One of the most community-affirming events at Endicott College is Reunion Weekend, held annually in June. Offering a chance to meet classmates over a toast at Tupper, a lobster bake at Misselwood, or an expansive brunch in the Callahan, it’s something alumni, faculty, and staff look forward to all year.
When efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 saw more and more events moving virtually, the Office of Alumni Relations knew a pivot to a virtual Reunion was the best option for the safety of all. It was a difficult decision, knowing how joyous Reunion meet-ups are, but the challenge was shouldered to make a virtual Reunion the best substitute it could be.
It was immediately decided that all events would be complimentary, allowing as many attendees as possible via Zoom. The alumni office scheduled sessions to connect with classmates, fellow reunion committee members, the alumni office, and President Steven R. DiSalvo, Ph.D.
The weekend kicked off with a Q&A with President DiSalvo, where he welcomed guests and answered questions about his favorite memories from his first year, how important alumni are to the institution, internships, campus planning, and student experiences. Then our Golden Gulls—Classes 1941–1970 celebrating their 50th reunion and beyond, gathered for a virtual cocktail hour. It wasn’t quite the toast in beautiful Tupper Manor that usually takes place, but it was a worthy substitute in these times of quarantine. Throughout the weekend, classes met and reminisced with friends during cocktail hours, receptions, and a closing brunch.
The virtual platform didn’t stop the fun and games–Gulls of the Last Decade (GOLD) alumni enjoyed live class-specific bingo games on Friday, made possible by electronic bingo cards. Reverend Gail Cantor, Director of Spiritual Life at Endicott, opened Saturday programming with a celebratory meditation. Sunday morning kicked off with virtual yoga hosted by Kenzie Radigan ’14.
Informational classes that were scheduled for Reunion all smoothly transitioned to virtual events, welcoming alumni to sessions about legacy planning for class years 1941–2005 and financial planning advice for years 2010 and 2015, which was hosted by 2018 alumnus Tyler Johnson of Northwestern Mutual.
We are all eagerly looking forward to Reunion 2021, where Endicott will welcome twice as many attendees—classes ending in 0, 5, 6 and 1—for a weekend that will feel twice as celebratory. Save the date and plan to join us next year, June 4–6, 2021, and if you want to be a part of the planning, join your Reunion Committee by emailing alumni@endicott.edu.