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1954 Executive Committee/Class Meeting Minutes
Friday, October 17, 2008
President Jay Davis called the meeting to order at 2:40 p.m.
The following members of the class were in attendance: Bob Adnopoz, Dick Barker, Don Berlin, Bob Berry, Jay Chandler, Jay Davis, Bob Dean, John Fenn, John Gillespie, Mort Galper, Alec Gray, Bill Grover, Rick Hartman, Tony Kane, Peter Kenyon, Dana Low, Dave Mandelbaum, Steve Mullins, Hugh Nolin, Bob Osmond, Dick Page, Harry Robinson, Pete Schenck, Jim Tofias, Dick Trowbridge, Wayne Weil and Shelly Woolf.
President Davis welcomed attending classmates and members of the executive committee. He pointed out that only he and Treasurer Alec Gray attended the Class Officers Weekend in September and expressed the hope that more officers could attend in 2009. Jay indicated that the Class of 1960 received the class of the year award, unusual for a non-reunion class. The Class of 1954 received a special recognition award and Jay asked Secretary Tony Kane to read the certificate and to enter same into the minutes, as follows:
IN PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE
Dartmouth College Recognizes With Deep Appreciation The Extraordinary Achievements of
The Class of 1954 2008 Special Recognition Award
Since its 50th Reunion, the Class of 1954 has fully embraced the theme "Stay Connected." Whatever one's achievements, it is the connections made along the path of life that nurture and sustain the soul. This is the class mantra, and it is mentioned frequently in communications and has contributed to the class spirit and success. Classmates stay connected to each other, to the class and to the College. This slogan has been extremely effective in binding the class even more solidly and focusing it on one of the most important and lasting values - the human relationship. Well done, Class of '54!
Signed: David P Spalding, Vice President, Alumni Relations L. Patricia Fisher, Director, Class Activities James Wright, President
Jay asked if there were any corrections to the 2007 Minutes that were e-mailed to members of the executive committee. Tony indicated that Rick Hartman had provided one correction: on page 1, paragraph 2, it should read: "Overall alumni participation was 50.5% with graduating class reaching a record 80%." There being no other corrections the minutes were approved by consensus.
Secretary Tony Kane reported the deaths of classmates since our last meeting, as follows: Stuart Jonathan Bugbee, Jr., March 23, heart attack; Samuel Brown Chase, Jr. March 17, 2007; Roy Riddell Coffin, Jr., Sept. 10, cancer; Robert O. Collins, April 11, cancer; Robert William Higbee, Feb. 6, heart failure; Donald Dorsey McCuaig, April 4, heart failure; Donald W. Martin, Dec. 20, heart failure Leo J. Murphy, Jr., June 25; Harry Caleb Rockefeller, January 10, brief illness. Reading of the list was followed by a moment of silence for our most recently departed classmates.
Jay Davis asked if anyone would like to say something about any of our deceased classmates. Shelly Woolf mentioned how Harry Rockefeller attended the golf and tennis outings year after year, even though he was confined to a wheelchair. Harry enjoyed the camaraderie, and Shelly said he was the "sweetest and most decent guy" he had ever met. Steve Mullins commented on how Rip Coffin was a special friend of his and that Rip had officiated at Steve's daughter's wedding less than a year ago in Mexico. Don Berlin said how great it was that Rip and Carol were able to make last spring's '54 trip to Spain and Portugal. Bob Dean said he knew Rip since the 8th grade and how much he enjoyed his friendship and that Rip really served our class well. Bill Grover commented on how his friendship with Rip had developed as Zeta Psi roommates senior year. Bill found Rip's messages before death "courageous." Jay then read from Rip's journal: "The bottom line is that God goes with us through the tough times as well as the high moments. With the Psalms, we will rejoice in each day the Lord has made and be glad in it." Tony completed the secretary's report in advising that Victor Mahler, who is totally blind, suffered a major stroke in September and is currently undergoing physical and speech therapy. Vic would enjoy receiving notes and cards from friends and classmates.
