Fall Reunions 2004: What a Weekend!

(Our shutterbugs were busy - check out the photos from Friday's and Saturday's events.)

Over 2,000 Northwestern Alumni returned to campus for Homecoming and Reunions 2004.

For the first time, reunion headquarters were located in the middle of campus on the spacious Deering Meadow. A kick-off lunch was followed by an afternoon of activities that included campus tours, a "Meet Me at the Rock" photo opportunity, career services sessions, and Kid’s Corner.

The Alumni College series began with a keynote address by Larry Irving (WCAS76). During the afternoon alumni had the opportunity to attend lectures by professors from each of Northwestern’s schools before meeting their deans at receptions in Norris, McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science and the Tribune Center at Medill’s School of Journalism.

The annual All-Class Tent Bash took place on a clear and unusually warm late October night at the reunion tent on Deering Meadow. There was a Halloween theme, and kids of all ages enjoyed food, games, face painting, balloon artists, and mementoes.

Saturday began bright and early with a pre-game breakfast for reunion year alumni followed by a stop at Wildcat Alley. The last-minute win by the Wildcats over the Purdue Boilmakers set a festive mood for the night.

Nine class parties were celebrated throughout Evanston and downtown Chicago. Michigan Shores Country Club hosted the classes of 1959 and 1984, while Deering Library provided an elegant setting for the Class of 1964. The classes of 1969 and 1974 both enjoyed Evanston campus venues at The Allen Center and Norris University Center. The Class of 1989 celebrated at the Hilton Garden Inn in Evanston while just across the street the 25th (Class of 1979) was having a great time at Wolfgang Puck. The Class of 1994 partied in a casual setting at Goose Island, Chicago. The 5th reunion (Class of 1999) drew a record 348 alumni to their class party at Wrigley Field.

The weekend was brought to a close on Sunday with two final events. The House of Blues Gospel Brunch made sure that no one left hungry or uninspired.

After feeding body and soul, guests boarded buses to Navy Pier for the Architectural River Cruise. Our own Joan Lindsay (C52) was the docent for the 90-minute tour pointing out the details of our beautiful skyline. Both Sunday events were a wonderful way to end the weekend and allowed alumni to enjoy opportunities in downtown Chicago.