ALUMNI MATTERS: November 2nd, 2011 Update

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NEWS

I have collected all the data from multiple interviews, our Alumni Brainstorming Session, and the DCHS Alumni Association Survey (which 109 graduates have completed!) and compiled it into a report that I will be presenting to the DCSS Senior Administration Team next Tuesday morning, November 8th at 9:00am. Please keep me in your prayers that I will be able to effectively communicate the heart and desires of our dear alumni family! I'm so honored, yet so humbled to be serving in this role... May God grant me the wisdom to find the best ways to work with DC to uplift our fellow graduates, positively impact lives, and continue the mission of Dayton Christian Schools through this initiative. I'll keep you posted!

JULIENNE DEMOLITION UPDATE

The building that served as our school home for 30 years at 325 Homewood Avenue is set for demolition this coming spring. It's currently being remediated of hazardous materials like asbestos. I've been in communication with the Dayton Board of Education, the hazardous waste company, the company that is salvaging some of the art and valuable architectural features, and the firm that will be taking care of the demolition. Since there is no way to stop this process, I am working with the owners to try to secure permission to preserve some of the buildings materials. Our hope is not only to make them available to our alumni community, but also to work with Dayton Christian to build an appropriate memorial (sponsored by us and using the salvaged materials from Julienne) at the current school campus in Miamisburg. Mr. Schindler and I have a tentative meeting scheduled with the director of the demolition project in December – we should know more specifics at that time...

70's REUNION SURVEY RESULTS

Over 30% of the graduates that participated in the DCHS 70s Reunion Weekend on September 23rd & 24th took part in the Reunion Survey. Here are some of the results and highlights:

• When did you first find out about the reunion? 88% knew at least two months prior to the events. Only 4% of attendees found out less than two weeks before the reunion.
• We tried to make cost a non-factor in the decision to participate in the Reunion Weekend. In the future we should: 63% said that we should follow the same model as these events – not charging admission but accepting donations to help cover the costs.
• Would you like to be part of another all 1970s DCHS Reunion in the future? 96% said "Absolutely!"
• When would you like us to plan another DCHS 70's Reunion? 79% requested another reunion in the fall of 2012 as part of DC's 50th Anniversary celebration.
• Would you be willing to help plan, organize, and deliver a multi-year alumni reunion event? 67% said "Yes."
• Would you be willing to help find and contact fellow-classmates regarding Dayton Christian alumni events? 74% said "Yes."
• As you reflect on the entire DCHS 70's Reunion Weekend, how would you rate your overall experience? 80% gave it the highest possible rating. 8% considered it to be just average.

RATING THE INDIVIDUAL REUNION COMPONENTS:

QUOTES:

Relevant comments and suggestions made in the survey:

• "I'm not a big tailgate party guy, so my assessment might be comparing it to the mythical tailgate. Mostly, it was cool to see so many."
• "Enjoyed seeing and getting caught up with everyone. Very touching."
• "The only disappointment was some of the local alumni 'no-show's."
• "We should chip in together and cater the food portion of the event, which will allow folks to focus on the interaction, since it was the first opportunity in a long time to see each other. With someone other than alumni doing the food, it will be less of a logistics issue. I am certain everyone would chip in. I had a blast, by the way!"
• "It was great to get a chance to see old friends and teachers!"
• "I was late, so I missed some of it. I really felt like it was well-thought out and organized and it was an enjoyable experience."
• "When we sat down it would be nice if everyone could just introduce themselves. Or if it's not an overly large group people could add what they're doing now. That way, if you don't get around to everyone you've still caught up on them."
• "I got the impression that parts of the Open House event were a precursor to a capital funds drive and not exclusively about an alumni get together."
• "It was fun to interact with people from other classes. Ours is a strong class - we like to get together. But it was fun getting to know others, too!"
• "Awesome."
• "All Activities were a PERFECT 10. I am in awe of the Pawleskis' attitude and commitment regarding the Dinner in the Country. What a positive testimony especially in the light of what was going on in their lives."
• "Absolutely perfect venue, food, campfire... just a perfect evening. Many thanks to the Pawelskis for opening their home to us."
• "The 70s Reunion revealed a need and desire of alumni to reconnect with the school and with each other."
• "I would really like having this info available via an embedded link on the DCS website. Makes it very handy to stay informed of what is going on generally regarding DCS and avoids having to rely on Facebook, etc."
• "I had a wonderful time seeing folks I had not seen in years, and it was just an absolutely terrific experience."
• "As we get the word out earlier, the attendance will improve from all sides (alum, family, teachers). I'm excited about next year! We can all start setting aside funds for travel, food, etc.. We do need to extend it a bit (maybe Wednesday thru Saturday) and offer some other excursions to participate in, keeping it flexible (maybe golf, Kings Island, USAF museum, etc.) so folks can have the opportunity to make it their vacation for the year."
• "I would like to see another reunion planned for next fall because of the 50th anniversary. Thank you for coordinating this event!"
• "It was a weekend that will forever be in my memories. Thank You!"