Scratching your head at the subject line? Won’t reunion attendance be down in 2009 as people can’t afford to travel? and as schools think about cutting back on reunion expenses? and as the economy continues to decline?
It is exactly in such times, that reunions matter most.
People need to commiserate, network, and share ideas on how to recover. The bonds and friendships formed during tough times are sustaining. More than ever, colleges and universities can lead in this process, increasing their engagement with their alumnae/i.
...if they aren’t too timid. The easy path is to hunker down, reduce expenses, and follow along with many other schools. Yes, some cutbacks are necessary. However, cutting the reunion budget is shortsighted.
The multi-million dollar school endowments were built by the alumnae/i. Now is the time the alumnae/i need the most help from the school. ...and investing in those alumnae/i in the downturn will be remembered and rewarded when the economy recovers.
Compare two approaches…
Dear Anywhere College Alumnae/i,
In light of the recent economic downturn and losses to our endowment, we are cutting this year’s reunion budget by 25% so it will only be one day and there will be cafeteria cheese pizza instead of the usual gourmet food. Please print your own reunion badges before you arrive and BYOB. We hope you’ll still contribute generously in the future.
Dear Anywhere College Alumnae/i,
We know times are tough for you in light of the recent economic downturn and we’d like to help. Our school was built on your generosity in the past and we’d like to help you to network and share ideas on how to recover. Our faculty speakers will be discussing the economy, new markets, and the latest trends. Our students will be presenting and coaching you on the latest Internet networking technologies. Our career counseling office is eager to help. We’ve increased our reunion budget by 25% and are hoping for the biggest reunion gathering in recent history.
Which school will do better in the long-term? Your thoughts?
...and how can schools help their alumnae/i in non-reunion classes?
—Erik Sebesta www.YouHaveNotChangedOneBit.com
p.s. Best wishes for a happy and healthy new year. May 2009 be much better than 2008.
