The annual highlight of our work in Alumni Relations is Reunion Weekend. Each year, approximately 1,000 alumni and family members return to renew old friendships, create new ones, and retell—and sometimes even recreate—their favorite Mary Washington memories. It is a time-honored tradition.
Unfortunately, like so many long-awaited celebrations, it is now being affected by COVID-19. On Monday, Virginia’s governor announced a stay-at-home order through June 10. This means it is not only advisable, but mandatory, that we postpone Reunion Weekend. While this decision saddens all of us, festivities should always be secondary to safety, and the health and well-being of our Mary Washington family is our highest priority.
Work has already begun to reschedule Reunion. Despite the number of University events that must be deferred to the fall, we were able to secure Labor Day weekend (Saturday, September 5-Monday, September 7) for the event.
This event is so important, it was given a choice time in the hopes that it will be most convenient and manageable for alumni. Most of the Reunion events will occur as originally proposed. However, some planned offerings cannot occur in the fall—for example, on-campus housing will not be possible, as students will occupy the residence halls. While Reunion 2020 will look different than in previous years, this postponement will be an opportunity to start new traditions. We will find creative solutions and demonstrate that COVID-19 cannot break our Mary Washington bond.
Once we are able to determine the scope of the new Reunion, we will communicate with you and will re-open online registration. In the meantime, we will begin issuing refunds for registrations and campus housing reservations already completed.
We know the disappointment many of you will feel about this postponement–because we are feeling it ourselves! But we are so hopeful that you all will be able to join us in September. We are eager to celebrate Reunion Weekend 2020 with our Mary Washington family.
Sincerely,
The Alumni Relations Team