Virtual class reunions fill void for connections during social distancing

I n April, 55 alumnae participated in one of 10 virtual class reunions from 1960 to 1969. The sessions proved to be lively and spirited, with participants donning Georgia College colors and mascot accessories. 

Many alumnae from across Georgia and as far as California and Arizona, had not seen each other since their last reunion, which, for many, was several years ago. 

“They loved it,” said Dan Lavery, “Everyone was very festive and a lot of fun. Dr. Dorman joined us for many of the sessions, and he was laughing along with them as they shared stories about how they were dealing with the current state of affairs.”

Alumnae shared what they were doing to keep themselves busy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some had taken up gardening, while others tried new recipes. 

Class of '68 virtual reunion

Lavery plans to hold more virtual reunions in the future, because of the positive feedback he received from alumnae. He plans to hold the sessions in the fall and spring and as well as holidays. 

“We couldn’t write the history of Georgia College without the classes of the 1960s with all the change that happened on campus and around the world. Now we can add to that legacy—the first classes to ever meet virtually from across the country. Their legacy at Georgia College continues to shape how we move forward as a campus community.”
– Dan Lavery

Lavery also created a working group to host more virtual reunions for the more-recent classes.

“We couldn’t write the history of Georgia College without the classes of the 1960s with all the change that happened on campus and around the world,” he said. “Now we can add to that legacy—the first classes to ever meet virtually from across the country. Their legacy at Georgia College continues to shape how we move forward as a campus community.”

Lavery wants to continue bringing campus to alumni virtually.

“Their legacy at Georgia College is the foundation for all that we achieve today,” he said. “Virtual reunions afford us a great opportunity to not only talk about but actually see how much campus has changed and, almost as importantly, how it has not, since their time here as a student. Plus, anytime we can gather as a group is always a lot of fun.”