50th Reunion Frequently Asked Questions
I haven’t kept in touch with anyone since high school. Why should I come to this reunion?
50 years is quite a milestone and, perhaps, a time to reflect and re-connect with old friends, share a memory and a few laughs about our time together at Marillac. We’ll make sure you feel welcome!
What can we expect on the Rooftop of 1440 N. Lake Shore Drive? Is it a restaurant or what?
The rooftop is a private indoor/outdoor space on the 36th floor of this beautiful residential building on Chicago’s Gold Coast. The rooftop offers breathtaking, unobstructed views of Lake Michigan, its beautiful beaches, and downtown. Its use is being generously donated by a classmate. If the weather is gorgeous, (prayers are appreciated) our reunion party can spread out, and we’ll have the whole rooftop to ourselves. If it’s rainy, we’ll occupy the indoor space.
Is there parking available near the venue?
Parking can be a challenge in the Gold Coast area, but we have found ways to make it easier for you! Don’t let transportation hold you back from celebrating this occasion!
Carpool:
We have secured a limited number of discounted parking spots. If you drive a carpool (2+ people) and are one of the first 20 drivers to “register” it through Claudette, you will receive discounted ($10) parking right in the building.
If you aren’t able to register your carpool in time or are driving solo, here are some suggestions:
- Download and reserve a parking spot using the SpotHero or ParkWhiz apps. You can reserve a spot now at a discounted price, pay ahead and make changes until it’s time to park. Nearby garages include: 1415 N. Dearborn or 1310 N Ritchie Court.
- Metered, on-street parking is extremely limited. You might find a spot along North Avenue, Burton Place, and Dearborn Street, payable through the Park Chicago app.
- Several of the adjoining streets are permit-parking ONLY, so be careful to watch for those signs.
I’m not sure about driving into the city. How else can I get to the event?
We do appreciate the extra effort it will take to come downtown from the suburbs and beyond. We planned the event time to avoid the worst of the traffic coming and going.
Consider taking a train to Union or Ogilvie stations, then a bus or an Uber/Lyft to the venue. If your line stops at Clybourn, that would be the closest to the venue. The event ends early enough to catch a train back home. If you’re not sure you want to do this solo, please contact Claudette to see if there are others from your area who would enjoy travelling together.
What if I want to stay overnight?
Some alumni, especially those coming from out of town, are planning to stay overnight and make a weekend of it. We checked into reserving blocks of rooms, but, surprisingly, the costs are significantly less if you book them yourself through your favorite discount travel app. Ones we suggest include Trivago.com, Priceline.com or Hotels.com. Click here for a suggested list of nearby hotels.
Will there be a cash bar?
No, because all beverages will be covered with your ticket price! Your ticket includes all catered appetizers, desserts and beverages (beer, wine, soft drinks and juice).
What should I wear?
Nice casual clothing would be great, but use your “responsible freedom” to guide you. FYI, at least one classmate will be wearing her actual uniform skirt! Do bring an extra layer, as most of the rooftop is open to the elements.
Are there really going to be teachers there?
We are inviting a few of the Daughters of Charity who are likely to attend. We have a list of all of 1972-76 faculty, but have little/no current contact information for many of them. IF you are still in contact with a teacher and wish to invite him/her, please contact Mary Eileen Revord Schricker who will provide you with the necessary information. There will be no cost, other than transportation, for faculty members.
I hear there’s going to be a DJ for background music. May I request a song?
Yes! Marita and Mary Jane will organize a play list based on your suggestions, so let them know what song brings back good memories of your Marillac days. Submit them here or via private message on our Facebook page.
Is there something I should bring? Glad you asked! Bring your school spirit and an item or two of memorabilia! We will have a few displays to promote conversation and to honor classmates who are deceased.
- For Memorabilia: Look through your home archive and select at least one item to add to the display during the event. Examples: A textbook, notes from Biology class, your uniform blazer, or a photo or two (you and your prom date?). Anything you think will bring back a shared memory! So that we don’t end up with a stack of yearbooks, please let us know what you’re bringing by sending a quick email to Mary Eileen.
- For the Memorial Display: We will provide cards for you to write a few words of sympathy or a memory of a deceased classmate. After the event, Cindy Sommers Munson will send the cards to a family member, so they know that their loved one was remembered at our 50th reunion.
Should I bring my camera and a tripod to take a group photo? Or just do selfies with friends? We’ve got photography covered! A Marillac alum/photographer will take candids as well as a few large group photos. After the event, the photos will be uploaded to a platform and to the Marillac Alumnae Association Events page. We’ll also have a DIY selfie station with frames and props!
Where’s the Facebook page?
Follow the event and let others know you are interested in or attending the event! You can see photos of the venue, memorabilia ideas and join in the conversation. www.facebook.com/Marillac1976
I would like to make a donation to Marillac St. Vincent to support their outreach efforts. What’s the best way to do that?
Your gift is appreciated and helps sustain youth educational programs through Marillac Saint Vincent, continuing the mission of the Daughters of Charity in Chicago. On the registration payment page, there will be an opportunity for you to make a donation. Another option is to donate via the Marillac Alumnae Association website here.
Hope we answered all of your questions! If not, just email us at marillac76reunion@gmail.com