Virtual Reunion 2021 FAQ

We know, more than ever, it is important for Grinnellians to come together. Although Reunion 2021 will not take place on campus, we are committed to finding opportunities for Grinnellians to gather virtually and support each other and their community. Please watch for more communication from the Office of Development and Alumni Relations regarding the format for a virtual Reunion and the many ways Grinnellians can be engaged with each other.

In the meantime, please access these FAQs for some common questions and answers. If your questions or concerns are not addressed, please feel free to email us at alumni@grinnell.edu.

Table of Contents

What will Reunion look like?
Why did you make this decision now?
Has Reunion 2021 been rescheduled?
When will a schedule of events be available? Can I register now?
Is there a cost to participate in the virtual Reunion events?
Can I attend if it is not my Reunion year?
I have an idea for a virtual event. Who can I tell?
What will happen to the Alumni Award recipients?
Will there be a virtual Alumni College, as well?
What will happen with our Reunion fundraising effort?
I made a multi-year pledge to support my class’s giving goals. What will happen to my pledge?
Does this mean that the College will also be cancelling an in-person Commencement?
Can I come to campus anyway and just look around?

FAQ

What will Reunion look like?

We look forward to kicking off Reunion 2021 on Thursday, June 3 and will conclude on Thursday, June 10. We intend to provide a variety of virtual programming to include class-specific events as well as all-class events. We are currently working with class committees to structure a fun and interactive virtual reunion experience.

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Why did you make this decision now?

Last year, we were cautiously optimistic that we would be able to host an in-person Reunion 2021 by early summer. Our main goal is always to provide an engaging, memorable, and safe experience for our alumni during Reunion. With the current pace of vaccines and the uncertainties surrounding new strains of the coronavirus, we now know that our ability to gather together safely in four months is unlikely.

Further, planning reunion is a year-long endeavor. It takes the commitment of class committees as well as collaboration from campus partners and community vendors to make it happen. With the College continuing a policy of low-population density on campus, there are also significant logistical challenges that make hosting an in-person reunion not feasible this year. Making the decision to host Reunion virtually now allows staff and volunteers the ability to plan a thoughtful and creative virtual celebration.

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Has Reunion 2021 been rescheduled?

Reunion 2021 will be a virtual experience and therefore will not be rescheduled. However, the College is committed to hosting an in-person gathering for the 50th and Golden (post-50th) classes at some time in the future when it is safe to gather. Given the uncertainties with the pandemic and the complexity of pushing more reunions further into the future, we do not know if it will be possible to gather other classes together at this time. The College does not feel comfortable obligating to further gatherings when so much is still unknown. As decisions are made regarding future in-person events, the classes will be informed. We appreciate your patience as we navigate this decision-making.

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When will a schedule of events be available? Can I register now?

We are planning to open registration on Monday, May 3.  You can view a tentative schedule of events now though updates will continue to be made in the coming weeks. 

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Is there a cost to participate in the virtual Reunion events?

Virtual Reunion events and activities will be free.

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Can I attend if it is not my Reunion year?

Of course! Alumni who are not celebrating a reunion may still attend events that are open to all reunion guests. Keep in mind that some events may be open only to members of a certain class.

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I have an idea for a virtual event. Who can I tell?

We would love to hear from you and will be happy to pass on your idea to your class committee. Email Paige Everly, associate director of alumni relations at everlypa@grinnell.edu, to share your idea.

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What will happen to the Alumni Award recipients?

Alumni Award recipients will still receive their Award via a virtual Alumni Assembly event that will be hosted on Thursday, June 3 at 7 p.m. All registrants will be invited to participate! 

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Will there be a virtual Alumni College, as well?

The Office of Development and Alumni Relations has offered a virtual Alumni College series throughout the 2020-21 year. View the list of spring 2021 lectures and access a recording of past lectures here. 

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What will happen with our Reunion fundraising effort?

Reunion class gifts are an important way we continue to celebrate and honor each Reunion. Class Fund Directors and fundraising volunteers will continue their efforts. The gifts classes raise for their Reunion will continue to help meet the ever-changing needs of our community.

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I made a multi-year pledge to support my class’s giving goals. What will happen to my pledge?

Your multi-year pledge will continue to support the Reunion fundraising goals for your class. You will continue the payment schedule you arranged with the College. If you have questions about your gift or pledge, you can contact annualgiving@grinnell.edu or phone our office directly at 866-850-1846.

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Does this mean that the College will also be cancelling an in-person Commencement?

The decision to hold Reunion virtually is separate from the decisions surrounding Commencement. Grinnell College will allow 2021 graduates to invite two guests to our in-person, outdoor Commencement ceremony. Commencement will be held at Rosenbloom Field on Friday, May 28 at 10 a.m. We will not be able to invite faculty, staff, alumni and first- through third-year students to attend this year's commencement unless they have been invited as one of our graduates’ two guests. The ceremony will be available via livestream so that everyone can share in celebrating our graduates' tremendous accomplishments.

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Can I come to campus anyway and just look around?

No. Please do not come to campus at this time. The College is closed to all external visitors and all campus buildings are accessible by P-card only. We encourage all alumni and friends to follow the guidelines outlined by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institute of Health (NIH). We ask that you not put our essential staff and our community members in danger by visiting campus or the Grinnell community.

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