Frequently Asked Questions about Mercersburg Alumni Weekends
When is Alumni Weekend 2008?
Alumni Weekend 2008 is scheduled for October 17-19.
When is Reunion Weekend 2009?
Alumni Weekend 2009 is June 12-14.
Celebrating five-year anniversary reunions in the early summer (the weekend following Commencement) will allow for many new opportunities. In particular, the move to a summer date helps eliminate the two biggest concerns about a fall reunion that emerged from a 2005 alumni survey. In the survey, alumni told us that accommodations are too far away from campus. By moving reunions to the summer, alumni and their families will be able to stay on campus in dormitories. (Of course, if you prefer to stay in a nearby hotel, that option is still available.) Second, alumni told us that the fall is too busy a time for them to travel with their families to campus. A summer reunion date allows alumni to plan a family weekend on campus and to introduce their children to Mercersburg.
You can absolutely come back for Alumni Weekend in the fall. There will continue to be a fall event held in October that will welcome all alumni back to campus. This weekend will involve the entire school in homecoming/Founder’s Day activities reflecting school spirit and traditions. We want to begin planning alumni reunions for affinity groups, including the Loyalty Club, athletic teams, music groups, clubs, and dorms. We want student activities to be an integral part of the weekend, which will allow for more student-alumni engagement. Activities that involve students, faculty and alumni, and that celebrate the birthday of the school’s founder, Dr. William Mann Irvine, will be included. And finally, this fall weekend will emphasize school spirit, school history, and school traditions.
Reunion weekend activities will give alumni full use of campus facilities, and allow for learning opportunities with faculty and off-campus programs (for alumni and families) that could include trips to destinations like Gettysburg, Antietam, and Harpers Ferry. We hope to offer presentations, panel discussions, and dialogue with student leaders, in addition to meetings with administrators representing the offices of admission & financial aid, college counseling, and summer programs.
We know that alumni like to see each other as well as former teachers and coaches. During reunion weekend activities, there are plans for more events with coaches and former faculty. It is important to us that there are activities for adults and families—activities that are casual, fun, and relaxing.
Where should I stay?
For alumni who need overnight accommodations,
here is a list of local hotels close to Mercersburg Academy. Please make your reservations directly with the hotels. We encourage you to make your hotel and travel arrangements as soon as possible.
Note: Lodging is a separate cost from your Alumni Weekend registration fees, and RV Parking is available in the day student parking lot on McFarland Road across from the Academy track.
Is there a dress code?
Dress is casual all weekend, except for the Saturday morning Class of 1958 breakfast with the Head of School and Remembrance and Recognition Ceremony, the Saturday evening class dinners, and the Sunday morning Chapel service. During these events, the dress is business casual (men tend to wear a jacket and tie; women often wear dresses, skirts, or similar attire). If you plan to participate in the golf outing, bring appropriate athletic attire.
I forget the layout of the campus. Can someone help me find my way?
The Alumni & Development office is here to help you, whether you live on campus and are attending reunion, or whether you haven't been back in 60 years! When you enter the Davidson Gate entrance (on Route 16) or the Seminary Street entrance, signs and personnel (depending on what time you arrive) will direct you to the registration tent.
Can I just walk in without pre-registering?
Walk-ins and latecomers are welcome, but we strongly encourage you to pre-register online, by phone at (800) 588-2550, by fax at (717) 328-6211, or by mail. By pre-registering, the Alumni & Development office can get an idea of how many people to expect and your classmates will know you’re coming and it may inspire them to come, too. We also want to have a registration packet ready for you and plenty of meals available.
May I get a refund if I need to cancel?
Full refunds are available by request only. You may also request that your registration fees be credited to the Annual Fund. You will receive gift and tax receipts in the mail if this is what you choose to do.
Can I bring my kids to the weekend’s events?
Yes. Bring your whole family to Alumni Weekend so that your children can fall in love with Mercersburg just like you did. Your children (toddlers to tweens) will enjoy fun activities planned and supervised by Mercersburg faculty and staff. The schedule of activities is as follows:
Friday, October 17 6:30-9 p.m. (First United Methodist Church)
During the Alumni Weekend Kick-Off Event
Saturday, October 18 12-2 p.m. (children’s activities on the quad)
During the Big Tent BBQ
6 p.m.-12 a.m. (First United Methodist Church)
During class dinners and the after dinner dance party