Numbers don't tell the whole story, but the story the numbers tell is a good one.
Professional reunion-organizers -- alumni relations officers in Lawrence-peer institutions -- gauge reunion attendance by comparing the number of people invited (the mailing list of alumni) to the number actually attending. Nationally, the norm is about 18 percent.
At Lawrence this year, 22.5 percent of "mailable" alumni attended Reunion Weekend, June 21-23, and the weekend's total attendance of 1,100 set a new Lawrence reunion record.
What did those 1,100 people do during those days in June? Lots of things; here are some of them:
For many people, the weekend began on Friday with Alumni College, a "back-to-the-classroom" tradition at Lawrence reunions. This year's offerings by Lawrence faculty members included Anthrax: What's a Nice Germ Like You Doing in a Nasty Weapon Like This?, Modern Medicis: Corporate Patrons of the Arts, Islam in America, and Self Interest and Social Behavior, among others.
A simple but dignified memorial service was conducted on Friday afternoon by and for friends and colleagues of Lawrence D. Longley, professor of government, who died in March.
Alumni members of LUJE, the Lawrence University Jazz Ensemble, held a reunion-within-a-reunion, including a well-received Friday evening concert conducted, in turn, by each of the three directors the jazz program has had since its inception: John Harmon, '57 (1971-77), Fred Sturm, '73 (1977-91), and Ken Schaphorst (1991-2001).
It rained on Saturday morning -- which didn't seem to deter many reunion-goers, especially those turning out at 8:00 a.m. for the 23rd annual running/walking of the Reunion Weekend 5K Fun Run/Walk, presided over by retired coach Gene Davis. John Chandler, '77, won the run, for the seventh consecutive time and the 12th time overall, and was awarded a t-shirt listing his victories.
Members of the Classes of 1971, 1972, and 1973 who had participated in Lawrence overseas programs gathered with faculty from the Bönnigheim, Eningen, London, Slavic, French, Spanish, and other centers for a mini-reunion.
Retiring faculty members Minoo Adenwalla, government; Cory Azzi, '65, economics; and William Boardman, philosophy, were recognized with a special reception, honoring and thanking them for their years of service.
Members and staff of the Lawrence-Downer Legacy Circle hosted a presentation titled "Stories from the Lawrence University Scrapbook: Realizing Dreams Through Planned Giving."
Singer-songwriter Alice Peacock, '92, a Chicago-based folk-pop artist recently signed a recording contract with Columbia Records, delighted a standing-room-only Riverview Lounge audience with a Saturday evening performance.
Children's programs, family activities, campus tours and open houses, and the exchange of many, many memories also enlivened the weekend, which concluded, for some, with a Sunday visit to Björklunden.
