MacMurray Homecoming Rescheduled to 2022
August 19, 2021
MacMurray Foundation & Alumni Association has announced the postponement of the planned October 15 – 17 Homecoming and Alumni gathering with the goal of hosting the event in Jacksonville in spring/summer of 2022.
The Foundation's Board of Directors, and others involved in planning the events, have been monitoring COVID and the Delta Variant over the past six weeks. Accumulated data for Illinois, specifically Morgan County, shows that cases are increasing weekly, hospitalizations are up significantly, and the weekly number of deaths is also increasing nationally and statewide. In addition, vaccination rates in Morgan County continue to be significantly below state and national averages. The increase in those fully vaccinated catching the Delta Variant further complicated plans.
Several individuals, including those going to be honored, had expressed their decision not to attend due to the health crisis. It was also planned to recognize MacMurray's last graduating Class of 2020 with a special ceremony as well as the Classes of 1970 and 1971 in recognition of their 50th and 51st year reunion.
Foundation Board Chair David Ekin stated, "This was not an easy decision but given the number of people who come from all over the country a decision needed to be made. Moreover, the Board felt that the number of activities scheduled indoors was not worth the risk and included the possibility of people bringing COVID with them or catching it while in Jacksonville. There would be nothing worse than our gathering to be the cause of others getting COVID and passing it along." Additionally, there is the possibility of further restrictions and requirements on group gatherings.
MacMurray Foundation & Alumni Association remains committed to holding future gatherings in Jacksonville and emphasized that this was a postponement and not a cancellation. MacMurray Foundation is currently working with local planners to identify a rescheduled date in late spring or early summer 2022 when conditions will hopefully be more conducive to a gathering in Jacksonville.
MacMurray Foundation & Alumni Association was formed following the announced closure of MacMurray College. Our Mission is to preserve and advance the legacy of MacMurray, hold the Archives and have a display of memorabilia and artifacts and provide scholarships to members of MacFam and their descendants and to others whose career aligns with the programs MacMurray was well known for. For more information, please visit us at www.MacAlumFoundation.org