Alumni volunteers worked with Elon to coordinate fundraising efforts and host special virtual events during Homecoming & Reunion Week 2020
Although Homecoming & Reunion Week 2020 ended up looking significantly different after in-person celebrations were postponed, reunion volunteers found creative ways to transition traditionally on-campus events to online celebrations. More than 1,100 alumni from Denmark to San Francisco to Chicago logged on from the comfort of their homes to participate in this year’s virtual festivities.
With more than 100 virtual events ranging from campus tours and thought-provoking discourse to happy hour trivia and milestone class and affinity reunion gatherings, participants had a plethora of opportunities to engage with leading faculty and reconnect with fellow alumni.
Festivities began for the weeklong celebration on Monday, Oct. 12, with a virtual tour of The Inn at Elon, a new boutique hotel on campus. The tour highlighted the beautiful event spaces, hotel suites and The Mark restaurant. Guests who stay at the inn enjoy a stay with purpose, as proceeds support Elon student scholarships.
Throughout the week, alumni participated in daily social media challenges such as “Tag your roommate Tuesday” and “Future Phoenix Friday” to help conjure up nostalgia and invoke school pride. Alumni posted and tagged their way across Instagram, Facebook and Twitter reminiscing on the simpler times and anticipating a day in the hopefully not-too-distant future where they could once again walk the brick pathways shoulder to shoulder.
The Class of 1970 celebrated their 50th reunion in a way they never could have imagined as they crossed the Commencement stage 50 years ago. Nevertheless, they embraced new technologies that ensured they could safely reconnect for this milestone event. To commemorate their reunion, the class was joined by President Connie Ledoux Book on Friday, Oct. 24, and plans are in motion to celebrate in person with the Class of 1971 when safe to do so.
Nina Martin McConnell ‘70, co-chair for the 50th reunion, was proud of the continued learning opportunity. “You never stop learning from your Elon experience. I would have never imagined that we would have the technology to have a ‘virtual’ anything, much less Homecoming. So, the Elon family coached us through a new learning opportunity, and I think did an outstanding job,” she said. “Elon still educates … their mission continues, even with alumni!”
Overall, more than 500 alumni attended a milestone reunion event. These events could not take place without reunion volunteers. They play a crucial role in the reunion planning process by providing feedback on event planning, taking time to invite their class or affinity groups to connect, and asking fellow alumni to donate toward their reunion giving effort. In total, they helped raised an impressive $340,490 for various funds at Elon in honor of their milestone class reunions. These gifts also count toward the ongoing Elon LEADS Campaign.
Information will be shared about Homecoming & Reunion Weekend 2021 as soon as it is available. Please contact reunions@elon.edu with questions or if you would like to volunteer for reunions in 2021.