Reunion Frequently Asked Questions


What is Reunion Weekend?
Reunion is the largest Bowdoin alumni event held each year. Every Bowdoin class gathers on campus at five-year anniversaries of graduation. Reunions are about reconnecting and reminiscing. About 1,700 alumni, spouses, friends, and children are expected to attend.

When is the Bowdoin Reunion 2013?
Thursday, May 30 – Sunday, June 2, 2013

Is there a registration deadline?
Upon arrival at the Reunion Welcome Center each registered adult will receive a class-specific piece of memorabilia selected by the class’s reunion committee. Once the registration material is mailed, please register by Friday, May 3 to ensure that you receive the item selected by your class. Attendees registering after this date cannot be guaranteed the unique class gift and will receive a general non-class specific item.

What if I need to cancel my reservation?
If cancellation of a Reunion reservation or on-campus room is necessary, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@bowdoin.edu or 207-725-3266. Individuals will be reimbursed in full for cancellations made prior to Thursday, May 23.

What is there to do during Reunion?
Reunion Weekend includes many different events. You can participate in some or all – it’s up to you.

Are spouses/partners/significant others/kids invited?
Absolutely! We encourage returning alumni to bring their entire families. All activities and programs are open to anyone who is on campus for the weekend.

I have kids – what will they do?
Bowdoin offers a full slate of children's programming. Among the options are:
A Reunion Carnival on Friday and Saturday with games, face painting, and inflatable bouncy toys to jump on.
Children’s Nature and Art Walk
Reunion Dance Revolution
Fun with Physics
Open Swim
Climbing Wall 
Kid’s Karaoke
Story Time with the Polar Bear

Is there babysitting?
A number of family-oriented events are planned throughout the Weekend. A full team of Student Ambassadors will work at all the events, but parents must also be present with their children. During class receptions and meals for select classes (generally the 10th, 15th, 20th, and 25th Reunions), Student Ambassadors also organize activities, games, crafts, and more so that parents can enjoy socializing with their classmates while knowing that their children are close by.

Will the Bookstore and The College Store be open during Reunion?
Absolutely! Both stores will be open all four days of Reunion. Bowdoin items are also for sale at our Bookstore online.

Where will I stay?
On-campus housing is available to alumni and their guests on Thursday, May 30; Friday, May 31; and Saturday, June 1. On-campus housing is provided primarily in residence halls. A limited number of campus apartments are reserved for families with children and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Accommodations in all facilities include twin beds and very minimal furnishings. Each attendee registered for on-campus housing will be provided with a set of sheets and towels, a blanket, and a pillow. Attendees are encouraged to bring additional pillows, blankets, or other amenities such as coat hangers, alarm clocks, etc. There are no private bathrooms.

Resources for staying off campus.

Do you offer travel discounts?
Hewins Travel, a company of AAA Northern New England, is available to assist with your travel plans. Call them at 800-370-3008. Tell the agent that you are traveling to Maine for your Bowdoin Reunion and ask about available AAA hotel and car rental discounts. The agent will bill your preferred credit card for the travel arrangements.

Also, additional local lodging discounts are available to members of the Bowdoin community.

Can alumni room with their friends?
Yes, alumni may request to be paired with a roommate for the weekend.

What is a “headquarters” and what happens there?

Each class is assigned a headquarters – generally a College House or other campus room or building. The house is home to you and your class for the weekend. This is the central location for class activities and socializing.

Generally on Friday and Saturday nights, your headquarters will be home to pre- and post-dinner receptions (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages provided). Some class meals may also be at headquarters. The headquarters is also the ideal spot to have a quiet conversation with friends, look at old yearbooks, or just put your feet up for awhile.

How can I find out if someone from my class is coming?
Once registration materials are mailed, the Office of Alumni Relations will regularly post and update attendees on the Reunion Website for each class.

Will former professors or coaches be there?
Yes. Faculty, coaches, and staff are invited to attend various meals and functions during the weekend.

Is parking available on campus?
Parking is available, but is limited. If you'll be staying in campus housing, it is recommended that you leave your car parked in one location and not worry about it for the weekend.

Where do alumni go when they arrive on campus?
Your first stop should be the Reunion Welcome Center, located on the first floor of Moulton Union. Upon arrival, alumni can check in, receive a packet with meal information, maps, weekend schedules, class memorabilia, discount coupons to the Bowdoin Bookstore, and nametags.

What is Convocation?
Saturday morning is the Reunion Convocation ceremony. The ceremony recognizes outstanding service to the College and the Common Good and includes remarks from President Barry Mills ’72. All alumni, family members, and guests are encouraged to attend.

Can I attend for a part of the weekend?
Yes. There are two pricing packages, one for attending the full weekend (Thursday – Sunday) and the other for attending Saturday/Sunday only.

Can I come if I didn't pre-register?
Yes, although alumni are strongly encouraged to register in advance. Some events have limited capacities and sell out quickly, and we cannot guarantee the availability of rooms or dining services if you have not registered in advance.

What if the weather is bad?
Some events may be moved inside, but with traditional Polar Bear spirit, our Reunion celebrations will continue rain or shine.

Will drinks be free or cash bar?
Drinks are complimentary at all Reunion events. Please note that due to state laws however, alumni and guests are unable to bring their own liquor to College events.

Are non-reunion classes invited?
Yes, alumni who are not part of an official reunion class but who would like to attend are welcome to do so. Off-year alumni should register for the reunion of the class closest to their own class year.

Will there be reunions of various sports teams or fraternities?
Yes and no. Many fraternities choose to have house corporation meetings on Saturday morning of Reunion Weekend. Generally, however, reunions for sports teams, singing groups, and other student organizations are traditionally held during the academic year.

How much does Reunion cost?
The per-person fee varies from class to class. Once arriving on campus for Reunion, it is an all-inclusive weekend and there are not additional fees assessed to participate in individual activities. Fees help cover the costs of Reunion expenses such as food, beverages, and rented tables, chairs, and tents. Some class-specific and special events may require an additional registration fee.

Will I be able to use the pool, gym, or other athletic facilities?
Bowdoin’s athletic facilities are available for returning alumni and their guests. Take a swim in the Greason Pool, sweat it out on the cardio machines or free weights in the new Peter Buck Center for Health and Fitness, or play a tennis match at the outdoor courts at Pickard Field. Enjoy a run through the Pickard Field trail or on the outdoor track. Guests must be at least 18 years of age to use The Peter Buck Center for Health and Fitness.

Times vary and will be available when you arrive on campus. Guests wishing to use athletic facilities must sign a waiver at the location they visit.

I have some particular needs related to accessibility. What should I do?
Bowdoin College is committed to making its campus accessible to persons with disabilities. However, not all areas of campus are fully accessible. Individuals who have special needs should contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 207-725-3266 or alumni@bowdoin.edu.

For more information about Reunion Weekend, please call the Office of Alumni Relations at 207-725-3266 or email alumni@bowdoin.edu.