MEETING MINUTES
Reunion 2013 Planning Meeting
Saturday, December 1, 2012
www.oswego.edu/reunion
Present:
Jennifer Boalt ’78
Lou Borrelli ’77
Leslie Bull ’77
Marcia Brown ’63 *
JoAnne Capucilli ’70
Erin Dinneen ’71 *
Karen Eggleston ’68
Diane Fernaays ’77
Brenda Frank ’83
Barbara Friends ’53
James Goodall ’69
Patty Heidelmark ‘78
Jack James ‘62
Christine Johnson ’73
Mary Keefe ’67
Nancy Eick Labbe ’71
Tracy Nadler ’69
Pat Nulty ’76
Myron Phillips ’57
Jennifer Potter ’05
Bill Price ‘70
Kenvyn Richards ‘53
Leona Scott ’69 *
Staff Present:
Michael Sgro
Betsy Oberst
Michelle Tackett-Spinner ’98 *
Joy Knopp ‘92
Laura Pavlus ‘09
LeAnne St. Gelais ‘07
Megan Andolina
Melissa Manwaring ‘01
* by phone. If we missed anyone who was on the phone, please let us know.
OPENING REMARKS
Michael Sgro welcomed and thanked everyone for attending. There was a round of
introductions by all the committee members present and by phone. Michael reminded the
group that he would be hosting a Facebook walk-through after the meeting.
AGENDA ITEM (I): REUNION UPDATE FROM LAST MEETING
Discussion began with updates since the last meeting. Michael began by mentioning that we
are in need of a band for the Saturday night Alumni dinner. The Billionaires who we have
booked in the past are not available. The budget is around $1000 and bands with at least 4-5
pieces are preferred. The ideal band would be lively, energetic and get the crowd up and
dancing. Joanne mentioned she knows of a band from Rochester, “Brass T” that might be good.
Please send all ideas to Michael.
Betsy Oberst asked about the student group, Vocal Effects, and if they should return. The
committee feedback was positive and it was agreed the group is fun and should return this
year.
Michael mentioned working with alum Randy Nagle ’83 who is interested in getting his band to
perform for the 2014 reunion and interested in performing on a smaller scale this year. Betsy
suggested they might be able to play a few songs at the Greek Social in 2013.
Michael reported that the office is in the process of booking space (both on campus and off
campus) so to be sure to work with your staff liaisons on any space needed.
Michael let the group know that The Elks Club is booked this year for the Greek Social and it
was suggested that it might be a good idea to book 2014’s date in advance as well.
Mary Keefe mentioned that her group was able to reserve a block of rooms at the Best Western
until around May. Michael mentioned information about accommodations was sent in the last
mailer and all alumni are encouraged to book space sooner rather than later. Betsy assured
everyone that we have never had to turn people away from on-campus housing, there is plenty
of space.
Michael and Betsy confirmed that all alumni can include their on-campus roommate
preferences on their registration and the office does work hard to book class years and group
together.
AGENDA ITEM (II): REVIEW/BRAINSTORM ACTIVITY IDEAS/SUGGESTIONS
Ideas:
 Harbor/Canal Cruise, Yacht Club tours
o Mary Keefer said there is a company out of Baldwinsville
o Jack James suggested talked to Claire Wyngaard who works for BOATS US
o Mary Keefer & Melissa Manwaring mentioned looking in to the Emeriti
Association boat tours during Harborfest (Mary said Hank could get more
information)
 Small group Charter Fishing
o Joanne has a cousin, Tony, who does fishing tours and get cost information


Race track events
Farmers Market
DRAFT #1 OF ACTIVITY PLANNER: THURSDAY
It was pointed out that June 6 is the Anniversary of D-Day. Michael will look in to any
community events/ceremonies that may be occurring.
DRAFT #1 OF ACTIVITY PLANNER: FRIDAY
It was mentioned tours should be added on Friday and Saturday and highlight the
new/renovated spots on campus. Michael will investigate what will be available.
