From the Nominator

"Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Missouri University of Science and Technology's 2020 Golden Alumni Reunion required a last-minute cancellation. When the time came for the 2021 Golden Reunion, our university was still unable to convene in person due to COVID protocols. 

We wanted to continue our traditional engagement with these longstanding alumni. Therefore, we planned our first Virtual Golden Alumni Reunion, which combined the 1970 and 1971 graduating classes. For inclusion in our traditional class memory book, 256 graduates sent biographies for the combined-class virtual reunion, which more than doubled the usual 50–60 biographies we have historically received for a single class.  

This new event drew an attendance of 85 Golden Alumni. We were pleased considering the new format and that in past years, the average attendance for an in-person Golden Reunion for one class has been 40–50."

From the Judges

Judges were impressed that this virtual reunion had better attendance than the in-person equivalent, and felt that this event had been well planned and executed. The panel noted that the team built anticipation for the event by making the resources live so early, the design was strong, and that the Party in a Box was a great idea. The three activities were distinct and engaging, and we thought the virtual performance by the band comprised of alumni musicians from the 1970s campus bands was particularly well done.