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Fall Reunions 2005
September 23-25, 2005
Nearly 2000 Northwestern alumni and their guests returned to campus for Reunions Weekend 2005. And we have pictures!
Reunions were held apart from Homecoming this year to avoid conflicts with Halloween and to take advantage of the tail end of the Chicagoland’s mild weather! The weekend schedule was packed with activities and events to get alumni and their families back in touch with old friends and rekindle memories of days as a student.
The "weekend" began on Friday with President Bienen’s address on "Critical Foreign Policy Issues Facing the Bush Administration." Next, guests enjoyed the Gridiron Lunch emceed by Christine E. Brennan (J80, GJ81), USA Today sports columnist and commentator for ABC News, ESPN and NPR's "Morning Edition."
The afternoon continued with the Alumni College Series: Alumni Keynote Discussion and Classes Without Quizzes where outstanding Northwestern alumni and faculty shared their expertise. Alumni also had the opportunity to attend one-on-one career counseling sessions and job consultations. Many saw what has changed on campus with a guided tour, while others met at the Rock had their memories captured in a photo opportunity at the historic campus landmark.
Friday’s highlight was Meadow Madness: The All-Class Reunion Tent Bash where over 700 alumni, friends, and family gathered for for great food buffets, free beverages sponsored by Goose Island and Pepsi, fireworks, and lively musical entertainment by Chicago Catz. Kids enjoyed magic tricks, balloon sculpting, and face painting.
Saturday began bright and early with a pre-game breakfast for reunion year alumni followed by a stop at Wildcat Alley. Nine class parties were celebrated throughout Evanston and downtown Chicago on Saturday night.
The Hotel Orrington hosted the Class of 1960, while Deering Library provided an elegant setting for the Class of 1965. The Class of 1970 and 1975 both enjoyed Evanston campus venues at The Allen Center and the John Evans Alumni Center. The 25th (Class of 1980) commemorated at Guild Lounge at Scott Hall. The Class of 1990 celebrated at Prairie Moon in Evanston while just down the street the 20th was having a great time at Bar Louie. The Class of 1995 partied in a casual setting at Goose Island Brewery, Wrigleyville and the 5th reunion (Class of 2000) held their class party at Rock Bottom Brewery.
The weekend was brought to a close with a “Choose your own Sunday” programof multiple options for spending the day in Chicago. The House of Blues Gospel Brunch made sure that no one went home hungry or uninspired. After feeding the body and soul busses took the guests to Navy Pier for the Architectural River Cruise. Our own Joan Lindsay (C’52) was the docent for the 90-minute tour pointing out the details of our beautiful skyline. Others enjoyed the Chicago Cubs tailgate and game package and watched the Cubs defeat the Houston Astros.
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