A great way to ease into the weekend

We often hear after Carleton gatherings, “I really enjoyed talking with so-and-so. I wish I had had more time to spend with him/her.” In fact, over 80 percent of our classmates responding to a survey last February expressed interest in discussion groups that would meet longer and focus on more personal subjects. Thus we are organizing “Engage-and-Reflect” discussion groups for only our 50^th Reunion classmates and their spouses/partners. It is a pre-Reunion event.

It begins with lunch on the campus for participants at noon on Thursday, June 18. Then groups of 8 persons with a facilitator will meet separately in quiet comfortable places during the afternoon.

These groups will provide opportunities to reflect on your own 50 years since Carleton, as well as learn about the experiences and philosophies of a few others. You can share experiences and perspectives in a friendly, casual, and non-intrusive setting. Engage-and-Reflect offers a great way to ease into the Reunion weekend by helping classmates reconnect and spouses/partners engage with Carleton.

Two types of discussion groups

To accommodate a range of interests, there will be two types of discussion groups.

Meet-and-Engage discussion groups

For those wanting simply to meet a few others and settle into the Carleton scene. Participants will chat a little about themselves, the influence of Carleton on them or their spouses/partners, and future plans. These conversations will probably end by 2:30pm.

Reflect-and-Share discussion groups

For those interested in deeper discussions and learning how others have developed. There will be an afternoon break, and discussions will end no later than 4:00pm. These groups will address:

1.  Turning points. Has there been a time in your life when you made a choice to do something new … something that challenged and stretched you beyond your previous experience or social/cultural/religious boundaries? How did it impact you?
2. Defining yourself. How did your characteristics develop? How and why are they continuing?

Discussion format

After the facilitator describes the current focus of the group, each participant will respond briefly. Once all have had a chance to speak, there will be an open discussion.

Typically there have been many experiences in the past fifty years which are both fun to relate and interesting to others. However, sifting through them and selecting those which you can describe initially in two or three minutes may require some time. This is particularly true about the “turning points” and “how you define yourself” topics. Coming to the event with a little preparation will contribute to your own enjoyment of the discussions, as well as that of the others.

Some turning points have a common theme; e.g., choice of an education program, a partner, a job, etc. While these are important, Engage-and-Reflect is a social event. Thus, brevity and interest trump significance.

The facilitator will assure that all have ample opportunity to contribute and will guide the general direction of the discussions. Please let us know if you have an interest in volunteering to be a facilitator.

Special enrollment

The Engage-and-Reflect enrollment process is separate from the Reunion registration process. Engage-and-Reflect enrollment deadline is May 15. Enrolling by the deadline will guarantee a spot. We will accept late enrollments if we have a sufficient number of facilitators. There is no fee for the Engage-and-Reflect lunch or participation in a discussion group. To enroll yourself and/or your spouse/partner, simply contact Don Rubovits ’59, via phone (847-475-2086), e-mail (drubovits@att.net), mail (3247 Park Place, Evanston, IL 60201), or fax (847-475-4201). Please indicate:

• Your choice of type of discussion group.
• If you know or can predict your travel plans, let us know what they are. (Read the next section, "Early arrival on campus", to learn why that information would be helpful!)

At the receptions and meals, one typically socializes with the familiar classmates. That is why we are promoting your meeting those you are less likely to know well. Unless otherwise requested, we will assign spouses and former roommates to separate discussion groups.

Early arrival on campus

Engage-and-Reflect participants traveling by plane need to make special arrangements to reach Northfield by 12:00pm on Thursday. That is because the earliest Carleton Reunion airport shuttle leaves Minneapolis at 2:30pm on Thursday. EcoTrans of Northfield (507-664-3859) charges $35 to $55 per person, depending on the number of passengers, with 24 hours notice. Taxi is approximately $75 one way. Car rental is another option. Some are arriving late Wednesday and staying in a Northfield motel. Perhaps we can help. We are collecting the travel plans of Engage-and-Reflect participants. If you contact Don Rubovits, we may be able to find a ride for you, or at least identify others who will share expenses.

It is a good idea to arrive at the campus a little early and wander, simply to become comfortable with the place.

Lunch for Engage-and-Reflect participants will be at noon on Thursday, June 18 (location: to be determined). Those arriving early but not enrolled in the discussion groups should make their own arrangements for lunch. Downtown Northfield has many good places to eat.

Reunion check-in for our class will be at the Watson Hall reception desk, but will not begin until 3:00pm. The College assigned you a room when you registered for reunion, so you can check-in at your leisure. Engage-and-Reflect participants may check into their rooms after their discussion group has finished.

The remainder of our 50^th Reunion begins with a barbecue dinner Thursday evening.