Dear Classmates –
We’re writing to share the results of the reunion survey that so many of you completed. The 98 women who responded offered thoughtful comments and interesting ideas, all of which we really appreciate receiving. Thank you all.
Going forward, we’ll be communicating primarily by email. Of the classmates who’ve given the Alumnae Association permission to use email, 34% responded to the survey, compared to 5% of those using regular mail. Please reach out to any friends you’re in touch with and ask them to give the Association their emails if they have not. We want our reunion planning to be as inclusive as possible.
The proposed theme of Making a Difference: yesterday, today & tomorrow was supported by 88%, with the understanding that the emphasis is on sharing significant life experiences, be they personal, professional or both, that have made a difference in our own lives as well as the lives of others.
Ninety-three percent agreed with the proposed objectives of re-connecting and having fun; maximizing class engagement and participation in the time leading up to the reunion, at the reunion itself and in fundraising; strengthening our class’s connection to the College; and celebrating our life experiences and the ways each of us has made a difference since we graduated.
Many comments urged that the reunion should acknowledge and honor equally the full range of experiences we’ve had and lives we’ve led, rather than focusing solely on high profile professional achievements. Some classmates wrote that they didn’t feel that their lives had been anything remarkable; others, that the bumps (sometimes boulders) in the road had been more challenging than they’d ever imagined. A number of classmates commented on the importance of sharing ideas about the relevance of our lives in the years ahead, not just in the past.
We want this long weekend together to respect and reflect the breadth and depth of our collective lives – Sunshine, Lollipops and Stormy Weather. It’s clear from the survey responses that we have a lot to learn from each other and people are eager to engage in serious conversations as well as simply to reconnect, have fun and dance the night away.
The survey has also provided clear direction on several questions:
- We’ll start the Reunion Weekend on Thursday afternoon/evening;
- We’ll have Saturday dinner in the dorm;
- We’ll have a reunion book, in a form to be determined. Fifty-two classmates offered content suggestions and/or expressed their enjoyment of the 40th reunion book, produced so wonderfully by Betty Goodwin Long.
- Thanks to the 18 women who volunteered to host or help plan mini reunions over the next 3 years or so, as the large majority of survey respondents are interested in attending such events!
- There’s a real desire among classmates to re-connect with old friends and reach out to people who haven’t been to reunions to encourage them to come to the 50th.
In terms of connecting with the Class of 2019, a majority is interested in planning one or two events a year prior to reunion and/or is willing to serve as email friends or mentors. A third would participate in class activities and/or offered holiday housing, which could be extremely helpful considering the large number of foreign students attending MHC today.
Half of the survey respondents agreed that we should work with the College and students over the next several years on the transition from college to career. Respondents supported the variety of ideas to do so, including offering internships, offering housing during internships and speaking on campus.
As far as the Reunion Weekend itself goes, a majority wants to do everything suggested, listed below in order of interest:
- Share ideas about making a difference in the future;
- Talk about progress since 1969 on social issues like women’s, civil and human rights; global peace and environmental protection;
- Have conversations on life/career experiences that have made a difference;
- Share their own or enjoy classmates’ musical and artistic gifts;
- Recognize classmates who’ve broken barriers and/or made significant contributions in various fields and/or causes; and
- Include athletic activities in our plans.
Happily, 15 individuals are willing to lead an activity between now and the reunion itself, while another 15 women volunteered to lead something during the weekend.
Equally helpful, from our point of view, 23 classmates said they would serve on the reunion committee. We are in the midst of constituting that committee now. Each member of the committee will have a leadership responsibility for activities before or during the reunion and they will certainly be looking for help. We’re pretty confident that even if you didn’t volunteer to help on the survey,many of you will be contacted by a committee member to pitch in. Just Say YES!
Several classmates indicated they would serve on the Leadership Gifts Committee, which Marcia Lepri Coleman and Julie Van Camp are heading. They and we thank you.
So now you know almost everything that we do about our 50th reunion and the potential for connections with each other, with the Class of 2019 and with the College! The Mt. Holyoke of today is physically as beautiful or more so than it was when we arrived 50 years ago. Its curriculum has changed in dramatic and exciting ways, and its student body is much, much more diverse.
We’re looking forward to getting the reunion committee set up, and to helping classmates connect with old friends and make new ones, which happens at every reunion and will, we’re sure, also happen at mini reunions.
We’ll keep you posted! Please contact one or both of us with any comments or suggestions. The Class Facebook page at facebook.com/groups/156670301051275/ is a great place to share ideas andinformation, so please join that group.
Be well ––
Sally Gisel Green Ginna Holmes Moore Reunion Co-chairs