ACAA 2026 Reunion Committee
Event Chair: Aundrea Cika Heschmeyer, Vice President
Role Summary: Provides overall vision and leadership for the reunion, guiding the planning process and ensuring a meaningful experience for all attendees. Sets the tone for the weekend by blending logistics with creativity, working closely with all committee chairs to craft an event that is both emotionally resonant and seamlessly executed.
Responsibilities:
Shapes the event’s theme, tone, and atmosphere to reflect the spirit of the alumni community
Leads all planning efforts and oversees committee collaboration
Secures hotel blocks, meeting spaces, and event venues
Collaborates with hotel staff and vendors to coordinate catering and event setup
Arranges transportation or shuttles for attendees as needed
Serves as the on-site leader throughout the reunion weekend, solving problems, supporting committee operations in real time, and ensuring everything runs smoothly
COMMITTEES
1. FINANCE COMMITTEE
Purpose: Reviews contracts, manages reunion budgeting, tracks expenses, and ensures financial oversight.
Responsibilities:
Set overall budget and monitor spending across all committees
Reconcile income from registrations, sponsorships, and fundraising
Coordinate payments to vendors and venues
Provide financial reports before and after the reunion
Chair: Lou Sitnik (Treasurer)
Members:
Mike Anderson, President
Aundrea Cika Heschmeyer, Vice President/Event Chair
2. SPONSORSHIP COMMITTEE
Purpose: Secures support from businesses, individuals, and organizations to defray event expenses
Responsibilities:
Develop sponsorship packages and recognition levels
Solicit and follow up with corporate and alumni-owned sponsors
Secure in-kind donations for items like printing, signage, or other
Ensure sponsor visibility during event (program, signage, stage mentions)
Chair: Jim Koscielniak
3. OUTREACH COMMITTEE
Purpose: Reconnect alumni, staff, and friends to encourage attendance and engagement
Responsibilities:
Maintain and update alumni contact lists
Conduct personal outreach and RSVP follow-ups
Encourage special interest meetups (sports teams, clubs, etc.)
Recruit Class Captains to contact peers by decade or class year
Chair: Marcia Pilkiewicz AC Class of 1975Members:
4. MARKETING COMMITTEE
Purpose: Drives promotion and manages guest communication before, during, and after the event
Responsibilities:
Create and schedule email, website, and social media content
Designs and places event ads and manages media outreach
Design printed materials and programs
Coordinate photography, videography, and event recap content
5. PROGRAM & ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE
Purpose: Suggests, designs, and manages reunion activities, solicits speakers, and arranges performances. Responsible for drafting event itinerary, recruiting emcees and hosts, booking talent as approved, and arranging any necessary AV needs.
Responsibilities:
Evening Socials & Music – Coordinate speakers, interactive activities, games, music, and themed nights
Special Events – Cultural components, religious services, or storytelling
Memorial & Recognition – Plan tributes and award presentations if appropriate
Chair: Helen Tueffel AC Class of 1980
6. FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE
Purpose: Manages on-site fundraising activities such as basket raffles, silent auctions, 50/50 raffles
Responsibilities:
Solicit donations
Handle ticket sales and cashboxes
Announce winners and track proceeds
Members:
Polish Pottery Raffle - Roberta Polovick
50/50 Julie Anderson
Merch - Mary Ann Posanski
7. HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE
Purpose: Sets the tone for hospitality by managing guest experience, attendee check-in, and on-site setup and volunteer coordination.
Responsibilities:
Design and manage the registration check-in process
Oversee accessibility needs and ADA compliance
Create signage for wayfinding and information tables
Plan, source, and assemble welcome bags, name tags, and party favors
Solicit or purchase items (branded giveaways, snacks, info materials) and organize a stuffing party in advance of the event start
Recruit, assign, and train event volunteers
Roles include registration, raffle table, merchandise, and floaters
Develop and distribute volunteer schedules and instructions
Coordinate welcome materials, signage, and registration check-in
Ensure ADA/accessibility considerations
Chair: Susan (Burgess) Styborski AC Class 1983
8. LEGACY & ARCHIVES COMMITTEE
Purpose: Honors Alliance College history and showcases alumni stories
Responsibilities:
Gather photos, memorabilia, and archives
Create displays, slideshow presentations, or digital galleries
Assist with any alumni directory or tribute projects
Chair: Dr. Kathy (Polanski) Noce AC Class 1982