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Why 2024 is the year to attend Academy Reunion Weekend
Featuring class visits, special events, and even the chance to sing with the Academy choir, here’s what’s happening this year at Academy Reunion Weekend.
For alumni of Interlochen Arts Academy who have considered coming to Academy Reunion Weekend, fall 2024 is the ideal year for making plans to attend. The weekend, which will take place October 18-20, offers plenty of chances for alumni to reconnect with classmates and friends, enjoy student and alumni performances, explore favorite spots on campus, and more. This year’s reunion also offers an array of special events designed to give alumni that back-to-school feeling, as well as the joy of camaraderie with like-minded adults.
Highlights of Academy Reunion Weekend 2024
As always, the weekend is open to Arts Academy alumni from all classes. 14 classes will celebrate milestone reunions this year: 10th (2014, 2015); 20th (2004, 2005); 25th (2009, 2010); 30th (1994, 1995); 40th (1984, 1985); 50th (1974, 1975); and 60th (1964, 1965) milestones.
This year’s lineup of special events includes IAA Today on Saturday with President Trey Devey and Provost Camille Colatosti. Trey and Camille will share the latest updates on Interlochen Arts Academy and what the future holds heading into the centennial celebration in 2028. There will be time for alumni to ask questions both in person and virtually.
New this year, alumni who indicate interest in their registrations and attend a Friday rehearsal will have the chance to perform in the Interlochen Arts Academy Choir Concert, contributing their voices to the final piece of the performance, “Michigan Morn” by H. Owen Reed. Alumni will also be able to share their talents at the Alumni Coffeehouse on Saturday night, featuring friends and fellow alumni giving live performances in a variety of art forms; and visual artists can contribute work to the Alumni Visual Arts Display.
Other optional activities include “A Look Behind the Curtain" with Amanda Lifvendahl, Costume Shop Supervisor, and Stephen John, Director of Theatre Design & Production, at Harvey Theatre Complex; an IPR Tour & Talk which allows alumni to spend time in the IPR studios and even make recordings explaining why they love public radio; and a Jazz Dance Class taught by faculty member and alumna Leslie Williams (IAC/NMC 90-92, IAA 92-96). There will be plenty of time for visiting arts and academic classes on Friday, plus chances to watch current Arts Academy students perform.
Alumni will have the opportunity to perform at the popular Coffeehouse on Saturday.
Alumni from all classes are invited to the Alumni Reunion Weekend to connect with old friends and make new ones.
Visual artists can contribute work to the Alumni Visual Arts Display.
During the weekend, alumni are free to explore Interlochen's beautiful campus.
“A whole-community event”
Each year, Associate Director of Engagement Alyssa Blaker works to plan and coordinate Academy Reunion Weekend. She’s deeply proud of how the entire Interlochen community makes this event possible.
“This is truly a whole-community event,” Blaker says. “Our students, our faculty and staff from all departments, our facilities team—everyone comes together to help make this weekend fun and engaging. It’s a great chance for alumni to come back to campus, and it's really meaningful for us when they are able to take the time to experience this special place alongside their friends and peers.”
Alumna Krista Keck (IAA 81-83) first attended Academy Reunion Weekend in 2012. For her, coming back to campus felt like it was long overdue.
“I wish I’d gone back to campus sooner, because it was so impactful for so many reasons,” she says. “Arts Academy was my home for two years, and it was such a meaningful part of my life. Coming to Reunion Weekend was a homecoming in every sense of the word.”
Coming to Reunion Weekend was a homecoming in every sense of the word.
Since her first Reunion Weekend, Keck has returned many times.
“I don't know what streak I'm on, but I'm that nerdy alumna who comes every time now,” she laughs. “It's just so special being back on campus, reconnecting with classmates and friends who are scattered all around the globe, and hearing what they're doing in their lives and in their arts area.”
Keck isn’t sure what her favorite part of Reunion Weekend is, but she says that hearing Academy students rehearse and perform is always a highlight for her.
“I love getting to experience the crazy talents of current Academy students. Their performances are always so awe-inspiring. I’ll go watch them with some of my classmates, and we’ll sit there and say to each other multiple times during the performance: ‘Oh my God, these are high school students?’ It blows our minds.”
Giving over Academy Reunion Weekend
For many alumni, Academy Reunion Weekend is a time of feeling refreshed, inspired, and ready to give back to the institution that supported them through their high school years. Gifts to the annual fund are welcome at any time; however, all gifts made before October 31, 2024 will be counted toward a class gift (if your class ambassadors have created one). This year’s class gifts will be given by the 30th, 40th, 50th, and 60th milestone classes, offering alumni a vital chance to give back while supporting scholarships for today's students.
“If you’re thinking about coming back, this is the year to come,” says Blaker. “We want to see all of our alumni filling the campus this October. It’s always our joy to welcome you back.”
For more information on Academy Reunion Weekend, including a full schedule of events and a list of who’s coming, please see the Academy Reunion Weekend Website.
