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Why attend a reunion

Posted by Kathy MacFarlane on August 22, 2024 in News

Class reunions hold a special place in the hearts of alumni. They’re an opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, strengthen the bonds formed during those memorable Dal years, and enjoy a nostalgic journey down memory lane. We can reflect on a time when our bold pursuit of uncertain futures was fueled by innocence, all in search of positive outcomes.

Most importantly, reunions give us perspective on who we are today – by meeting up with old friends and former classmates, visiting spots on campus that gave meaning to our student experience, and sitting in a classroom with like-minded people. They are something to celebrate.

Voices from the past

We asked our reunion organizers to tell us why alumni should attend reunions, here is what they said!
 
 Dr. Gary Butler (DDS’74)
"The Class of ’74 was distinguished by the fact that Dean Maclean explained to us the first day that they had increased the first-year admissions to 27 students, assuming that, as in previous years, two students would drop out that year. There were only 25 seats for us in the clinic. What he didn’t know was that that made every one of us determined to not be numbers 26 and 27. The entire class completed all four years, creating a logistical problem going forward, and after 50 years, that’s something we need to celebrate. A reunion is the perfect way, and I encourage everyone to attend."
 
Dr. Richard Holden (DDS’89)
"Life is too short. We spent four years together, working hard and playing hard. Developed relationships to last a lifetime. Our class had a great time together and many of us have enjoyed getting together at least every five years since 1989."

Dr. Ferne Kraglund (DDS’04)
"It’s all about the warm fuzzies! Alumni should attend their reunions because it’s good for the heart and soul. Time moves by too quickly, so it is important to slow down and take a moment to catch up with those who are special to you. It is a great opportunity to reconnect with classmates, faculty, and staff, and to share stories and laughs with the people who were integral to our journey at  such a transformative period in our lives. I love that we can all stay connected virtually these days, but nothing replaces the impact that sharing an in-person experience can have. It’s time to make new memories to add to the bank!" 
 
Peggy Maillet (DDH’74)
"The 50-year reunion (long known as GOLDEN) is a perfect chance for alumni to get together. It is a time of nostalgia to celebrate our well-lived lives, to renew old friendships, and refresh memories of great times spent together. Most of us have now moved into retirement, and it would be great to share this next phase of our lives with our classmates."
 
10 great reasons why you should attend your class reunion:
1. You are grateful you can attend!
2. You can visit your old school, walk the halls, and reminisce.
3. You talk about old times, old friends and old significant others.
4. You get to laugh a lot.
5. You see the university as it is today and feel grateful for your experience.
6. You get to hear all that great music that you loved (at the kitchen party), and you remember what those songs meant to you. (You may even dance!)
7. You can see old friends in a new – wiser – light.
8. Your emotions may surprise you.
9. You can celebrate the memory of those who are no longer here.
10. You realize life is short. Enjoy the moments now.