Discussion of the Future for Potter Club Alumni Annual Reunions

At the 2009 Reunion in Albany Milan Krchniak, `53, put the question to the group, "Pottermen (and guests): Where to in the future? For example, should we incorporate our reunion into the activities in October for Homecoming / Family Reunion Weekend at the University each year? Should we maintain our separate reunions? Should we try to meet in different parts of the state at different times? Other thoughts? Let's talk about it.

At the banquet this year, we renewed this question.  Milan asked this year, should we make next year, the 80th Reunion, our last formal reunion?The reality is that we have had increasing difficulty finding a local committee for each reunion, and our member base is dwindling, with increasing numbers of regrets indicating that health issues and age make participation at reunions impossible.  We also have a sparse number of younger Pottermen from the 60s, 70s, and 80s participating.  So, where are we going, and how will we get there?  As suggestions arrive we will post them below in chronological order.  If you prefer to keep your suggestion anonymous, please indicate this on your submission.

10/12/2010:  (1)  meeting every two (2) years at regional meetings or at least Albany area, and/or (2) all meetings in future to be held in Albany area – same time each year, and/or (3) continue with regional locations with a diminished attendance.  When it gets real small, we can stop then.  Tom Singleton, `52

10/14/2010: Re:  the Future.  As per above, those of us who have to travel distances to the Reunions I think are finding it more and more stressful.  Aging might just have something to do with it.  Even so, I am reluctant to say
we should stop at the 80th.  I am personally coming around to the idea of a cruise.  What with the variety of cruises offered, from ports up and down the East Coast, perhaps this is a venue that needs to be explored more in depth as a continuum after the 80th.  Bob Sage, `55

10/15/2010:  I believe we need to generate a list of questions that seem to underly our current quandry.  Then discuss possible answers to these questions at the Albany Luncheons.  Such questions might include: What is it that draws the people who currently attend the reunions? What are the reasons those not attending (or not replying) are doing so, other than those expressed in the regrets we have received?  If reunions are held primarily in the Albany area, what are some attractions in the area that would stimulate attendance?  Jack Higham, `57.

11/04/2010: I'm happy to see the comments coming in from several sources about future reunions.  Tom Singleton gives us three suggestions to show that he has given the subject a lot of thought.  Bob Sage's comments  give us an insight into his thinking, and I agree with his feelings about future reunions.  And to add the possibility of a cruise at your meeting next week, I think, has a lot of merit.  I spoke with Al Kaehn the other night; he had previously suggested taking a look at a cruise, and agrees that it's worth exploring when you get together in Albany next week.  I, for one, hope we're able to continue with meaningful reunions in the future.   Jim Finnen "54.

11/05/2010:  Milan proposed that we make next year the final annual reunion.  His proposal was met with deafening silence.  We avoid facing the inevitable.  Without Jack's efforts, the reunion might already be history.  I support Milan's proposal because I would rather finish with a bang than with a whimper.  Ongoing, we might host a hospitality room at Homecoming  weekend.  No doubt the Albany group will continue to convene. We would all enjoy keeping in touch through the web site, for as long as Jack is willing to maintain it.    Art Weigand, `53