Class of 2020 breaks attendance records in first milestone Reunion

“It’s like the 2020 spring that we never had condensed into three days!” said Shruti Juneja  ’20.

At their fifth Reunion, the Class of 2020 had much to celebrate. With their senior year cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic that shuttered campus in March 2020, many 2020 classmates felt a mix of nostalgia and excitement to return for the first time.

“We're just picking up where we left off in 2020. I went for a run around campus this morning and got a little sentimental, shed a few tears. It's really exciting to have all of our friends so energized to be back together,” said Austin Rae Haycox ’20, the Class of 2020 co-president with Dillon Sumanthiran ’20.

Members of the Class of 2020 class council gather on June 6.

“It brings back a lot of special memories that we've all held close to our hearts,” agreed Elizabeth Peters ’20. “Being back in the dorms, eating at the dining halls, getting to see some new buildings on campus, walking back to our classrooms, doing a little virtual work either from the dorms or from Mann Library.”

To help give the Class of 2020 a remarkable first Reunion and make up for lost time, the Class of 1960 contributed $25,000 from their class treasury, matching a university gift. The generous gift is just the start of the relationship between the two classes, which blossomed into one of shared respect and Big Red spirit during Reunion.

One of the main attractions for the youngest Reunion class was a second chance at Slope Day, dubbed “Slope Day 2.020,” featuring the Norwegian DJ Matoma. The private concert drew more than 1,000 members of the Class of 2020 to campus, breaking fifth Reunion attendance records.

“We're so thankful that the Class of 1960 was able to help us facilitate the event and put on something that I think our whole class will remember,” Elizabeth said.

The Class of 2020 enjoys Slope Day 2.020 with Matoma in Barton Hall.

“I think it was really special to have the Class of 1960 support us in the way that they did,” Austin echoed. “It's inspiring the energy that they still have, that they're excited to continue to live through us and pass on the memories and the love and the excitement they have for Cornell," she said. "It's like an everlasting spirit. The Class of 1960 is unparalleled.”