How does a TV meteorologist from Mobile, Ala., end up having dinner with his father’s fraternity brother after relocating to Binghamton? And how did two couples discover that they led "parallel lives" and develop friendships based on their uncannily similar interests and experiences?

Simply answered: Oswego Reunion.

"The reconnect is absolutely fabulous," said alumni volunteer Karen Marshall Peters ’69 of Wilmington, who shared her Reunion stories. "You find that these people, your friends, these graduates are special and they do amazing things."

Karen and Bob Peters ’70 have organized four mini-reunions for Greek organization alumni from a Buckland’s-style picnic to a night out at Coleman’s Irish Pub. The Peters have maintained contact with their Greek brothers and sisters across the state and even throughout the country. When their son Douglas ’97, a meteorology major at Oswego, moved from Alabama to Binghamton, Bob’s fraternity brother Nate Hare '71 invited Doug to dinner during his first week on the new job.

Oswego Reunion 2008 is set for June 6 to 8 and everyone is welcome to join the Oswego family for a weekend of friends, fun and sun. Come reminisce about the old days with your first roommate or chat with someone new — you just might learn more about your classmates than you expected.

When Karen and Bob struck up a conversation with Wendy Wilson Arnold '70 and Roger Arnold '70, the couples discovered just how similar their stories were. Both had two sons, enjoyed camping, were employed as teachers and had visited many of the same vacation destinations. They now get together a couple of times each year.

Alumni Association Board member and volunteer Don Levine ’78 also raves about the Oswego Reunion experience. After joining the planning committee for his 15th reunion in 1993, Levine had so much fun that he asked to return for the following year. And he hasn’t quit since.

"Each year I meet so many old and new friends," Levine said. "I leave with a sense of satisfaction, fond memories and a desire to do it all over again next year." The New York City high school guidance counselor considers Reunion to be his "four-day therapy session that lasts the whole year."

Levine’s class of 1978 will be recognized at this year’s Reunion as a part of the 30th cluster. Special events are planned to honor the classes of 2002, 2003 and 2004; 1998; 1983; 1977, 1978, and 1979; 1968, 1963, 1958, 1953, 1948, 1943, 1938, 1933 and 1928.

Reunion 2008 will also feature mini-reunions for members of Alpha Delta Eta, Delta Kappa Kappa and to celebrate the 85th anniversary of Alpha Sigma Chi. "Mini-reunions really work," said Karen Peters. "You will see people that you know."

If your group or organization would like to plan a gathering during Reunion 2008, please contact the Alumni Office by Jan. 1, 2008. Have fun, be creative and get connected!

Chart your course for Oswego and Reunion 2008. Get on board as a volunteer and help navigate the weekend’s events or save the date and just stay for the weekend. It’s a great way to network with classmates, and it’s a lot of fun. Volunteer online today at www.oswego.edu/alumni/reunion/. Be sure to watch for registration materials in the mail next spring.

— Meagan Smith '07

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Oswego Alumni Association, Inc.
King Alumni Hall • SUNY Oswego • Oswego, NY 13126
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Email: alumni@oswego.edu
Web site: www.oswego.edu/alumni