Treasurer Alec Gray reported that the Class of 1954 remains solvent with total assets of $32,448 as of June 30, 2008, consisting of cash in bank and a CD, including interest earned. Income for the fiscal year totaled $24,147, consisting of dues from 319 classmates and 15 widows, contributions to internships and athletic sponsorship ($4,852) and mini-reunion fund ($2,595). Total expenses were $34,099, thereby creating an apparent deficit of $9,952. From this amount it's necessary to deduct $6,000 accrued in prior year, resulting in a 2008 deficit of $3,952. Mentioning some "good news," Alec thanked Jay Davis, Pete Barker and Tony Kane for helping to promote the intern program, thereby increasing contributions. A shortfall in this category was largely responsible for the deficit. Alec was happy to report that as of September 30, 115 classmates had paid their dues, representing about a one-third increase over last year's total. With a dues increase of $10, $11,453 has been collected so far, with 70% of payees making contributions to the intern program. Jay mentioned the newsletter expense of $8,000+ would be reduced, since 382 classmates have agreed to get newsletter online, significantly reducing printing and mailing costs.
Head agent Don Berlin reported on behalf of his committee, co-chaired by Rick Hartman, that the Class of 1954 exceeded its goal of $280,000 by collecting more than $318,000 in the most recent Dartmouth College Fund drive, with only one non-reunion class having a higher participation of givers (1960-83.9% to '54's 83.7%). The class set a year out (54th year) record for participation and a 1954 class record for participation in a non-reunion year. Don pointed out that all the controversy over the trustees' issues did not seem to affect '54 giving in that only 14 classmates who contributed in 2006-2007 did not contribute this year, but that was more than offset by the 43 classmates who did not contribute in 2006-2207 but did contribute this year, thanks to the efforts of those who served on the committee.
Jay Davis reported in the absence of newsletter editor Pete Barker. Four newsletters were presented over the past 12 months, averaging 13.5 pages in length. Savings in publishing and mailing costs are expected to be substantial as a result of the close to 360 classmates who now receive their newsletters via the '54 Web site. Pete thanks Kit Dean and Jim Adams who continue to provide information on the cruise excursions and fishing expeditions. Jay complimented Pete on continuing to do a terrific job as newsletter editor.
Mini-reunion chair John Fenn indicated that at last year's Homecoming weekend we had 75 attendees Seventeen '54s attended the combined '53/'54 holiday luncheon in Weston, MA, and John thanked Harry Robinson for his help. The NY luncheon attracted 34 with Mimi Mahler as a guest; Tony Kane continues to run monthly luncheons, usually attended by between five and ten classmates. Twenty-one classmates and 18 spouses attended the March golf outing, held in Florida and organized by Shelly Woolf. Shelly reported that the 2009 event will be held starting February 22 and that Alec Gray will be scheduling a tennis tournament. Jay reported for Jim Adams on fishing that six '54s made the July trip to Idaho, with Tom Kelsey winning the fishing rookie of the year award his catches. The skiing trip to Mt. Snow is planned and a March Colorado trip is in the works. John reported on the cruise that he and Don Berlin had organized in which 32 classmates and spouses enjoyed visiting Spain and Morocco. Dartmouth College awarded the class a special certificate acknowledging its success in arranging international travel excursions. For 2008-2009, holiday luncheons are planned in Weston on Dec. 2 and in New York at the Yale Club on Dec. 3, with Homecoming in 2009 being scheduled for the weekend on October 23 and 24. Lottery winnings for 2009 award us with the Hayward Lounge for a cocktail-buffet and Saturday lunch in the Tindle Class meeting room is still to be determined. John said we might want to reconsider moving the meeting back to Saturday morning, now that we have Tindle available again.
Jay then read the report from Webmaster Perry Davis, indicating that more than 10,000 viewings of the '54 home page were recorded over the past year. Perry expressed special thanks to Dick Barker who proofread every word that was uploaded to the '54 Web site. Jay commended the job Perry was doing and questioned whether we should have an assistant Webmaster, noting that the job is so specialized it would be very hard to refill if that become necessary. Of course, Jay expressed hope that Perry would remain on the job for years to come.