Betsy asked the committee and it was agreed that the Golf Outing should be added. Melissa
mentioned it was canceled last year due to many participating in a Greek Golf Outing at the
Country Club. Melissa also said Battle Island does a great job at providing reverse shotgun starts
so that everyone can finish around the same time and be back for the 1:00pm activities.
Noon – ASA would like to have an informal gathering off-campus.
Noon – Pi Delta Chi would like to have an informal lunch at Water Street Café (reserved)
1 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Theta would like to have a gathering at Rudy’s
TBD – The 35th Cluster would like to plan a gathering, location TBD (Betsy will follow up)
TBD – DKK would like to have a gathering at their house
2 p.m. – 5p.m. - Phi Sig and Psi Phi would like to be added to the Beta’s informal gathering at
Old City.
4 p.m. – 6 p.m. – ASA would like to have a gathering near lakeside before getting on the bus to
head to the BBQ
3 – 5 p.m. – Phi Lamb and Arethusa would like to have a gathering, location TBD
9 p.m. – ASA would like to host a fundraiser in honor of their 90th, possibly behind Steamers
(similar concept to DKK two years ago).
10 p.m. – Phi Lamb would like to have a gathering off-campus.
Betsy shared that all fundraising connected to Reunion should have one of the beneficiaries be
the College, since that is the mission of the committee. Other campus partners have been the
United Way and the YMCA. Veteran organizations such as Wounded Warriors were mentioned
as a cause that would tie in to honoring the D-Day Anniversary.
Betsy encouraged all groups to think about if they would like to have an informal Friday evening
event. Michael reminded the group that the BBQ is the featured event that night and timing
would need to be worked on for all events occurring afterwards.
DRAFT #1 OF ACTIVITY PLANNER: SATURDAY
The committee agreed that the 5K Walk/Run should be on the schedule again. While there was
lower alumni involvement last year, the community involvement was good. It is also a certified
course now, which is attractive to runners. Last year was $20 for registration and a t-shirt.
Michael mentioned that the earliest lunch is scheduled at 12:30 p.m., after the Conversation
with the President. Betsy said that typically about 75 people attend. The committee thought
Riggs was a good location for that activity.
By default, groups attend the picnic lunch, unless they have other plans.
The GAS luncheon is wonderful, as Jack James stated, it is a “Do not miss!”
Last year the picnic tables were close together due to the weather. Betsy said there are rules
about the space that can be used and where you can and cannot stake which affected the tents
and table locations. Using the indoor area between Johnson and Riggs was mentioned but then
it would need to be decided what groups would be inside vs. outside.
12:30 p.m. – DKK Lunch at Steamers
3 – 4 p.m. – The Class of ’53 Tea at King Hall
3:30 p.m. – Class of ’73 Kickball Game
 Others can join
 Looking at getting Athletic coaches involved as well
4:30 p.m. – Theta Cocktail Gathering, Hearth Lounge
TBD – Phi Lamb would like to have a pre-dinner activity & meeting at their house
There was interest in other sports events for pick-up games as well, such as Basketball or
Volleyball. Michael will look in to Romney as a place for pick-up games throughout the
weekend.
Last year’s pre-dinner reception in the food court was scarcely attended. If groups would like to
do any activities work with your staff liaison.
DRAFT #1 OF ACTIVITY PLANNER: SUNDAY
There is brief set of activities on the schedule. People want to eat, say their goodbyes and get
on the road.
THEMES




Idea of “Come See What’s New” – a lot of new life on the campus
Green, Ever Green, Forever Green, Sustainability
Train Theme – setting up “stations” through the weekend – “All Aboard for a Good
Time”
Other suggestions: “Sharing the Pride”, Lucky 20 “13” Weekend, Back to the Future,
Casino
Betsy mentioned we will also discuss ideas with the communication and graphic designer team.
Jack James stressed the importance of the theme and marketing being FUN!
AGENDA ITEM (III): DISCUSSION IDEAS FOR CLASS/GROUP LETTERS
Michael reminded the group we are aiming to get letters out in January/February and to be
mindful that we work on all of the letters for many groups so the earlier ideas are sent to us the
better.
25 pre-metered holiday cards will be sent out with the minutes.
