Autumn Advice

Return to main article:

Tap into the spirit of the class by involving classmates during, before, and after the reunion in planning or brainstorming about ideas for new events and activities. “Get people involved early, even while they are at the current reunion, while they are saying that everything is great,” says Eva Kampits ’68. And follow up after the reunion to solicit feedback while experiences are still fresh.

  • Don’t be afraid to copy great ideas from other classes.
  • Find a unifying event that will draw people to Cambridge, starting on Thursday or at least Friday night, says Anne Holtzworth ’84. “You want people coming in for the whole long weekend, not just showing up on Saturday morning.”
  • Centralize the planning and plan in consistent, incremental ways during the prior 18 months. Having an “on-site reunion committee able to meet frequently with the HAA is essential,” says Kampits. “The HAA staff is key to making reunion activities work—or not.”
  • Find opportunities to meet with students, or attend student events focused on the arts, sports, or academics, enabling alumni to connect with life on campus life and see firsthand all the changes at Harvard.
  • Be flexible and inclusive. Solicit volunteers and be prepared to hear ideas. “Over 70 classmates participated in the reunion committees,” reports Kampits, including fundraising, attendance, and programming. “And, for good or for ill, the ideas kept coming into September!”

Click here for the May-June 2014 issue table of contents

You might also like

Reconstructing the Berlin Wall

David Leo Rice explores the strange, unseen forces shaping our world.

Making Money Funny

Matt Levine’s spunky Bloomberg column

Most popular

In Federal Court, Harvard and the Government Have Friends

A look at the amicus curiae briefs in Harvard’s funding case

Harvard President Responds to Secretary of Education

Alan Garber outlines steps the University has taken, and emphasizes compliance with the law.

Reviewing "Reality"

The scene, at least the one framed by the family-room proscenium of the television screen, remains indelible. President George W. Bush emerged...

Explore More From Current Issue

Will the U.S. Dollar Always Be So Powerful?

The preeminence of U.S. currency at risk

New Harvard Overseers and HAA Directors

Alumni showed increased interest in this year’s elections.

Harvard’s Comedy and Improv Scene

In comedy groups, students find ways to be absurd, present, and a little less self-conscious.