How to Plan an Iowa Alumni Reunion


A few years may have passed since your college days, but the memories can make it feel like yesterday. Reunions are a great way to gather Iowa alumni from the same graduating class, but they can also be a broader celebration of Hawkeyes with like-minded interests—such as members of alumni communities, Greek organizations, athletics teams, and more.

Planning and executing a reunion takes time. It can take four to six months to plan an informal gathering, and nine to 16 months to organize a larger reunion. Download the reunion guide and checklist to get started.

Reunion Committees

A successful alumni gathering depends on a dedicated reunion chair and committee of volunteers who start planning early, work throughout the year, and share in the coordination and promotion of the event. The committee is also responsible for providing programming and activities that balance the interests of the group, while also including time for catching up with old friends.

General duties for the committee chair include:

  • Research, organize, and implement the reunion
  • Recruit and work with a committee of at least five others
  • Schedule meetings and coordinate the committee
  • Create and finalize a budget
  • Welcome attendees and volunteers during the event
  • Act as a liaison for the University of Iowa Center for Advancement
  • Support the mission of the University of Iowa

As you give your time and energy to planning a reunion, know that you are helping to strengthen the connections of proud Iowa alumni and friends.

For more information, email alumni.engagement@foriowa.org.

Looking for other ways to get involved as an alumni or friend of the University of Iowa? Check out upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.

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The 2019 Distinguished Alumni Awards celebrated those who have made a difference at Iowa and beyond. Photo: John Emigh From left, UI President Bruce Harreld with 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award winners Howard Kerr, Craig Willis, Nancy Willis, David J. Skorton, Adaeze Enekwechi, and Jake Chung. Not pictured: Geraldene Felton. View more pictures from the event on flickr. This past October, a diverse group of Hawkeye luminaries gathered inside Voxman Music Building's concert hall. Among them were two former White House advisors, a former UI president, and a couple that has long championed Iowa health care and the arts. Their common bond? Their ability to "Dream Big. Dream Gold"?the spirit of our Distinguished Alumni Awards. The University of Iowa presented seven of its most accomplished alumni and friends with its top honor, continuing an annual tradition that dates back to 1963. This year's medallion recipients join past honorees such as Meredith Willson, Gene Wilder (55BA), and Hayden Fry. Get to know this year's DAA class through their illuminating tribute videos screened at the ceremony: Howard Kerr (60BA) Retired military officer, presidential aide, and CEO Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award Jhoon "Jake" Chung (96BA) School district superintendent Distinguished Alumni Service Award Nancy Willis (77BA, 80JD) and Craig Willis (75JD) Real estate attorneys and community leaders Distinguished Alumni Hickerson Recognition David J. Skorton CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges Distinguished Alumni Friend Award Geraldene Felton Dean emerita of the UI College of Nursing Distinguished Faculty/Staff Award Adaeze Enekwechi (98BA, 07PhD) Health care executive and former White House advisor Distinguished Recent Graduate Award Interested in nominating an exceptional UI graduate or friend of the university for a Distinguished Alumni Award? We're accepting nominations for next year's awards through Jan. 31, 2020.

Each year since 1963, we've honored University of Iowa luminaries with our prestigious Distinguished Alumni Awards.

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