HWS: Reunion

Reunion Essentials

COMMON REUNION CONCERNS

REUNION: THE WHO, WHAT, AND WHERE

Who is invited to Reunion?
Reunion is an annual tradition for ALL alumni, alumnae, their friends and family. Most alumni and alumnae choose to return for their five-year “milestone” Reunions, but any alumnus or alumna can attend any year. We’d like everyone to come back EVERY year!

What classes are celebrating milestone Reunions in 2012?
The classes of 2007 (5th), 2002 (10th), 1997 (15th), 1992 (20th), 1987 (25th), 1982 (30th), 1977 (35th), 1972 (40th), 1967 (45th), 1962 (50th), 1961 and all classes prior (50th PLUS)

What about the 55th, 60th, 65th Reunions? Why are they listed above as part of the “50th PLUS” group?
The 50th PLUS group includes all alumni and alumnae who have already celebrated a 50th Reunion. 50th PLUS classes gather every three years on campus during Reunion Weekend, rather than during the traditional five-year Reunions. The idea was conceived following numerous requests from our senior alumni and alumnae to hold cluster-type Reunions for post-50th classes and to hold them more frequently. The option of returning every year was unrealistic, and waiting five years for the next milestone five-year Reunion was too long. So, a special gathering every three years was established. The first 50th PLUS Reunion in 2006 was a huge success with more than 200 post-50th alums in attendance. The second in 2009 was equally well received. 2012 marks the third triennial 50th PLUS gathering, which will begin on Thursday, May 31.

REGISTRATION AND FEES

How and when do I register for Reunion?
Registration forms and the tentative schedule of events will be mailed (via postal mail) to milestone and 50th PLUS Reunion classes in early spring. At the same time, we will email all alums with a link to our Reunion website and the online registration form. If you are not in a milestone Reunion class or a part of the 50th PLUS group but would like to receive hard-copy registration materials, please contact Rebecca Frank in Alumni House at (315) 781-3700 or frank@hws.edu.

What is the registration fee for?
The Colleges do not make a profit on Reunion, and the charges are not part of our fundraising initiatives. Rather, they are meant to offset some of the Colleges’ costs of organizing a first-rate, multi-day event for all alums and their guests. The registration fee for the 5th Reunion is traditionally adjusted to coincide with the 5th Reunion class year. For example, this year, the fee will be $20.07 for the classes of 2007. The fee for all other classes is $50 per person. While the costs associated with attending Reunion do add up, nearly all attendees of Reunions past have indicated that the weekend is an excellent value. We are confident that the extensive offering of activities, entertainment, food, beverages, etc. will leave you feeling that Reunion was worth the price. If you are aware of anyone who is unable to return because of this fee, please let us know, and we will do our best to make adjustments so that he/she is able to attend.

Who else is coming to Reunion?
Registration for Reunion 2012 hasn’t opened yet, but classmates still want to know who’s planning to attend. Hence, we’ve created the “Intent” list, which includes those who have indicated that they plan to attend. We encourage all alums to put themselves on the Intent list if they are considering a return trip to Geneva in June. People come to Reunion to see people – their classmates, members of the faculty, staff, coaches, etc. “Crowd-building” is accelerated when these lists get populated early, so please make sure your name is included if you’re planning to attend so that others will be inspired to do the same. Once registration opens in the spring, the intent list will be replaced with a “registered” list. At that time, the same rules apply – the more people who register, the more others will follow suit.

TRANSPORTATION

What is the best way to get to Geneva?

PLANES - Rochester, Syracuse and Ithaca airports are each about an hour's drive from campus. Many airlines, including JetBlue, United, Delta, AirTran, and others, have added flights to these cities. Transportation to and from the Rochester and Syracuse airports is available for a fee from Finger Lakes Limousine, (315) 789-7272. Please contact them directly to arrange your transportation to campus.

TRAINS - If you take Amtrak, the closest stations are in Rochester and Syracuse. There is a bus service to Geneva from both locations.

AUTOMOBILES - Main arteries into Geneva are Routes 15 and 14 from the south; 96 from the southeast; and the New York Thruway (I90) from all points east and west. While on campus, you may park in any campus parking lot. Handicapped parking is available at all campus locations.

If you need more travel advice, please don't hesitate to call us in Alumni House. If you're using a GPS device, use 300 Pulteney Street as your destination address.

