By Bailey Neal

Out of the many organized Homecoming activities taking place on campus this weekend, the ACU class reunion dinners will be one of the only chances for alumni to reconnect with others from their graduating class. A total of nine reunion dinners – for the classes of 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999 and 2004 – will be conducted this year.

Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Jama Cadle said these reunion dinners provide a time for people to catch up in a casual setting.

“In the past we’ve had more formal programs, but people have voiced that they just want to spend more time talking and visiting with old friends,” Cadle said.

Cadle said former students look forward to alumni dinners as a welcome break from a somewhat frantic Homecoming schedule.

“There’s so many events during Homecoming, so it’s a busy weekend for everyone, and reunions are organized just so people can reconnect with their classmates,” Cadle says.

John Exum, Alumni Relations officer, explained the organization of the event in more detail.

“Basically, we have a short script and an emcee from each class to welcome the people in,” Exum said. “We show a recruiting video in the background and really just allow them to catch up with friends from the past. Then dinner is served, and we give an update and some highlights on different things from the university.”

Exum said the Alumni Relations Office is expecting anywhere from 500-600 alumni to attend the dinners Saturday night.

“It’s all about bringing back our alumni to campus and showcasing the campus, allowing them to reminisce about old times and catch up on what they’ve missed,” Exum said.

Most dinners will take place in the Hunter Welcome Center, said Samantha Adkins, senior Alumni Relations officer. Times, locations and menus for each of the reunion dinners can be found at www.acu.edu/Homecoming under Saturday Night events.