Reporting for absent Tom Tyler, regarding gift planning results, Jay quoted Tom as saying "The College had a down year in 2008, with $17,190,000 of planned gifts, compared with $30,984,000 in 2007. The Class of 1954 had no new bequests and only one new life-income annuity. Not to imply any competitive situation, '54 is in 23rd place for number of life-income plans and in 12th place dollarwise, with $4,225,000. The class tally begins with the class of '29.
Bob Adnopoz reported that the 1954 Class Award would be presented at Saturday night's dinner. Bob thanked his committee consisting of Pete Barker, John Heston and Dick Page. He requested recommendations for other worthy candidates.
Peter Kenyon advised that a memorial book is placed in the library for each deceased classmate and that 15 such books were purchased and placed in the past year. Peter acknowledged Dick Page for having started the book program three years after graduation and mentioned that initial contributions of $3,700 had grown to $26,000, through investing, and that $1,700 was expended in 2007-2008 year. Peter offered to advise of specific book placed on behalf of any deceased classmate and asked anyone interested to send him an e-mail. Also, it is the books' acquisition person at the Library who decides which book to purchase on behalf of a deceased classmate � based on the library's need � but Peter is sure individual requests could be considered. Jay mentioned that he writes a condolence note to each widow and advisees her that a book in honor of her late husband has been placed in the library. Peter mentioned that Dan McCarthy and Jon Moore, two classmates with significant international experience, have joined the Special Projects committee and, along with other committee members Dick Trowbridge and Tony Kane, are assisting in selecting interns for the four foundation internships the class funds. Living close to Hanover, Dick Trowbridge has been extremely helpful in coordinating many of the administrative aspects pertaining to the selection of the interns. The committee works with the Dartmouth Partners in Community Service (DPCS), part of the Tucker Foundation, in selecting a domestic intern, and then with the Tucker Foundation itself to select an international intern, the Rockefeller Foundation and the Dickey Center. Each foundation usually recommends three or four nominees for each internship and then the committee makes its selection and names each internship for a deceased classmate, e.g., In the past year, Dickey, Dean Berry, Tucker, Kevin Sullivan, DPCS, George Voss, and Rockefeller with Rod Rockefeller. The other project is a $1,000 athletic recruiting scholarship that is named for the Class of 1954. The Class will be meeting today three of the interns and the athletic recruit. The DPCS program assigns a mentor to each intern and Tony Kane has been helpful in mentoring an intern, as has Jay. Peter expressed the hope that Jay will continue on the board of the DPCS. Tony reported on his work with Christine Min, our recent DPCS intern, who was assigned to the Sanctuary for Families in New York City, an organization that works with victims of spousal abuse. Peter proposed that in 2009 we continue to have the four interns along with the recruiting scholarship, and the motion was unanimously approved. Jay mentioned that we had 34 sponsors, placing us fifth among all classes.
Jay indicated that this is the last meeting he will conduct as class president and he expressed his thanks to all the class officers who have served over the past five years and complimented the officers on having done a "magnificent job."
John Fenn, chairman of our upcoming 55th reunion, introduced Jennifer Casey our chief alumni office liaison and advised that John Gillespie, Dick Page, Pete Barker and Dick Barker are working with him on the committee. John indicated that we are very hopeful of securing the East Wheelock Cluster to house classmates and provide a large reception area. The class tent will be right across the street. Many gifts will be provided to attendees. Monday evening buffet is to be held in the west wing of the gym. Other events were discussed. Memorial service will be run by Tom Kelsey in Rollins Chapel on June 16. Dick Page is providing copies of Dave McLaughlin's book to Pete Barker, who will be mailing to classmates who will be attending and don't yet have the book. Other projects in the works include fund-raising for the class gift, led by Don Berlin and Rick Hartman. Dick Page and Bob Berry are working on leadership gifts. It is planned that Dan McCarthy will lead a discussion group on CHOICES MADE, Dave McLaughlin's book, hopefully in the Occom lounge of the McLaughlin cluster. Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, Maria Laskaris '84, will address the class on Wednesday morning. Golf and tennis will be available on a relaxed basis. Sunday evening, Steve and Carol Mullins will welcome early arrivals to their home in Norwich. Thursday morning, before departure, Rosemary and Dave Mandelbaum will enjoy having classmates stop by their Norwich home before departing. Other planned events were mentioned. John mentioned that 88 widows of classmates will be invited to the reunion, and the committee will decide how to charge them, if at all. Jennifer Casey informed the class that we have an "amazing reunion chairman." She reported that some classes have a ladies' reception early on Monday to encourage spouses and widows to get together and that this activity has been well received.
