The moon sits over Gates Tower with the loggia illuminated. A tent sits in the foreground on Mac Field.

Reunion Planning Resources

Thank you for volunteering to plan your next Grinnell reunion! The Office of Development and Alumni Relations, the College, and the Alumni Council are grateful for your dedication of time and energy to this task.  

Every year, Reunion committees work to create class and cluster-specific outreach, programs, and fundraising plans designed to encourage classmates to connect during the reunion year, to return to campus, and to raise an increased class gift in honor of this special milestone.  

For over 140 years, Grinnellians from around the world have gathered on campus each summer for this beloved annual tradition. We look forward to joining you in creating a reunion that strengthens your classmates’ ties to Grinnell and to each other, reawakens that part of you and your classmates that remains forever connected to our campus, and helps assure the future of the College.  

White text on maroon background. Text: Committee Overview
White text on maroon background. Text: Planning Timeline
White text on maroon background. Text: Sample Schedule
White text on maroon background. Text: General Information

Reunion Planning Committee Overview  

Welcome! Every year Reunion Planning Committees work behind the scenes with Development and Alumni Relations staff members to create Reunion moments, events and legacies that will speak to their class and to their Reunion. Thank you for being one of those special volunteers.

As you start your Reunion committee experience, here are some resources that can support your experience: 

Watch our Reunion Planning Committee orientation which covers many of the basic “need to know” areas for your volunteer work. This orientation was recorded in 2023 and is accurate for 2024.

Review and sign the confidentiality agreement to support your partnership with the College in treating your classmates’ contact information with sensitivity and discretion.  

Review and sign the Code of Leadership, a statement of community expectations our Alumni Council launched in 2019 to support our shared work together.  

Reunion Planning Timeline

August and September  
Volunteer orientation calls
Class and Cluster Reunion Planning

August 31 
Alumni Awards Nomination Deadline 

September – October 
Class engagement communication #1 (class letter, email, social media)  
Peer-to-peer outreach, round one (complete by Halloween)  
Class Fund Director Appeal #1 (announce Reunion giving effort) 
Develop program and social plan  

November – December
Fundraising peer-to-peer solicitation outreach
End of Calendar Year Appeal Letter 
Develop program and social plan 

November 29  
Giving Tuesday and End of Year Challenge/Match

January  
Class engagement communication #2 (class letter, email, social media) 

February 1  
Reunion registration opens - email to all Reunion classes  

February – March  
Peer-to-peer outreach, round two (complete by April 1) 
Preliminary schedule posted on the website  
Reunion invitation and newsletter sent  
Beginning of calendar year appeal (specific class messaging around Reunion)  

March 1  
Class/cluster program form due, class/cluster lounge and social form due  

April 1  
Final deadline for all program additions/changes – this is the last day to have changes included in the printed Reunion program 
Class engagement communication #3 (e.g. class letter, email, social media posts)  
Spring CFD appeal due  

April 10-11
Scarlet and Give Back Days – annual giving participation challenges focused on class priorities  

May 15  
Reunion registration deadline; late fee of $50 assessed after this date 
Final deadline for shuttle registration 

May 30-June 2 
Reunion weekend!  

June (post-Reunion)  
Class engagement communication #4 (e.g. class letter, email, social media)
Email reminders to those who have not given as a last chance to do so before the fiscal year ends on June 30  

Reunion Sub-committees 

Please use the buttons below to find resources for the different sub-committees for Reunion volunteers.

White text on maroon background. Text: Programs CommitteeWhite text over maroon background. Text: Social Committee

White text over maroon background. Text: Fundraising CommitteeWhite text over maroon background. Text: Outreach Committee

Sample Reunion Schedule  

The Reunion 2024 schedule is available to review for more insight into what is possible! 

Thursday, May 30

  • 8 a.m.:  Registration opens. Campus residence halls open for on-campus accommodations.
  • Afternoon:  Tours and Alumni College-style Lectures
  • Evening: Class and cluster welcome events  

Friday, May 31

  • All Day:  Affinity and Identity Group Receptions, tours, lectures, open houses, and more
  • Morning: Golf Scramble followed by Pioneer Athletics Luncheon
  • Mid-Day:  Milestone class brunch/lunch (if desired – 10th, 25th, 50th
  • Late Afternoon:  President's Reception
  • Evening:  All-Reunion Block Party, Golden Reunion Class Dinners (if desired) 

Saturday, June 1

  • All Day:  Class programs and Class photos 
  • Afternoon:  Alumni Assembly 
  • Evening:  All-Reunion Barbeque Dinner and All-Reunion Dance  

Sunday, June 2

  • 9 a.m.: Interdenominational worship service
  • 1:30 p.m.: Registration and residence halls close   

Reunion General Information  

Review the FAQ for answers to most of your Reunion questions including cost, activities, travel, on campus housing, meals and more. If you have suggestions for questions we could add, we’d love to hear from you!  

Other helpful links

Alumni Awards  

The Alumni Award recognizes individuals who embody Grinnell College’s mission of lifetime learning and service. Recipients distinguished themselves by their service to their careers, their community, and/or the College. 

  • Nominations are due August 31. Read more about the nomination process and complete a nomination form on the Alumni Awards informational page.
  • Up to 15 alumni may receive the award at Reunion. 
  • Those who are currently serving on Alumni Council or as a Trustee are not eligible to receive an award. 
  • Alumni who have served on the Council within the last three years are not eligible to receive an Alumni Award. Exceptions to this rule are granted to those who are celebrating their 40th reunion or above.  
  • An Alumni Award can only be received by an individual once in their lifetime. 
  • Awards are presented to the recipients during Alumni Assembly on Saturday afternoon at Reunion.