Thursday, January 18, 2024
Curious about THAW? Check out these Frequently Asked Questions, or email bergalum@muhlenberg.edu for more information.
General Questions
Volunteer Host Questions
General Questions
What is THAW?
Muhlenberg's Toast Heard Around the World (THAW) is an alumni tradition that began in 2014. Now entering its tenth year, THAW is the one night each year when Mules across the country and around the world gather in their local communities, or virtually, to meet each other and raise a toast to our alma mater. Alumni volunteers partner with the College's Alumni Office to organize gatherings and invite Mules to attend. Those who can't make it to a group THAW event are encouraged to toast on their own wherever they may be. In 2023, more than 1,100 Mules participated.
Why should I participate?
There are many reasons to join the THAW fun. THAW is a great way to meet alumni who live near you (you'll make new friends and connections as you discover Mule neighbors you didn't know you had!) and to re-connect with friends, classmates, and teammates whom you haven't seen in awhile. At THAW events, you'll also learn what's new at Muhlenberg while reminiscing about your student days. It's not always possible to come back to campus, but THAW gives you the opportunity to stay connected to the College and other alumni no matter where you are. THAW is one day when Muhlenberg comes to you - don't miss it!
How can I get involved?
There are three ways that Mules can participate in THAW:
1. Organize a THAW event for alumni in your affinity / friend group, or your geographic area or workplace. For more information about hosting a THAW event, visit the THAW host page.
2. Attend a group THAW event of your choice, or more than one! Look for announcements from the College and alumni volunteers to find out how you can celebrate THAW with other Mules in your area or affinity group. Events will be listed on the THAW homepage as they are confirmed.
3. Toast on your own, or with a Mule friend, family member, or co-worker. Wherever you are, you can join the THAW celebration.
What's my affinity group?
An affinity group is a group based on common interests or characteristics, rather than geography. Virtual THAWs make it possible for Mules to gather with folks who don't live close. Examples of affinity groups include teams, clubs, fraternities and sororities, class years, majors and programs of study, residence halls, casts of a particular show, etc. Check the THAW homepage to see which affinity groups are gathering for THAW.
When and where is THAW happening?
THAW is typically held in January on the first Thursday of the spring semester. In 2024, that is Thursday, January 18. As events are confirmed, you'll be able to view the full list on the THAW homepage. If you can't make it to a group event, you can do your own toast!
Can I attend more than one THAW event?
Possibly! With the addition of virtual events, you may see several THAWs that appeal to you. Check the details; they won't all happen at the exact same time. You can register for any events that interest you.
Is it true that THAW is an award-winning program?
Yes! In 2017, Muhlenberg's THAW event was selected as a Bronze level winner in the "Special Event, Single Day" category of the CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education) Circle of Excellence Awards. THAW was one of six winners chosen from 73 entries in this category. Judges recognized THAW for its ability to engage and interact with alumni far and wide. No matter where you are, you can participate in THAW this year!
Volunteer Host Questions
How can I organize a THAW event for alumni in my area or affinity group?
For complete details on hosting a THAW event, visit the THAW host page. Still have questions? Send an email to bergalum@muhlenberg.edu, or call the Alumni Office at 1-800-464-2374.
Can I work with another alumnus or alumna to co-host my THAW?
Absolutely. Co-hosting can be a great way to reduce workload while achieving greater results. You may wish to work with another alumnus / alumna whom you already know, or the Alumni Office may have a suggestion of a good partner in your area. Click here to read some helpful tips for co-hosts.
When should I start planning my THAW event?
Volunteers typically begin planning their THAW events in the fall. To ensure maximum promotion time for your THAW, we recommend that volunteer hosts confirm all event details with the Alumni Office as soon as possible, usually by Thanksgiving.
Can I find out how many alumni live near me?
Yes. To start, check out the Muhlenberg College Alumni Population map, which will give you an estimate of how many alumni reside in your area. If you choose to host a THAW event, the Alumni Office will provide you a list of alumni contact information (based on geography or affinity group) after you complete a volunteer confidentiality agreement. If you are hosting a THAW@Work, Career Center staff may be able to help you identify alumni at your workplace.
