Reunion Playbook
Finneytown Alumni Network
Planning Your Reunion?
We Can Help!
The Finneytown Alumni Network’s Reunion Playbook offers step-by-step guidance for planning reunions, from contacting the FAN office, arranging campus tours, using online resources, inviting former teachers, and choosing venues, to tips on promotion, RSVPs, and staying connected post-reunion.
The Reunion Playbook
Fill out the Reunion Information Form
Planning a reunion starts with reaching out to the Finneytown Alumni Network. Our office is here to support you in making your reunion as smooth and successful as possible. We can assist by adding your event to the official Alumni Calendar and ensuring that your chosen dates do not overlap with other key community events. Additionally, we help promote your reunion through our social media channels, newsletters, and website to maximize outreach.
Create Your Contact List
Building an up-to-date contact list is essential for a successful reunion. Start by gathering the latest contact information from FAN’s office, and then use social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and other networks to locate classmates. Once you have a preliminary list, send out an RSVP to gauge interest in the reunion. Ask your classmates to send it out to their classmates! This will help you get an idea of how many people are likely to attend, and you can use this information for better planning of venues, activities, and logistics.
Consider: Identify those who have passed away and remember them in some way during the event.
Need help? Let us know. We can create an RSVP for your reunion like this.
Form Your Team
Most reunion committees have a chair or co-chairs who oversee all aspects of planning the reunion event. Typically, it would be best if you planned to have 5-8 individuals (depending on the size of your reunion) who would make a great planning team. Schedule meetings considering your committee's routines, and hold conference calls if needed. Regular emails help keep everyone updated. Assign clear responsibilities based on each member's strengths to ensure effective planning.
A reunion planning committee can consist of:
A Chairperson (Main Point of Contact)
Responsible for:
Finding and inviting committee members to participate
Scheduling committee meetings and notifying members of the meetings
Presiding over meetings and keeping everyone on track
Assisting in recruiting volunteers and developing job assignments
Communicating with the Finneytown Alumni Network.
The Committee
Responsible for:
Participating in finding and contacting alumni (including locating lost alumni)
Encouraging attendance and building enthusiasm
Assisting in all aspects of planning and executing the event
Schedule A Campus Tour
Campus tours are a great way to rekindle old memories and see how Finneytown has evolved over the years. The Secondary Campus is undergoing a transformation, with the school district breaking ground on a brand-new high school that will open in the fall of 2026. Some areas will be off-limits, but we will do our best to show you around! We encourage alumni groups to arrange a tour as part of their reunion weekend.
Tour Details:
Schedule: Tours are generally scheduled on Saturday afternoons (starting around 2), and each tour typically lasts 1–2 hours.
Guides: The tours are conducted by our Finneytown alumni and current teachers who know the school well.
Special Arrangements: Tours begin with a brief welcome and update on the Finneytown Alumni Network.
Utilize Our Website
Make the most of FinneytownAlumni.org to plan your reunion. Fill out the reunion planning form, and we will be sure to connect you with:
Alumni Directory: Use our online directory to locate classmates and neighboring classes, making outreach more efficient. Once the planning form has been filled out, we can share the contacts we have within our database.
Events Page: Reunion details will be shared on the Events and Reunions page of our website. This way, everyone stays informed and can access updates easily.
Consider Inviting Former Teachers
Inviting former teachers or advisers adds a meaningful touch to your reunion. Many alumni enjoy reconnecting with teachers who had a lasting impact on their lives. Our Alumni Office maintains an active database of former teachers who may be available to attend reunions.
Teacher Contact: While we do not have contacts for all past teachers, we can help facilitate invitations for those interested in attending.
Notification: Make sure to contact us well in advance if you would like us to reach out to former teachers on your behalf.
Reunion Venues
The venue sets the tone for the entire reunion. Whether it’s casual or formal, on-campus or off-site, we have options that will suit your needs.
Consider a Class Gift
Consider a Class Gift: A great way to mark your reunion is to organize a class gift to benefit the Finneytown Alumni Network. Our mission is to impact current and future Finneytown students through district and classroom grants that support educational excellence. By contributing a class gift to this fund, you will directly enhance learning opportunities and provide valuable resources for students and teachers. Class gifts can support initiatives such as student grants, new facilities, or special projects that continue to improve Finneytown Schools and create a lasting impact on our community.
