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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Iowa Music School alumni Kara Santos and Kira Wharton are part of "The President's Own" United States Marine Band. "The President's Own" United States Marine Band performs during the inauguration of President Joe Biden on January 20, 2021. Photo credit: United States Marine Band A flutist and music librarian ? both University of Iowa School of Music graduates ? participated in the inauguration celebration of President Joe Biden. Flutist Gunnery Sergeant Kara Santos (01MA, 05DMA) and Librarian Master Sergeant Kira Wharton (95MA, 97DMA) are members of "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, which performed "Hail to the Chief" and accompanied Lady Gaga during the national anthem at the inauguration on January 20. Gunnery Sgt. Santos is originally from Iowa City and earned her master's degree in 2001 and doctorate in flute performance in 2005 from the UI. Before joining the Marine Band, she performed as principal flute for the Quad City Symphony in Davenport, Iowa, and for the Evansville Philharmonic in Indiana. Librarian Master Sergeant Wharton earned a master's degree in music history in 1995 and a doctor of musical arts in 1997 from the UI. During the inauguration, she managed the music sheets and remained on the platform with the band during the ceremony. In her role, she regularly prepares music for performances and assists with maintaining the music library. "The President's Own" United States Marine Band was founded in 1798 and has performed for every U.S. president since John Adams. Its mission is to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. University of Iowa School of Music graduate Kara Santos plays the flute during President Joe Biden's inauguration on January 20, 2021. Photo credit: United States Marine Band

The Iowa Black Alumni Network (IBAN) connects African-American alumni and current students with one another.

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