 Grinnell alumni, spouses, children and friends at this year's Reunion!
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When is the next Grinnell Reunion?
Friday, May 31 - Sunday, June 2, 2013.
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How much does Reunion cost?
The per-person cost varies from class to class. A la carte packages can include combinations of meals, drinks, entertainment, programs, class lounges, on-site transportation, registration materials, class memorabilia, and appearances by faculty/staff/coach guests. Some class-specific and special events may require a nominal additional registration fee.
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What is there to do during Reunion?
Reunion Weekend includes many different events. You can participate in some or all — it's up to you. Among the weekend activities and programs are the following:
- Campus tours, featuring the new and renovated buildings on campus
- Alumni Assembly, featuring the 2013 Alumni Award winners
- Musical performances
- Faculty and alumni panels, lectures, and workshops
- Receptions and dinners with classmates, including an all-Reunion picnic on Friday night.
- Evening entertainment each night
- 5K Walk and Run
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Are spouses/partners/significant others/kids invited?
Absolutely! We encourage returning alumni to bring their entire families. All activities and programs are open to anyone who is on campus for the weekend.
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Is there child care?
Yes! Click here for more information!
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Where will I stay?
Relive your student experience by staying in on-campus housing (dormitories) during your reunion. Campus apartments are reserved for families with children and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Accommodations include twin beds (sheets, a blanket, a pillow and towels are provided) and minimal furnishings. There are no private bathrooms. Please note that housing reservations are not confirmed until payment is received. All rooms are single unless specific roommate requests are placed with your registration.
Reunion weekend housing is provided for a cost of $50 per adult and $25 per child (ages 5-18). This fee permits alumni and guests to stay in the on-campus residence halls from Thursday, May 30 through Sunday, June 2. A separate housing fee of $50 is required for Alumni College participants.
Grinnell tries to keep members of a Reunion class together in the same dorm whenever possible.
If you prefer to stay off-campus, a list of area accommodations is available.
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What is the Family Dorm?
For 2013, Cowles Hall will be the family dorm during Reunion. Cowles has been renovated to include apartments suitable for families with children. Space in this dorm will be allocated on an as-needed basis and families with young children will be given first priority. If you need accommodations for your family, please select "Family Dorm" on your registration form. If you have special requests, please call 866-850-1846 and ask to speak to Paige Everly. We are happy to make every effort to find suitable campus accommodations for your family.
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Do you offer travel discounts?
There are no formal discounts available.
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Can alumni room with their friends?
Yes, alumni may request to be paired with a roommate for the weekend.
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What is a "class lounge" and what happens there?
Each class is assigned a class lounge — generally a residence hall lounge or other campus room. The lounge is home to you and your class for the weekend. This is the central location for class activities and socializing. Visit your class Reunion page to learn more about your class lounge. A list of class Reunion pages can be found at http://loggia.grinnell.edu/reunion.
On Friday night, your lounge will be home to a post-dinner reception (snacks and non-alcoholic beverages provided). The class lounge is also the ideal spot to have a quiet conversation with friends, look at old yearbooks, or just put your feet up for awhile.
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How can I find out if someone from my class is coming?
The Office of Development and Alumni Relations will regularly post and update a list of Reunion registrants on the Reunion website as well as a list of classmates on each class page. This list will be available in mid-February after registration has opened.
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Will former professors or coaches be there?
Yes. Faculty, coaches, and staff are invited to attend various meals and functions during the weekend. Additionally, each class committee selects honored faculty and staff to attend the class/cluster social hour and dinner on Saturday night. You can view the faculty guests attending your dinner on your class page.
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Is parking available on campus?
Parking is available, but is limited. If you'll be staying in campus housing, it is recommended that you leave your car parked in one location and not worry about it for the weekend. Golf carts will be available to transport you around campus throughout Reunion weekend.
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Where do alumni go when they arrive on campus?
Your first stop should be the Reunion Registration Desk, located in the Joe Rosenfield '25 Center. Upon arrival, alumni can check in and receive a packet with housing and meal information, maps, weekend schedules, class memorabilia, discount coupons to the Grinnell Bookstore, and nametags.
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What is the Alumni Assembly?