Other Tips
Promoting and Collecting RSVPs
Consider setting up a dedicated reunion Facebook page or a private website to share information and collect RSVPs. You could also use Eventbrite, Venmo, or PayPal for event ticket sales or donations.
Provide Updated Contact Info
After your reunion, please share updated contact information with the FAN office. We rely on accurate contact info to ensure future reunions can reach as many alumni as possible. We can provide you with an Excel file to manage updated contacts, which can be returned after the reunion.
Get Involved Beyond Your Reunion
Become a Member of FAN
Stay connected beyond your reunion by becoming an active member of FAN. Your involvement helps strengthen our alumni network and creates more opportunities for current students. Membership includes access to exclusive events, newsletters, and updates on the progress of school initiatives. More information on joining can be found at finneytownalumni.org/membership.
Volunteer Opportunities
Alumni involvement is a cornerstone of FAN’s mission. We are always looking for volunteers to help plan events, mentor current students, or serve on the FAN board. Volunteering is a rewarding way to give back and stay connected to the Finneytown community.
Donate
Your contributions make a difference. Donations help FAN provide scholarships, host events, and maintain alumni services. Every donation, large or small, contributes to the future of Finneytown Schools. You can make a donation directly on our website.
Frequently Asked Questions
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It is best to start planning at least 12 months before the reunion. This allows plenty of time for reserving venues, contacting classmates, and promoting the event.
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The FAN office is your first point of contact. We offer resources such as planning checklists, sample invitation letters, and contact lists.
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Our alumni database is expanding, but there may be some gaps. We recommend using social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and even contacting friends who may have stayed in touch. You can also reach out to FAN for additional suggestions.
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Social media is a powerful tool for promoting your reunion. Set up a Facebook page or group dedicated to your class, post regular updates, and encourage classmates to share the event. Additionally, FAN can help by listing your reunion on our website and sharing through newsletters.
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Yes, FAN can provide guidance on organizing class gifts and fundraising. We can also provide information on current school initiatives that need support, which could be ideal for a meaningful class contribution.
Planning Checklist
Planning Checklist
12 Months Before the Reunion
Contact FAN’s Office to express interest in organizing the reunion.
Form a planning committee and assign roles (e.g., communication, logistics, finance).
Set a date for the reunion and reserve venues (both on-campus and off-campus).
Start collecting updated contact information for classmates.
9-11 Months Before the Reunion
Create a budget for the event, considering venue, catering, decorations, and entertainment costs.
Begin drafting a “Save the Date” announcement and send it out.
Contact FAN for help locating former teachers or advisers.
6-8 Months Before the Reunion
Finalize the venue booking and catering arrangements.
Plan campus tours and confirm the schedule with FAN’s Office.
Promote the reunion on social media and through newsletters.
3-5 Months Before the Reunion
Send out official invitations and include event details (e.g., date, time, location, RSVP instructions).
Arrange for entertainment, music, or activities during the event.
Begin collecting RSVPs and track responses.
1-2 Months Before the Reunion
Confirm all arrangements, including venue, catering, decorations, and entertainment.
Order any memorabilia, such as T-shirts, mugs, or banners.
Prepare name tags and other reunion materials.
Continue promoting the reunion and encouraging classmates to RSVP.
1 Week Before the Reunion
Finalize the attendee list and share it with the venue and caterers.
Confirm details with all vendors, speakers, and volunteers.
Arrange for someone to take photos or video during the event.
Prepare a welcome speech or remarks for the reunion.
After the Reunion
Send thank-you notes to attendees, vendors, and volunteers.
Share photos and highlights from the event on the class page and FAN website.
Provide updated contact information to FAN’s Office.
Finneytown Class of 1995 - 30th Reunion
Join us August 8-9, 2025, to celebrate 30 years since graduation! Enjoy a tour of the secondary campus and a fun evening at High Grain Brewery. Reconnect, reminisce, and make new memories with your classmates. For questions, contact Marc Brafman at mbrafman14@gmail.com. Don’t miss it!