I have trouble getting around. Will the Campus pose too many physical challenges for me?
We’ll be prepared with a fleet of vans, buses and golf carts to get you around campus. Most buildings are handicap-accessible. And, we’ll have many helpers on-hand ready to assist.

Are pets allowed on campus?
Pets are not allowed in campus residence halls unless they are service animals. Please make alternate arrangements for your pets – either locally or at home. If you need recommendations for local kennels, give us a call.

What should I pack/wear?
As you may recall, June weather in Geneva can range from 50 to 95 degrees, so you should pack and dress accordingly. Even if the forecast is for balmy weather, we suggest packing a jacket or sweatshirt as evenings on the Quad can get chilly, and, of course, you want to be prepared in the event that you’re inspired to take a sunrise walk along the lake. In case of rain or cold weather, bring rain coats, sweaters, umbrellas and comfortable waterproof footwear. Otherwise, think casual and think college. Dig out those Hobart or William Smith beanies, sweatshirts, T-shirts, caps, etc. and get in the spirit. We just love those colorful photo ops!

Here’s a more detailed wardrobe guide:

DAYTIME ACTIVITIES – Casual and comfortable, which means everything from shorts and t-shirts, blouses and slacks, sports coats and vests, golf-shirts and sundresses. Vintage HWS garb is encouraged. It’s all about spirit and feeling comfortable given the weather that day and the activities you choose to do. Be prepared for rain – just in case!

FRIDAY EVENING CLASS DINNERS - Class dinners on Friday are a slight step up from “daytime casual.” Some men wear sports coats, but a buttoned-down shirt (sans jacket) is also quite common. Ties are festive but certainly not a requirement for this affair. Women are typically most comfortable in cocktail dresses or slacks. Footwear for “floor and lawn.” Again, be sure to include a warm accessory garment (jacket, sweater, vest, pashmina) for possible cooler evening temperatures.

SATURDAY EVENING CELEBRATION– This affair will be a bit dressier (semi-formal) and festive, though there is no dress code. Men will most likely wear a jacket, and ties are appropriate, but not necessary. Women may choose to wear more formal evening attire but not “evening gown formal.” Dancing shoes are optional, but encouraged!

REUNION LODGING AND DINING

Where will I stay?
The Colleges offer on-campus housing in campus residence halls for a nominal fee. (On-campus housing is offered free of charge to 50th Reunion and 50th PLUS Reunion alums and their guests.) Though not luxurious by any means, these rooms are a safe, clean, accessible and cost-efficient option – and there are plenty of them available. If you choose this option, you should bring a clock if you need an alarm. And if the weather is predicted to be warm, you may want to bring a fan for your room as not all residence halls are air-conditioned. Every guest will be provided linens, one blanket, one pillow, and a set of towels. However, we recommend you bring your own towels as the dorm-issued version is somewhat modest. You should also pack necessary toiletries, hangers, and an iron. Young families should bring playpens and portable cribs.

There are also several area hotels within a short drive of campus. If you plan to stay off-campus, we encourage you to make reservations as soon as possible as these establishments always fill up quickly, especially during Reunion Weekend.

If I stay on campus, will my room be near friends and classmates?
Classes are generally housed together in the same residence hall. If you would like to share a room with or near a certain individual, both parties should indicate this on their registration forms. We’ll do our best to accommodate rooming requests.

What’s the food like?
From pasta-stations to carving stations, casual fare to more "formal" cuisine, our phenomenal catering staff pulls out all the stops to provide first-class meals throughout the weekend. The "Oak's Tent" bar will be stocked and ready to serve.

Are you able to tend to my special dietary or other needs?
Absolutely. If you have dietary (or any other health related or accessibility needs), simply indicate these on your registration form and we’ll be sure meals are prepared to accommodate your needs. If you would like to speak with us about specifics, just give us a call. Contact Rebecca Frank in Alumni House toll-free: (877) 497-4438. We’re ready to help in any way we can.

COMMON REUNION CONCERNS

I’m a little nervous about coming back. Am I the only one who feels this way?
Some alums do get anxious about coming back for Reunion. In fact, it’s quite common and perfectly normal, especially if you haven’t been back in a long time. So, rest assured, you’re not alone in feeling this way. And, we can almost guarantee that you’ll leave Geneva after Reunion wondering how you could have been nervous at all!

