Love is in the Air: 30 Year Booth Reunion

Last week I returned from my 30-year graduate business school reunion. There were close to one hundred of us for the event in Chicago. During the women’s luncheon, the alumni office shared that there is something different about our '92 class, that we (and class of '97) stand out in her mind from all the rest based on our connection and commitment to each other. Recurrent themes that came to mind to were love, community, values, and resiliency.

During the 30 year of ski trips (shout out to Ed and Nanci??), hikes, dating. weddings, births, bar and bat mitzvahs, divorces, funerals, and just keeping in touch, this group of business school friends has operated as a high functioning community (maybe one of the highest I have had the privilege to be a part of); all are welcomed, loved, and accepted. No one is ever turned away or left out of any events.

And the focus on values continues to be apparent: importance of family, friends, and being humble. Despite the career and financial success of many of my peers, there is always humility, a kind word, and generosity of spirit present. Everyone has made her/his own choices and some of us (myself included) have taken time off from promising careers to focus on family, friends, passions, and health.

And everyone is remembered. At each event, thanks to Dan??, friends who have passed away and are no longer physically with us, are always honored with stories, pictures, and a few minutes of silence.

In closing, I invite you to reflect on your relationship with your own communities:

1. To which community (communities) do I belong?
2. What talent and skills do I bring to my community??
3. How do I support others, during the good and bad times, in my community??
4. And how does my community support me?
5. In order to feel more connected, are there any other communities I might like to join?