O'Dea High School > Reunion Guidelines

Reunion Guidelines

Two mailings: this includes supplies at the discretion of the Development Office and assistance with design. The committee will be responsible for postage, labeling and stuffing mailings.
Publicity and contact information on the O’Dea website and publications throughout the year.
Committee meetings can be held at O’Dea High School with the assistance of the Development Office.
Photos from archives, annuals, and clippings from class files can be borrowed to make nametags, pamphlets, or a class collage. The committee will need to be responsible for setting a up a time to gather this information and return it in good condition to O’Dea.
The Development staff will work with the committee to secure any appearances by Principal, Brother Murray, or any other staff.
The Development Office will not staff your Reunion events, but will give tours of the school on a mutually agreed upon date.

October - November

November - January

January

February

April

April - May

May - October

Form committee; choose committee chair

Update class mailing list

Reserve venue; return updated list to the Alumni Office

Plan events and first informational mailing to classmates

Second mailing to classmates for reservations

Plan awards, special programs, and any handout pieces

Reunions

Writing Letters - The first informational mailing should provide the main details for the class reunion and include a biographical survey to help plan additional activities based on family status, interests, etc. The second mailing is to take reservations and payment. Including a pre-addressed envelope and/or e-mail/web site to help expedite responses if desired.
Updating the Class List - Calling and/or e-mailing classmates to verify addresses using directories, internet searches, and classmates to find missing addresses of classmates. Report all changes back to the Alumni Office to update records.
Handling Class Funds - Setting up an account with a local bank or designate a treasurer and collecting and depositing checks.
Handling Event Details - Reserving the facility, caterer, photographer band, and/or DJ. Choosing decorations, arranging deliveries, and forming a set-up committee. Staffing events including finding volunteers to serve as event set-up and take down, greeters, money collectors, photographers, etc.
Communicating with Classmates - Create a class e-mail list for regular updates. Organize a phone effort to encourage attendance and update addresses.

Inexpensive or Cost Free:

Specific locations and tips of previous reunions:

Tour of the school.
The Parish Outreach Center across the street from St. James for slide shows/food/drinks/etc.
Usually the events are separated where one event is with wives/significant others and the other event are just the guys.
Attending the Homecoming Football Game in September or October.
Events such as Golf Tournaments, or even the O’Dea Golf Tournament.
Having a BBQ in the O’Dea courtyard.
Receptions in the O’Dea Gym.
Reserving class tables at the Italian Dinner and POSH Auction.

Classic Catering - http://www.classiccateringnw.com/ (425) 450-5591 info@classiccateringnw.com
FootPrint Catering - 206-217-4511 footprintcaters@aol.com
Susan Magan Catering - (425) 814-6151

Make a class contribution to O’Dea High School
Bind a biographical survey into a booklet and give out at the reunion
Create a class directory
Display class photos, memorabilia, or old uniforms
Vote on "most changed," "greatest distance traveled," "most number of kids," etc.
Create nametags with class photo and have spouse wear the photo as well
Contact local newspapers and radio stations and have them announce the reunion
Invite former teachers, coaches, even non-graduates who were in your class
Video activities to watch at a later reunion or send to those who cannot attend
Hire a professional photographer to take a class picture
Utilize the O’Dea website to get information out about reunions and post pictures from the reunion

Alumni Director . (206) 622-0722