COVID-19 UPDATE:
The IU School of Optometry is postponing the Alumni Weekend and Class Reunion 2020 events and moving them to fall 2021. This was not a fast and easy decision to make. We spent weeks talking about this and getting guidance and advice from IU leaders, peers, and watching public health experts take the lead. Although COVID-19 lockdowns may start to phase out in May for parts of the U.S., IU will continue to do its social lockdown at least through July 31.
Public health experts are starting to advise huge events like concerts, industry conferences, and sporting events with packed stadiums should stay closed through 2020. A return to “normalcy” in the fall is the hope, but not a guarantee. Without a vaccine for COVID-19, if social distancing is reduced during the summer, then we could see a new wave of infections arriving in September and October requiring a reintroduction of the need for social distancing. Our alumni and friends are too important to us. Without a vaccine for COVID-19, we don’t want to put our older alumni and friends at risk by conducting events that bring them to our populous university campus/town.
Financially, this isn’t going to be the greatest year for many of our alumni who own their own practices. Going a month or more without seeing patients is hard physically, mentally, and financially. We want our alumni to be able to focus on their practices and their finances without the stress of us asking them to travel, book a hotel, etc. for an event.
We are working on finalizing details for an Alumni Weekend for early fall 2021 and will share details ASAP. This weekend will feature class reunions (for graduating years ending in 0, 1, 5, and 6), the Gala, and an OWL Brunch (for alumni who graduated 50+ years ago). See the tentative schedule below.
Class Reunions
If you graduated in a year that ends in 0, 1, 5, or 6, then we are looking forward to celebrating this milestone with you with some extra perks. In addition to the Gala, there will be a reception, school tour, and dinner for these reunion classes. Registration is required. See the weekend’s tentative schedule below.
Accessible Parking for Patrons with Disabilities
Accessible parking for reunion activities is available for anyone with a state-issued disability placard or license plate.
For activities at the School
Accessible parking is available behind the School. There is only one handicapped designated spot, but attendees can park at any of the other available spots behind the School and sign in at the front desk.