Based on the continuing widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Multicultural Advancement (SUMA) has determined it is best to postpone CBT 2020 until Sept. 9-12, 2021.
“We’ve worked very hard to develop a four-day weekend celebration that honors our traditions while introducing exciting new events and programming,” says Rachel Vassel ’91, assistant vice president of multicultural advancement. “As much as we looked forward to welcoming alumni back to campus, we also didn’t want our 150th celebration diminished by lowered attendance and social distancing protocols. We look forward to a great CBT at the same time next year.”
A May survey of alumni found that 65 percent of respondents had been personally impacted by COVID-19, either through loss of job or income, illness or losing a loved one to the virus. That feedback, as well as consultation with the Multicultural Advisory Committee and CBT co-chairs, led to the decision to reschedule. Eighty-five percent of respondents said they would attend CBT if rescheduled for September 2021.
Options are available to individuals who have already registered for the 2020 reunion. Those who have already paid for their registration may choose to transfer their registration to the 2021 reunion, donate their registration fee to the Our Time Has Come Scholarship Fund, Syracuse Responds, or request a refund. Registered attendees will receive an email form to complete by June 30 and may contact the Office of Multicultural Advancement at suma@syr.edu with questions.
Note: If you are a current student and did not pay a registration fee, you do not need to complete the form. If you’ve made a hotel reservation, contact the hotel directly to cancel. The new block for CBT 2021 will not be available until October 2020.
But alumni won’t have to wait an entire year to come back together. In addition to the CBT Virtual Connection Series this summer, a mini “virtual” CBT will be held on Friday, Oct. 16. This daylong event will include a career session, book talk, panel discussion and a 150th anniversary celebration and OTHC fundraiser. The virtual CBT event is free of charge, and registration will open in August.
“Despite COVID-19, this is an important year in the life of Syracuse University, and we’re working hard to help alumni stay connected, honor our traditions and support our students,” says Vassel.
