04/17/20 - Reunion 2020 Update

I want to extend my support to all members of our alumni community who are or have been affected by the COVID-19 virus. Our network of alumni around the world are important to us and we are thinking about everyone's health and well-being.

In light of safety measures being taken to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan and across the U.S., we have made the difficult decision to cancel Reunion 2020, originally scheduled for June 5-6-7. Reunion typically brings 800-1000 alumni and guests back to Cranbrook’s campus. We believe hosting such a large-scale gathering with participants from around the globe would place the health of those participants at high risk.

Milestone class reunions scheduled for 2020 will be postponed and celebrated during Reunion Weekend 2021 on June 11-12-13. Celebrating reunion classes ending in 0s and 5s along with next year’s milestone classes ending with 1s and 6s will certainly provide for a spirited weekend on campus in 2021. We will be reaching out for reunion planning support from alumni in these classes in the fall.

This spring we will find creative ways to honor our Distinguished Alumni for 2020, Selma Blair ’90 and Mike Acheson ’80 and to mark the 50th anniversaries of science faculty members Russ Conner and Randy Tufts and the 40th anniversary of performing arts instructor Katie Lorts. The Schools’ current administration is still considering how to best honor the graduating seniors – the class of 2020 – and whether Commencement exercises in any form might be held this June.

I hope you have had a chance to read the update Director of Schools Aimeclaire Roche sent to all alumni. It comes as no surprise that the leading inquiry our team has received thus far from our alumni pertains to the welfare of our students. The upcoming issue of Tradition will provide more information on life at the schools during the pandemic and ways in which our alumni can provide support. It is inspiring to see our faculty and students working together within the constraints created by the health crisis and rising to the challenges it presents.

Our bonds as a community are more important than ever. We continue to work to keep alumni connected, and invite you to share stories of ways in which you and your classmates are coping and supporting each other by emailing alumni@cranbrook.edu. In the midst of all of the challenges we are facing it has been heartening to hear stories of ways in which our alumni are making a difference, from the vital work of our alumni in healthcare and research, to smaller acts of checking in on isolated neighbors.

Our Cranbrook Schools advancement team staff will be working remotely until restrictions are lifted in Michigan. We will continue to monitor this unprecedented situation and respond in a manner that keeps the health and well-being of our community a top priority. We look forward to the day when we are all able to come together on our beautiful campus to celebrate our community of Cranbrook Kingswood alumni and friends. Until then, take care of yourself and please stay in touch — via email, on our website and through our social media channels.

With gratitude for our alumni community and for your support,

Susan Aikens Post ‘78
Cranbrook Schools’ Director of Alumni Relations