As Homecoming planning begins in the early months of each year, hundreds of wheels begin to turn: spaces to reserve, caterers to call, schedules to coordinate. And that's just among the people who work on or around BGSU's campus! 

But the fact of the matter is, Homecoming—and its Reunion events—just wouldn't be the same without ideas and input from you, our alumni. The Reunion Committees for the Classes of 1959 and 1969 have been hard at work planning fun events that are sure to "take you back" to your days as a student.

Two of those committee members are Gayll (Parkinson) Fisher and Chuck Mallue from the Class of '69, who recently spoke to the Alumni Association about plans for their reunion and what Homecoming means to them.

"The best aspect of the reunion overall is the opportunity to reconnect with old friends," says Fisher. "When I walked out of the Chi Omega house on graduation day, it never occurred to me that I would not see these people for 40 years. Now I am talking and laughing with them on the phone and we have picked up the conversation from 1969 without missing a beat."

The Reunion events themselves have been planned around reconnecting with old friends.

"The best aspect so far, which I expect will be even more exciting in person, is to hear voices from the past that immediately bring back great memories," according to Mallue. "I've been calling alumni to give them a personal invitation and it is great to hear their voices and reconnect."

For the committees, it sounds like the excitement of Homecoming began months ago, even during the planning phases.

"Behind the scenes is a pervasive attitude of excitement and energy to plan the most enjoyable reunion experience possible," notes Fisher. "We're trying to anticipate all the details behind the scenes so the reunion activities will proceed smoothly."

In addition to formal activities during Homecoming, the Class of '69 will also show classic Falcon spirit in the class gift they've chosen.

"We looked at a lot of options and choose one that we think will resonate with our class and that is to partner with the President's Leadership Academy and establish two student scholarships for future leaders. The PLA program has been scaled back from 30 students to 25 this year due to economic conditions, so our gift will be both timely and relevant."

The Class of 1969 also has a page on Facebook set up to help classmates reconnect prior to Homecoming, which is approaching quickly October 2-4.

Interested in attending?    Please complete and mail the Registration Form or let us know by calling (888) 839-2586. See you in October!