The use of photos from when special groups were on campus was an idea discussed. Examples
were the Class of ’53 being a part of the construction of Hart Hall and Marsha mentioned
recalling the library books being moved by hand (in Dewey Decimal order) in to Penfield Library,
Batman mentioned the “Campus School”. All are great examples of images that would resound
well with particular groups/class years. Let us know any specific requests for photos and we can
look and see what we have. Michael will also send out the link to the Oswegonian, which is all
online.
Be sure to work with your staff liaison and reach out to your classmates for help as well.
AGENDA ITEM (IV): REUNION GIVING UPDATE – MEGAN ANDOLINA
The goal is $250,000 and we are 14% of the way there, at just over $35,000. Joy mentioned that
the goal set varies each year by the number special classes being celebrated at Reunion.
The Telefund Callers last night is 12/6/12. Afterward, lists will be given to volunteers to reach
out to their groups.
The Participation Cup is given to the Class with the highest amount of participation. So far, the
Class of ’53 is in the lead with 6% participation.
Joy and Megan will provide information on the current records to help inspire some friendly
competition.
It was clarified that any and all gifts made during the fiscal year (July 1 – June 30) are credited to
your class gift, which is the same as a Reunion class gift. All donations are cumulative and go in
to the overall “Reunion Giving Pot”. Joy and Betsy spoke about the importance of helping
alumni understand the timeframe.
The group tried to brainstorm incentives to motivate giving to the class gift while being mindful
of keeping logistics manageable. (I.E. money collected from the 5K Race and any fundraisers is
added to the overall giving pot but isn’t able to be attributed to a class year because alums
received something for their money – a t-shirt or admission to a concert, etc.)
Michael reminded the group of the power of participation and setting that as a habit early on.
AGENDA ITEM (V): OTHER IDEAS OR THOUGHTS?
It was mentioned to look in to bringing back alumni interested in seeing the new science center.
An idea to look at a local alumnus doing a broadcast on site was brought up as well (i.e. Chris
Brandolino). The recommended contact was Casey Raymond, a faculty in the science
department.
The group discussed ways to encourage current students to participate in events. Michael will
look in to the current campus policies and research the best model to incorporate students. It
was mentioned that all had made a senior gift were invited last year.
Michael reminded the group that all students who attended Oswego are invited to come, even
if they did not complete their degree.
In wrapping up, Michael stressed the importance of accurate contact information. We cannot
invite alums to Reunion if we do not have their updated information. Everyone is encouraged to
share any updates they have for their groups.
o Pat Nulty will be connecting with Michael to share data of athletes and coaches.
o Brenda also has updated ASA information.
Notes of action items:
 Send materials to those who never received them (noted on sign-in)
 Send all materials ahead of time for those who will be on the phone
 Book Elks Club for 2014
 Look for schedule of community events that weekend (particularly around the D-Day
Anniversary)
 Provide a list of possible places to book events (in addition to spaces already taken)
 Water Street Café is located off Old City Hall (may want to clarify)
 Alexandra’s (a new restaurant) will be open and located behind Steamers
 Provide a list of campus partners for fundraising events
 Provide a list of new campus areas available to tour (New Science Center, Romney, Rice
Creek)
 Look in to Romney as a place for pick-up games throughout the weekend.
 Provide copies of last year’s schedule to committee.
 Send out the link to the Oswegonian
 Look in to policy on student involvement at reunion events
AGENDA ITEM (VI): Next Meeting
CAMPUS MEETING #3
Saturday, January 12 at 10:00a.m. (King Alumni Hall)
**Snow Date Saturday, January 19 at 10:00a.m.
CAMPUS MEETING #4
Saturday, February 9 at 10:00a.m. (King Alumni Hall)
**Snow Date Saturday, February 16 at 10:00a.m
CAMPUS MEETING #5
Saturday, April 13 at 10:00a.m. (King Alumni Hall)
Please call 315-312-2258 if you are unsure about the weather.
Call-in # is 1-888-537-7715
Participant passcode is 84396450#
Please note: the call-in option is intended primarily for those who live too far away to
participate in person – we really welcome your attendance as it generates the most lively
discussion, ideas, etc.!