Alumni Weekend 2014 was a hit, with more than 200 people attending. That number included 15 Alumni Council members who volunteered in one way or another.
This year, Alumni Weekend was moved from Commencement Weekend to June 6-8 this year.
In addition to moving it to June, the weekend included a variety of changes.
“The changes had been percolating for a while, and we observe other colleges have done it this way,” said Alumni Relations Director Dave Linscheid ’75. “We feel the weekend was a success, with many positive comments from those who attended.”
Changes included allowing alumni to stay in Voth Hall Friday and Saturday nights; having the event spread over three days instead of two; honoring the class of 1964, which celebrated its 50th reunion anniversary; giving alumni the chance to serve by painting Mod 3C; having a new way to open the weekend with a Friday night ice cream social; allowing alumni to attend a couple of classes designed just for them, which were taught by professors emeritus John Sheriff and Bob Regier ’52; moving the Alumni Banquet to noon; having an alumni choir; and conducting the Heritage Roll of Honor service during Sunday chapel.
The theme for the weekend was “Back to Bethel!” and various events used that theme, such as “Back to the Inn.”
Alumni Weekend was for all ages but was primarily for the classes of 1939, 1944, 1949, 1954, 1959 and 1964. All other classes marking a reunion milestone will celebrate during Fall Fest on Saturday, Oct. 18. These are the classes of 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999 and 2004.
“Younger classes have been wanting to meet during Fall Fest rather than Alumni Weekend,” Linscheid said. “Having this special weekend on a date other than Commencement Weekend frees up time for more activities, and we wanted to have alumni stay on campus. We also wanted to be able to lift up and honor the 50th reunion class in a special way.”
Linscheid was happy with how many attended.
“We were pleased with the (total attendance) considering seniors, their family members and two reunion classes no longer participated in the weekend,” Linscheid said. “My guess is the numbers were much the same (as in the past), but we have hopes that the new version of Alumni Weekend will catch on, and they’ll increase in the future.”
The Alumni Relations Office would like feedback from alumni who attended and those who did not regarding the Alumni Weekend changes. To give us your feedback, email or call Linscheid at 316-284-5252.