Quick Links
- How the Program Project Group Works
- Plan One Meaningful Program
- Program Ideas and Inspiration
- Bringing an Alumni Band to Reunion
- Planning Details & Key Dates
- Program Request Form
How the Program Project Group Works
The Program Project Group is responsible for planning the class/cluster program that was selected by the full Reunion Planning Committee during the Reunion Planning Workshop.
Your group may:
- Develop a program idea and title
- Recruit speakers, panelists, performers, or facilitators
- Identify space, technology, and supply needs
- Submit the Program Request Form by March 1
- Help facilitate the program during Reunion
Program Leads
One or two committees may volunteer to serve as Program Leads.
Being a lead is simple and meaningful - you are the glue that keeps your group connected and productive.
Leads plan an important role not only in the success of the Reunion program itself, but also in ensuring that all committee members have opportunities to contribute throughout the planning process.
What Leads Do
Call Meetings as Needed
Leads help keep planning moving by bringing the group together between full committee meetings.
- Schedule project group meetings as needed
- Share updates during full committee meetings
- Help ensure all members have opportunities to participate
- Keep conversations moving toward decisions and deadlines
Support Accessibility and Participation
Interim project group meetings are especially important for members who cannot attend the four full committee meetings.
Because they are smaller, project groups are easier to schedule and provide an important opportunity to participate. The project group conversations often become one of the most rewarding parts of the Reunion planning experience.
Let the Work Guide the Meeting Schedule
Every program is different. Some programs require several planning conversations. Others come together quickly.
The group should decide together how often to meet based on:
- The complexity of the program and the amount of planning required
- Volunteer availability
- Whether decisions can be handled by email or would benefit from discussion
There is no "right" number of meetings. The goal is the natural fit that supports both the work and the people doing it.
Plan One Meaningful Program
One of the most important things to remember is that the Program Project Group is responsible for planning one Reunion program - not an entire schedule for the class/cluster.
The College already offers a wide range of Reunion experiences, including lectures, performances, affinity gatherings, social events, wellness opportunities, and All-Reunion activities. Be sure to explore the Activities at Reunion page for examples.
Your goal is to create one meaningful experience that reflects your class or cluster and complements the larger Reunion weekend.
As you brainstorm, ask:
- What would be meaningful to our classmates?
- What experiences or interests are represented in our class or cluster?
- Does this encourage connection and participation?
- Is it realistic for volunteers to organize?
A successful program does not need to be elaborate. In fact, one of the greatest gifts a planning committee can give classmates is time:
- Time to reconnect with old friends
- Time to meet new people
- Time to attend other Reunion activities
- Time to enjoy campus
- Time to simply be present
The best Reunion programs create a memorable experience while still leaving room for the spontaneous conversations and connections that make Reunion special.
Program Ideas & Inspiration
Looking for ideas? Here are formats that have worked especially well in recent years.
Thought & Discussion Programs
Faculty Lecture or Panel Discussion
A conversation on a topic of current relevance featuring faculty, staff, alums, or a combination of perspectives.
Moth-Style Storytelling
Short, personal stories around a shared theme such as:
- Tell Me You're a Grinnellian
- A Grinnell Moment
- Unexpected Grinnell Tales
This has been successful whether highly organized or relatively informal.
TED-Style Alumni Talks
A series of short presentations connected by a common theme and featuring a variety of alumni experiences.
Alumni Award Recipient Spotlight
Invite award recipients from your class or cluster to share reflections on their work and Grinnell connections.
Experiential Programs
Wellness
Past examples include:
- A combination of yoga, meditation, and story-sharing
- Laughter yoga
- The "Slacker Loop" (the relaxed 5k)
Casual Reconnection Gatherings
Simple gatherings at the tent, a favorite campus location, or over refreshments.
Mac Field Activities
Saturday afternoon's All-Reunion Mac Chill Time has been a great opportunity for:
- Reverse tie-dye
- Line dancing
- A "Grinnell College Grown-Up Camp" with crafts and yard games
- A vist from the therapy dogs who work with SHAW (Student Health and Wellness)
Bringing an Alumni Band to Reunion
An alumni band can create a memorable Reunion experience, and it's important to keep in mind that this requires substantial planning and logistical and financial support. A band performance can be selected as the class or cluster's Reunion program.
College Support
The College can provide:
- On-campus housing beginning Thursday evening for band members, to allow for early rehearsal time
- Rehearsal space
- Sound support for the performance
Information Needed from the Band
Please gather and submit:
- Sound requirements for the performance
- Rehearsal time requests
- Instrument storage needs
- Accessibility or logistical considerations
This information must be submitted by March 1. Additional sound requests cannot be accommodated after that date.
Important Notes
- Instruments cannot be provided.
- Technical support is provided for the performance only.
- Rehearsal spaces do not include sound equipment, unless the rehearsal space is also the performance space.
- Band members are responsible for moving their own equipment and instruments.
Potential venues include Central Campus Commencement Stage, Gardner Lounge, Loose Hall Lounge, the Golf Course Club House, and, with special coordination, Sebring-Lewis Concert Hall. The Forum Steps are limited to acoustic performances, and Harris Concert Hall is unavailable during Reunion.
Planning Details & Key Dates
Planning Checklist
As plans take shape:
- Confirm a program coordinator (the go-to person on-site during Reunion)
- Draft a program title and description
- Confirm speakers, performers, or facilitators
- Collect presenter biographies
- Identify room, technology, accessibility, and supply needs
- Communicate plans with your staff liason
Scheduling and Venues
Because Reunion includes many events across multiple classes and clusters, Alumni and Donor Relations staff coordinate the overall schedule.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Saturday afternoon generally has the fewest scheduling conflicts
- Not every space is appropriate for every type of program
- Flexibility helps create the strongest overall Reunion schedule
Program Budget
- Cluster: $250 per class year
- Milestone Class: $500
Please consult your staff liaison before making financial commitments.
Key Dates
January 1
Deadline to include the program in registration (usually not necessary)
February 1
Reunion registration opens.
March 1
Program Request Form due.
April 1
Final logistics and technology arrangements are confirmed. Significant changes are not possible after this point.
Program Request Form
Ready to get started?