On Saturday afternoon, classes gather in Herrick Chapel for the Alumni Assembly. The ceremony recognizes outstanding alumni with the presentation of the annual Alumni Awards and includes remarks from President Raynard S. Kington, M.D., Ph.D. All alumni, family members, and guests are encouraged to attend.
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Can I attend for a part of the weekend?
Yes. All Reunion and Alumni College registration can be done on an a la carte basis. You may sign up for only those events which you are able to attend.
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Can I come if I didn't pre-register?
Yes, although alumni are strongly encouraged to register in advance. Some events have limited capacities and sell out quickly, and we cannot guarantee the availability of rooms or dining services if you have not registered in advance.
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What if the weather is bad?
Some events may be moved inside, but with traditional Pioneer spirit, our Reunion celebrations will continue rain or shine.
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Will alcohol be provided?
Drinks are complimentary at the Saturday night social hour, dinner, and dance. For all other Reunion events, alumni and guests must provide their own alcohol.
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Are non-reunion classes invited?
Yes, alumni who are not part of an official reunion class but who would like to attend are welcome to do so.
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How do I register?
Online registration is open. You can register online here. Alumni will also receive a registration packet in the mail in March. The packet will contain registration forms and information about the schedule of events. If you have misplaced your registration information, contact the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at 866-850-1846.
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Will I be able to use the pool, gym, or other athletic facilities?
Grinnell's athletic facilities are available for returning alumni and their guests. Take a swim, play racquetball, or use the indoor track in the Charles Benson Bear '39 Recreation and Athletic Center. Free weights, exercise bicycles, treadmills, and rowing machines are available in the fitness center. Play a tennis match at the outdoor courts. Times vary and will be available when you arrive on campus.
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What kind of computer and telephone access is available?
Phones are provided in each residence hall room. Long-distance calls can be made with a credit/calling card or through a collect service. Burling Library will be open throughout Reunion weekend for computer use. If you choose to bring your personal computer to campus, you will need to pick up information regarding the Grinnell College guest username and password at the Reunion Registration Desk. Each residence hall room has internet access available with a standard Ethernet port. Wireless internet for laptops is available in the first-floor lounges of all residence halls and in all academic buildings.
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I have some particular needs related to accessibility. What should I do?
Grinnell College is committed to making its campus accessible to persons with disabilities. However, not all areas of campus are fully accessible. Click here to view a variety of campus accessibility resources. Individuals who have special needs should contact the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at (866) 850-1846.
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I need to cancel my reservation.
If cancellation of an on-campus room or a Reunion reservation is necessary, please call the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at (866) 850-1846. Individuals will be reimbursed in full for cancellations made prior to Friday, May 17 at 8:00 a.m.
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Will the Grinnell Bookstore be open?
The Grinnell Bookstore will feature a 10% discount for all alumni attending Reunion! Coupons will be included in your registration packets.
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What is the reunion registration fee?
The registration fee is a nominal charge assessed to all attendees. Grinnell College strives to make Reunion and Alumni College affordable and accessible events for all participants and the $40 registration fee partially subsidizes general costs like golf cart rentals, student worker wages, refreshments, the Reunion family carnival and the Reunion dance. This registration fee, along with other fees you may pay to attend Reunion Weekend and specific events, by no means covers the overall cost to the College for the Weekend. If you have further questions about the reunion registration fee, please contact Reunion coordinator Paige Everly at everlypa@grinnell.edu or (866) 850-1846.
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When do the dorms open and close for Reunion?
On-campus housing is available beginning Tuesday, May 28 at noon for Alumni College attendees and Thursday, May 30 at noon for Reunion attendees. The residence halls will be open through 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 2.
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Is there an option to carpool with alumni in my area?
Visit the Ride Board to post your travel plans and connect with others in your city or area who might be traveling to Reunion and interested in sharing a ride.
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Can I bring a pet or service animal?
Service animals are welcome at Reunion. For safety reasons, please do not bring pets or other non-service animals to Reunion. It can be harmful for the animals, as well as the people who encounter them.
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Will I have to pay for meals for my child/children?
Children ages 4 and under eat for free.
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I have other questions about the weekend.
For more information, please contact the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at (866) 850-1846.
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