Here are some common Reunion anxieties (and reasons) for not coming back (along with our best attempts to offer a different perspective):

I’m worried I won’t remember certain names, and I’ll be embarrassed when they remember mine.
Chances are, many of your classmates are just as nervous. We have boldly printed nametags ready for you at registration, so no need to worry.

I may not appear to be as “successful” as some of my classmates.
The most “successful” people (however you define successful) admit that their friends and family are what really matter in their lives. So, as a friend, YOU matter.

I’m worried about my appearance.
Who isn’t?

I have trouble getting around.
We’ll be prepared with a fleet of vans, buses, and golf carts. If you need to get across, up, or down – we’ll get you there! Most buildings are handicap accessible, and for those with special needs, just let us know, and we’ll do everything possible to accommodate you.

I have special dietary needs.
We have a terrific catering staff who understands these needs and is accustomed to preparing special meals. Simply indicate any dietary needs on your registration form.

I have kids, and I’m not sure this will be fun for them.
We’ve got the perfect playground for the entire family. The “Teen Program” includes a variety of activities for 13 to 17 year-olds, and we’ve even arranged for childcare services on Saturday night for children 12 weeks to 12 years old. There’s a parade on Saturday, a “Family Festival,” movies, pizza, icecream on the Quad - a good time is guaranteed for all! For more on bringing your children to Reunion, click HERE.

There’s too much pressure to make a donation to the Colleges. The little amount I’m willing/able to give won’t make a difference.
Our priority is to get you back to campus. Having said that, it's certainly no secret that the Colleges look to their alums to provide funding for scholarship and facilities that will inspire "lives of consequence" for the next generation of HWS graduates. If you are worried that your "smaller" gift won't make a difference, it will. Every classmate who makes a gift of any amount will be counted toward the class goal and will also affect the Colleges' ranking among other institutions. U.S. News and World Report actually looks at alumni participation as an indicator of "customer satisfaction." Amount of giving is not included in these rankings, but participation is. PROSPECTIVE students are also, understandably, interested in the percentage of satisfied graduates (those who attended and then gave back). And smaller gifts do add up. Together with your classmates, your contribution will make an immediate impact, especially in this Reunion year.

Geneva is hard to get to.
Not so much anymore. See the “Transportation” section above.

None of my friends are going.
Tell your friends you’re planning to go, and then they’ll sign up, too. This will help get the network going. People come to Reunion to see people. But people need to commit to attending so that other people will be inspired to do the same. People get ready! There’s a Reunion a comin’!

I don’t want to eat “picnic food” all weekend.
Ask anyone who has attended a recent Reunion – the food is excellent with a wide variety of offerings, including gluten-free and vegetarian dishes. We’ll do everything possible to accommodate any individual dietary needs. Just let us know when filling out your registration form.

It’s too expensive.
As noted earlier, the costs associated with attending Reunion do add up, but those who have attended report that the weekend is a very good value. Having said that, if you are aware of anyone who is unable to return because of the registration fee, please let us know, and we will do our best to make adjustments so that he/she is able to attend this important weekend.

It’s not my Reunion year.
Yes it is! We’d like all alumni and alumnae to consider the first weekend in June as an annual gathering for everyone in every class. The Colleges put on a great party each spring – why not invite everyone to it? Yes, we do “celebrate” milestone Reunion years, and we wouldn’t want you to miss one of those. But we encourage anyone who would like to attend any - and all Reunions in between - to join us each and every June!

I’m waiting for the 55th anniversary of my graduation (or my 60th, 65th, etc.) which isn’t until next year.
With the new 50th PLUS format, most of your classmates are planning to return this year as part of the 50th PLUS Reunion. You’re certainly welcome to return next year, but we want to ensure that the largest number of your classmates and those in surrounding classes come with you. So, rather than wait until your 60th next year, for example, we encourage you to attend in this 50th PLUS year (your actual 59th Reunion). We admit, the 50th PLUS schedule can be a little confusing, which is why we’re here to help. Feel free to call Alumni House toll-free at (877) 497-4438.

As a reminder, this year’s 50th PLUS Reunion Weekend begins on Thursday, May 31 (a day before all other alums are set to arrive) and concludes on Sunday, June 3.

I have a question that wasn’t addressed here.
Call us, and we’ll do our best to answer all of your questions. The Alumni House toll-free number is: (877) 497-4438. Or, e-mail us at alumnihouse@hws.edu.