LambdaDU Reunions Survey Findings
Lambda DU Reunion Survery (Letter)
“Dear Lambda and DU Brothers,
This letter asks for your help with a brief survey of your opinions about off-campus future reunions being planned for Lambda Iota and DU alumni. Please go to the survey at
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LambdaDUreunionsurv
BACKGROUND: In addition to the five-year Clarkson Alumni Class Reunions held in Potsdam, for the past ten years a small group of Lambda and DU alumni from Clarkson have been holding annual reunions in Florida during the month of March. This year at the Florida reunion we discussed alternatives for these off-campus reunions, like moving it out of Florida, changing the month it would be held, and whether to modify the reunion frequency to something other than every year.
Please click the hotlink below and weigh in with your opinions. This survey should take less than 10 minutes to complete, and will help us greatly in planning for the next and future reunions.
THE SURVEY WILL CLOSE ON MAY 5, SO PLEASE CLICK THE LINK AND FILL IT OUT NOW. “
The survey to gather input about how to proceed with Lambda/DU reunions closed on May 5, 2016, after having been open for over 3 weeks. There were 63 responses, which is a small percent of the database of alumni we have. On the other hand, that is about twice the number of brothers we have ever had at any particular off campus reunion except for 2007 that matched the number.
Here is a summary of the significant findings:
Nearly half of the respondents took the time to write a positive comment about maintaining these reunions. The things they like were overwhelmingly slanted towards the social aspects Of the reunions (dinners/ informal sessions/DJ and dancing)
Six brothers left contact info indicating they would help coordinate future reunions
Nearly 3/4 of respondents suggested having the reunions every other year or even less frequently
70% said that it was either "not at all" or only "slightly" important to have it on a weekend
85% said it was important to know who is coming t "moderately/very/or extremely"]
66% said that a guest speaker from Clarkson is important ("moderately/very/or extremely"]
61% said that a guest speaker from the Chapter is important ["moderately/very/or extremely".)
78% said that local points of interest are important "moderately/very/or extremely" ]
Over half would say it is "moderately/Very/or extremely" likely they would attend in NY state or Hilton Head.
Month does not seem to matter much there.
21 people said they would definitely or maybe willing to be a class captain, and left their contact info.
So 2017 will mark our first Non-Reunion Gathering in FL, "Unorganized" just fun!
Detailed Findings of 2016 Lambda/DU Reunion Survey
Following is a question-by-question summary of the Lambda/DU reunion survey results. The complete set of survey responses is attached.
1. If you have never attended one of the Lambda/DU reunions, what would it take to get you there?
Two-thirds of responses indicated that Travel Distance is “moderately/very/or extremely" important.
70% said that it was either "not at all" or "slightly" important to have it on a weekend
85% said it was either "moderately/very/or extremely" important to know who is attending.
2. If you have attended any of these reunions in the past, what was your favorite part?
There were 34 responses to this one. Most had to do with social activities, dancing/DJ
3. The agenda for these reunions has included an early bird gathering, welcome packet, hospitality suite, golf and other outings, short meeting to discuss fraternity matters, cocktail hours, group dinners and dancing to DJ music. For the past ten years we have been scheduling them annually, but have recently considered moving to every other year, possibly adding a 1-3 day "mini-reunion" with minimal organized group programs in the intervening years. How often do you think the fully organized version of the reunion should be held?
Nearly 3/4 of respondents indicated every other year or even less frequently
4. At past reunions we have included an option for attendees to play golf, along with other activities. The Reunion Committee is interested in knowing how important to you are things like having the opportunity to play golf at the reunion; a chance to visit a nearby casino; guest speakers; or if there is another activity you would prefer. On a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is Not at all important, and 5 is Extremely Important, please rate these activities:
About half said that Golf is "moderately/very/extremely” important
Only about 20% said that a Casino is "moderately/very/extremely" important
66% said that a guest speaker from Clarkson is "moderately/very/extremely" important
61% said that a guest speaker from the Chapter is "moderately/very/extremely" important
78% said that local points of interest are "moderately/very/extremely" important
5. Thinking about the next fully organized LambdaDU reunion we hold, using a 5 point scale, with 1 being Not at all likely and 5 being Extremely likely, please indicate the likelihood of your attending it at these localities. (You can score more than one location with the same number if they are tied in your mind.)
Hard to get definitive results here. Over half would say it is "moderately/very/or extremely" likely they would attend in NY state or Hilton Head. Month does not seem to matter much.
6. How important do you think it is to have a "Captain" contact brothers from his class to invite them to attend a Lambda/DU alumni reunion?
say it is “very or extremely" important to have a Class Captain
21 people said they would be willing to help on this (or "maybe"), and left their contact info.
8. Coordinators of past reunions are from the Classes of 1959 and 1964; some younger blood is really needed if we are to keep our fraternity alumni bonds Strong and to make sure we are appealing to younger alumni. Would you be willing to get involved as a member of the planning committee for these events?
Six brothers left contact info indicating they would help.
9. If responses to this survey indicate the next fully organized reunion should not be held until 2018, we are considering a mini-reunion (minimal organized events) next year for those who want to get together annually. If that event were held at Florida in March Of 2017 at the Plantation on Crystal River- please indicate below how likely it is that you would attend.
10 people said it was “very/extremely" likely they would attend
It marked it as "moderately" likely
10. If you have a final comment about the Lambda/DU reunions, please enter it here.
28 people had a comment; mostly positive ones about maintaining these reunions. annually.
11. If that event were held at Florida in March of 2017 at the Plantation on Crystal River please indicate below how likely it is that you would attend.
10 people said it was “very or extremely" likely they would attend
It marked it as "moderately" likely