Pre-Reunion Events and Return to Harvard Day
Ideally every class should hold events in non-reunion years, but in practice this does not always happen. Even if a class is relatively inactive between reunions, it is a good idea to try to schedule some pre-reunion activities during the year prior to the reunion. Suggestions follow:
- A class gathering with beverage and/or food service before or after an athletic event. Football parties are the most popular, but other sports, such as ice hockey for example, should be considered. Upon request, the HAA office can provide information sheets on "What You Need to Know to Plan a Football Party for Your Class."
- A class dinner followed by a theatrical, musical, or museum event at Harvard/Radcliffe or elsewhere in greater Boston. The HAA and RA can recommend locations.
- A class luncheon or dinner with or without a speaker from the class or from Harvard and Radcliffe (faculty or administration).
- A class regional event away from Cambridge to help generate interest in the reunion. Regional events usually work well in major population centers like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, and such events can and should be run by classmates in the area.
Each class will have to decide how much energy exists within its committee structure to organize pre-reunion events. The HAA staff is available to help the classes determine how ambitious a pre-reunion schedule to undertake.
One popular pre-reunion event organized by the HAA is Return to Harvard Day held in mid-April once the spring semester is well under way. Your classmates will be invited to attend classes with the undergraduates, dine with the undergraduates, listen to a panel on "Undergraduate Life Today" conducted by the undergraduates, and end the day with a cocktail party attended by some of the undergraduates and some of the participating faculty. Reunion classes are automatically included in the regional bulk mailing for Return to Harvard Day and you have the option to publicize the program more widely if you wish. Notification of Return to Harvard Day plans are sent to reunion co-chairs in January along with publicity options.
Breaking News About Unique Pre-Reunion Events
Class of 1978 Pre-Reunion Climb of Mount Harvard August 1 through 6 2008