Don Berlin announced that he and Rick Hartman are chairing the class giving committee and that Dick Page and Bob Berry are responsible for leadership gifts. Don said that after agonizing over how the state of the economy may affect our Reunion Gift, the committee has come up with a target figure of $800,000, to include a participation goal of 85%. Don urged everyone to dig deeper for our 55th Reunion Gift, which will be dedicated to financial aid. He pointed out that if 32 classmates donate $25,000 each we'll make our target and each donor will have a scholarship named after him. Dick Page indicated that letters will be going out shortly to 60 of the 75 classmates designated as potential leadership donors. The other 15, who have been identified as possible larger donors, will be contacted personally. Dick said that leadership gifts start at $5,000. Don urged all those who will be soliciting classmates for the Dartmouth College Fund to read all the material that will be sent out and to start asking for contributions from those on their list.
Jay mentioned that with Rip Coffin's passing we have an opening for a chairman for the Caring Committee and indicated how important it for classmates to make contact with those of us who are ill by sending cards or notes.
Dave Mandelbaum, chairman on the Nominating Committee, announced that Dick Page, Steve Mullins and Tom Kelsey have been working with him and that the committee has met a few times and expect to have a slate of officers to recommend at the June '09 meeting. Dave pointed out that because of our ages we might consider having elected backups to some of the positions. Mandy said he had spoken with Webmaster Perry Davis and that Perry agreed this is one position for which we should seek a backup. Mandy asked everyone to think about a classmate to take over as Mini-Reunion Chair, since John Fenn's five-year term as reunion/mini-reunion chairman expires in 2009. As the committee will be meeting in December for the last time, Mandy asked for names of potential officers and executive committee members.
Jay indicated that the class meeting will be held during our reunion in June and the next meeting of the Executive Committee will likely be held during Homecoming weekend on October 24. Don Berlin commented on how well the Friday afternoon meetings seem to be working and recommended we stay with that approach rather than revert to Homecoming-Saturday morning meetings. He did, however, point out that some of the older classes were holding their meetings earlier in the fall when things are less hectic in Hanover and accommodations are easier to secure. After discussion, it was agreed that we might schedule our 2010 Executive Committee on a non-Homecoming weekend.
Peter Kenyon introduced three of our interns and our athletic recruit. Tucker Foundation: Kevin I. Sullivan '54 intern J. Watson Sallay '08 interned in Tanzania, working with hospitals as a site engineer; Dickey Center: Dean F. Berry '54 intern Andrew Young '09, interned in a health care center in Uganda, living with a local family he created a workshop for people with HIV/AIDs; Rockefeller Center: Rodman C. Rockefeller '54 intern Jennifer Bandy '09 interned with the U.S. Department of State, working in the Office of Regional Political and Military Affairs. Jennifer was scheduled to speak at the class dinner on Saturday evening (n.b. she gave an inspiring talk); Dartmouth Partners in Community Service: George D. Voss '54 intern Dinanah Jih interned with the Slow Food Chicago, building connections with local farms and communities. Peter also announced that Dick Trowbridge was replacing Jay Davis on the DPCS board.
Accompanied by the Dartmouth Glee Club (recorded), the Class sang "Men of Dartmouth" and President Davis adjourned the meeting at 4:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Anthony Kane
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