What is the difference between an "open" and "private" THAW event?
There are two types of THAW events that involve groups of Mules gathering together:
1. An Open THAW invites all alumni in a given area or affinity. The event is listed on the THAW homepage and registration is open to everyone via an online event link, or by calling the Alumni Office. Most THAW events are open - this is a great choice if you want to meet your Mule neighbors or bring together larger groups of people. Open THAWs can be held in-person or virtually.
2. A Private THAW, including THAW@Work, invites only alumni of the host's choice. This is a good option if you want to bring together only specific people, such as friends you already know. The event is listed on the THAW homepage, but the host is solely responsible for issuing invitations and collecting RSVPs. Private THAWs can be held in-person or virtually.
What is THAW@Work?
THAW@Work is a variation on a Private THAW, making it convenient to celebrate THAW during the workday with co-workers who are 'Berg alumni. The Alumni Office provides support and, for in-person events, covers the cost of coffee and donuts (or similar) for Mule colleagues to share. THAW@Work can be held in-person or virtually. Click here to learn more about THAW@Work.
Can I host more than one THAW event?
Possibly. If you would like to coordinate multiple virtual THAW events for different affinity groups or regions, you are welcome to do that as long as you stagger the times and can fulfill all host expectations for each event you host. If you want to coordinate an in-person THAW in addition to one or more virtual THAWs, you will need to significantly space them out time-wise, perhaps hosting the virtual THAW at lunchtime and the in-person event in the evening. Of course, while this is possible, it's not expected. As an alternative, we recommend recruiting another alum to host one of the THAWs you have in mind.
Do hosts deliver an official toast during the THAW event?
Yes. Volunteer hosts are asked to pre-determine the time when the toast will happen (we recommend a mid-point during your event) and to prepare and deliver a toast during THAW. Hosts are encouraged to create their own toast - there is no formula you need to follow. Your toast can be short, long, funny, sincere, whatever you think best represents your connection to Muhlenberg! If you like, you can recruit another alum to handle the toast duties.
Is there a budget for my THAW event?
The Alumni Office provides ongoing support for all open, private, and THAW@Work events. In-person events will receive physical materials and virtual events will receive digital content to enhance the event experience. Additionally, THAW events that are both open AND in-person will be offered a budget to cover the cost of food for the group to share (based on attendance, cannot be applied to alcohol).
My THAW is virtual - does that mean I need a Zoom account if I want to host an event?
No. The Alumni Office recognizes that volunteer hosts will have varying access to, and familiarity with, the technology needed to host virtual events. When you submit details for your THAW event, you will be asked whether you intend to host the event through your own Zoom account (if so, you will provide the event link and passcode) or whether you prefer your event to be hosted by a College staff person through a College Zoom account. Muhlenberg will manage technology logistics for as many open virtual THAW events as needed when volunteer hosts lack the capacity or comfort level to do so on their own. Please note that for private virtual THAWs, hosts must manage their own technology (Zoom, Teams, Facetime, Skype, etc. will all work!)
My THAW is in-person, but can it also be virtual so folks can attend from afar?
In-person events work best for folks who are geographically close. If your desired group is spread out, a virtual THAW is a better option for you. And while it's a nice idea to want to virtually include friends and classmates who can't attend in person, the results can be awkward and distracting. Additionally, Muhlenberg lacks the staff and tech capacity to support in-person events in this way. However, if you would like to pursue this option for your event, you are welcome to discuss it with your event venue and work through the logistics with venue staff and event attendees.
What if I have other questions about hosting a THAW event?
The Alumni Office is thrilled that you are interested in THAW! Contact us at any time with other THAW questions - just send an email to bergalum@muhlenberg.edu or call 1-800-464-2374. Hosts will receive ongoing communication, guidance, and support from a dedicated member of the Alumni Affairs staff.