Reunion

To keep registration costs low, all meals will be "pay at the door" at the Campus Center Dining Hall. The exception is the Alumni Dinner Saturday night in Stephans Lounge, Meier Hall. This reduces your upfront costs and does not require you to pay for a meal you might not be joining. It also gives our alumni the flexibility to buy from food vendors during Octagon Fair or visit beloved area restaurants. Meals at the Campus Center Dining Hall offer variety and allergy-friendly options. Cash and credit cards will be accepted at the register. Meals will average $15 per person, a low cost that is thanks to our partnership with Parkhurst.

Registration covers event expenses such as entertainment, catering, staffing, and supplies to host a successful reunion event. Events during the weekend, such as the Alumni Meeting, Candlelight Ceremony, Senior Auction, tours, classes, and even s’mores at the Firepit are included in the registration. Parking on campus is free.

Due to our growing enrollment and strong student retention, we are unable to offer on-campus housing for alumni in residence halls. We have secured room blocks at discounted rates (Details coming soon). Also, there are 11 hotel properties in the Elmira-Corning region, not to mention Airbnb’s and local bed and breakfasts.

We have secured room blocks at discounted rates at the following hotels:

Courtyard by Marriot Elmira Horseheads
Register at https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link or phone (607) 795-5900 w/ group code: Elmira College Alumni Reunion. Book by August 19, 2025, for a discounted rate of $149.00 King or $159.00 Double Queen per room per night, plus tax.

Clarion Inn Elmira
Register at https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/FY22T3 or phone (607) 734-4211 w/ group code “Elmira College Reunion”. Book by September 12, 2025, for a discounted rate of $114.00 King or $99.00 Double Queen per room per night, plus tax.

Hampton Inn Elmira Horseheads https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink or phone (607) 795-3333 w/ group code ECA. Book by August 29, 2025 for discounted rate of $149.00 King Double Queen, per room per night plus tax.

Several factors were considered when deciding to move Reunion to September in 2025. Those include:

• Student Engagement: With students on campus in September, moving Reunion allows them to participate as volunteers can interact with alumni, enhancing the Reunion experience for both alumni and students.

• Shared Budget Resources and Cost Savings: By aligning the event with Campus Life and Alumni Engagement activities, budget and human resources are optimized for planning and implementation. Having students already on campus eliminates the additional housing and meal expenses that are incurred during the summer.

• Entertainment Lineup: By hosting Reunion and Family Weekend together, we can enhance event activities for both students and alumni. This includes traditional Reunion and Family Weekend activities like Dueling Pianos, Live Band Karaoke, Casino Night, Octagon Fair, the Annual Meeting with the President, Parade of Classes, Dancing on the Portico, and DIY events hosted by President & First Lady Lindsay. Additionally, there will be a joint event with the Parent & Family Council and the Alumni Board, featuring a Fireside Chat.

• Diverse Event Offerings: A combined event provides an opportunity for a broader range and more robust events. This includes home athletic competitions, classroom visits, more faculty available for alumni presentations, more faculty available to reconnect with former students, and a more robust Reunion auction that would be open to students, employees, and families.

• Increased Volunteer Support: With the entire campus community present, there will be more volunteers available to support Reunion activities.

• Dining Services: Parkhurst Dining does not operate during the summer except for special events. Hosting Reunion at a time they are fully operational, ensures quality food service with adequate staffing and supplies.

Yes. Feedback from Reunion 2024 and previous years' surveys highlighted several areas for improvement:

• Cost concerns

• Underwhelming food options

• Low attendance and engagement

• Desire for more interaction with students, faculty, and staff

• Timing

Mid-June has posed a problem for many alumni throughout the years. New York State schools are generally in session until the third or fourth week of June. Going earlier in the month conflicts with Father’s Day Weekend and graduations and graduation parties for alumni who are in neighboring states. Elementary and high school athletics and activities run August - June for many of our alumni making it difficult to find a time that avoids these conflicts.