Find Out More about Combined Alumni Reunion Celebration and Homecoming

As noted in the Winthrop Magazine and the Winthrop Update, Alumni Reunion Celebration is moving to coincide with Homecoming. The Office of Alumni Relations and the Winthrop Alumni Association Executive Board are excited about all the opportunities for student and alumni interaction that will occur during this blockbuster weekend in November. Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions about this year's event.

Q: Why are the two events being combined?
A: There were several reasons for combining the events. 1) Each year, the Alumni Awards Ceremony has been held during Alumni Reunion Celebration. Even though this ceremony honors award members from various class years and both male and female alumni, only those alumni who were celebrating class reunions from Winthrop’s pre co-ed era were being invited to the ceremony; 2) In a time of severe state budget cuts, there is an increased need to be good stewards of the resources of the alumni association. Since the Alumni Reunion Celebration targeted alumni who graduated prior to 1980, attendance for the event has decreased as we approach reunion celebrations for the decade of the 1970’s, while costs associated with the event have increased; 3) A combined event provides an opportunity for all alumni to be on campus at a time when students are also celebrating a major signature event; 4) Combining events this year provides an opportunity to invite all alumni to campus as part of Winthrop’s 125th year celebration.

Q: Will I still be considered a “Golden Girl” if I am a female celebrating my 50th class reunion?
A: Yes. The 50th class will still be honored in the traditional way with a special dinner on Friday evening of Reunion/Homecoming weekend, special seating and a fanfare entrance during the Awards Ceremony, and by receiving the traditional 50th reunion charm.

Q: Hasn’t the Alumni Reunion Celebration always been in the Spring?
A: No. Throughout Winthrop’s history, it has been held in April, May, June and September.

Q: With more activities as part of this combined event, will there be a greater cost to me?
A:No. Our hope is that we will reduce the cost of the event by bringing the entire alumni association together for one signature event.

Q: What is the weather like on campus in November? Won’t it be drastically different than in the spring?
A: While we can’t predict the weather, the November weekend that we have Homecoming has had an average high temperature of 66 degrees, and fortunately, been free of rain, sleet or snow since the year 2000.

Q: What should I really expect?
A:The weekend will feature campus tours, the Alumni Awards ceremony, family activities, sporting events, concerts, and an opportunity for students, alumni, faculty and staff to show our love for Winthrop.

Q: When is the event and what does it cost?
A: November 11 & 12, 2011. There are many events surrounding Homecoming & Alumni Reunion Celebration and costs will vary depending on what activities you choose. Information and registration materials will be sent to you via postal mail.

Posted 02/23/2011