Reunion Project Group - Social
The social project group plans any decorations and additional needed supplies that are desired for the tent and lounge, organizes the class/cluster Thursday evening welcome event, creates a shopping and other requested supplies list (due March 1), and stewards tent and lounge supplies during the weekend.
Each class or cluster is given access to a designated lounge and a tent near their dorm(s) to use as their on-campus headquarters for Reunion. The lounge and the tent will be used throughout the weekend, and it is the social group's ideal to make sure they are welcoming spaces for connection and camaraderie, and that classmates know what is available for them.
This planning group is the architect of the atmosphere, and is responsible for procuring decorations and decorating the lounge and/or tent. The College equips the tents with tables, chairs, and lights. However, there will not be enough seating for the entire class/cluster at one time, so we encourage people to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Tablecloths can be requested through the college if desired.
One or two Reunion Planning Committees may volunteer to be Social Leads. These volunteers decide on the frequency and general timing of the virtual social meetings, approve the meeting agenda, and help DAR staff to lead the meetings. DAR staff will take care of polling the group to select the meeting time, set up the zoom links, draft a suggested agenda, and be present at the meeting to provide information. At the full Reunion Planning Committee meetings which are in September, November, February, and April, Social Leads share any updates on the group's plans with the rest of the Reunion Planning Committee. Typically one of the Social Leads submits the shopping and supplies list, though this can be done by any member of the social project group.
In addition to the support of DAR professional staff and the wonderful Reunion Student Staff (RSS), your class or cluster will have a designated RSS ambassador who is dedicated to supporting your specific Reunion projects.
Reunion Evening Gatherings
There are 3 glorious evenings of Reunion, Thursday, Friday, and Satuday. While each has its own all-Reunion scheduling, there is plenty of room for the social project group to make a tremendous impact on the class/cluster experience.
Thursday evening: The Welcome Event
The social group plans the 8 to 10 p.m. welcome event for their class/cluster. This event marks the first time of the weekend that the class/cluster will be together in one location, and is held at the class/cluster tent.
The College will provide the following:
- Beer, wine, water, another non-alcoholic beverage (like sparkling water and soda), and light snacks.
- Bartenders to serve drinks
- A basic PA system with a microphone and auxiliary cords that can accommodate a phone or laptop will be provided; one per class/cluster. Additional AV needs need to be requested by the social group.
The social project group decides if there will be entertainment at the Thursday evening Welcome Event and plans for any desired entertainment. This can be as simple as putting together a playlist, to assembling a slideshow, to planning a group activity.
Friday evening: Reunion Block Party
Reunion Block Party, planned by the College, is an all-Reunion event full of all sorts of festivities. Depending on other events that may be programmed in the evening after Block Party, the social group may consider planning anything from a drop-in gathering to a BYOB party.
Saturday evening: All-Reunion Dance
The social project group can take it easy on the last night of Reunion, Saturday night, as the College hosts an All-Reunion Harris Party. However, the group may decide that prepping an additional get-together at the class/cluster tent is also in order.
Reunion 2025 Class Dorm and Lounge Assignments
Dorm plans will be made as registrations come in. Our goal is to house all class and cluster attendees in the same dorm and adjoining dorms, and that is best planned when we have a good estimate of attendance. This will likely be announced in March, but even then is subject to change! The one exception is the 50th Reunion Class, whose home dorm is Rathje Hall on East Campus.
Class/Cluster Lounge
The College will equip all lounge kitchens with the following supplies:
- Ice (available until 11pm nightly)
- 1 large cooler
- A coffeepot, ground coffee from Grinnell's own Saint's Rest, creamers, sugar, and coffee cups
- Kitchen supplies:
- 200 disposable cups
- 1 can opener
- 1 corkscrew
- 1 cutting board
- Serving bowls of various sizes
- A variety of serving utensils
- Napkins
- Small disposable plates
- 2 paring knives
- 2 rolls of paper towels
- Dish soap and a sponge
- A few garbage bags
- 2 pairs of plastic gloves
- 1 container of disinfectant wipes
- Office Supplies:
- Scissors
- 1 roll painters’ tape (safe for walls)
- 2 rolls scotch tape
- 1 roll masking tape
- 1 glue stick
- 2 sharpie markers
- A few white board markers
- Extra trash and recycling bins
Deadlines
- All social requests must be submitted by March 1. After this date, we may not be able to procure needed items or additional AV; please help us bring your vision to life!
- By May 1, staff will confirm all aspects of your class social plans with your reunion planning committee.
Complete Your Social Events Request Form