Skip to main content

Record Turnout

Reunions 2009 sets high-water marks

Reunions 2009 Luca DiCecco

Though the weekend got off to a soggy start, Reunions 2009 blossomed into a record-breaking event when 4,800 people returned to Grounds for seminars, sightseeing and socializing.

The turnout in June eclipsed the previous year’s attendance by about 25 percent and was double the number of 2005. Members of two classes—1989 and 1979—exceeded the 18 percent participation mark, unprecedented in Reunions Weekend history.

“The No. 1 reason people came back in record numbers was due to the hardworking reunion committee members and the overall increase in volunteers,” says Jason Life (Col ’94, Educ ’96), director of Reunions. “Also, despite the tough economic times, people want to get together with friends and acquaintances in an appealing, familiar setting that allows them to socialize, network and relax.”

Along with the usual class dinners and dances, the weekend’s activities ranged from lectures in the Rotunda to a festival featuring Charlottesville-area wineries, with plenty of games and adventures for youngsters adding spice to the mix.

Reunions Weekend 2010, for classes 1960-2005 ending in “5” or “0,” is scheduled for June 4-6.