Class of 1982

Autumn 2009

 

Greetings Fellow 82’ers,

 

I trust that everyone is well and enjoying what is left of the summer that wasn’t (at least in Chicago)! As I look at the calendar and see the school year fast approaching it reminds me how quickly the years slip away. With that thought in mind, I want to bring you up to speed on what your class officers have been working on in your behalf over the past 12 months. First, we selected a class historian – Julio Gomez. I am excited about Julio’s plan to capture the history of the class and provide a method to archive the fabric of experiences that make our class as vibrant as it is. I know Julio will be reaching out to you to help him acquire certain memorabilia of the class and to make sure we capture all of the wonderful life events that we experience on a going forward basis.

 

Second, we formed a committee to oversee the operation and administration of the Model T Ford that was given to our class by the Class of 1950 on the occasion of our 20th reunion. This historic car has been a highlight of each and every P-Rade since. Noel Valero has graciously volunteered to lead the Model T committee and has already hosted a gathering this past summer at his house to teach any classmate who was interested how to drive the car.  This committee will make sure that the Model T, which is a class asset, is used in a way that will benefit the class while respecting the car’s history.   I also want to thank Tony Santullo who generously took care of the car and was instrumental in securing this gift from the Class of 1950.

 

Third, we continue to plan regional parties throughout the country to give us an opportunity to gather and recall memories, network, and see who has gotten a little grayer! Look for an announcement on a mid-Atlantic location this fall and possibly a West Coast function as well. 

 

Now the serious work begins. I believe that the Class needs to embrace the University’s motto of “In the Nation’s Service” in a tangible way. Therefore, I would like to elicit ideas from the class for a community service project that we can get behind from both a sweat equity and financial investment standpoint. Ideally, this project would be able to be coordinated throughout the county on a specific day or during a particular month. An example of how this might work could be a “Rebuilding Together” or Habitat for Humanity project where the organization targets a date throughout the country and invites groups of volunteers to homes in need of rehabbing. These types of projects allow for classmates to give either a financial donation or roll up their sleeves for hands-on work, or both. I am looking for ideas about how the Class can best “get involved” in a manner that is accessible to all, has continuity, and is sustainable. Please forward your thoughts to me at rk64@comcast.net. We will announce the Class of 1982 service project at our class dinner at our 28th reunion next June. In the meantime, to get started, please send in your current experiences of getting involved in your community so we can publicize them on our website. I would like to start a countdown to our 28th reunion by displaying examples of 1,982 hours of community work done by the class.

 

In closing, a very special locomotive needs to given to our class. I want to congratulate you all on your ongoing generosity in support of Annual Giving. The Class of 1982 once again distinguished itself by loyally supporting Princeton during a time when it needs our support more than ever. We set a class record for annual giving in a non-major reunion year, breaking our prior record of $338, 965 and raising $409,459, our first time over $400,00 (for a non-major reunion). On behalf of our Annual Giving team, many thanks to the great Class of ’82.

 

As always, this letter accompanies the annual class dues appeal. I join our class treasurer, Jenny Young du Pont, in thanking you for your tremendous support of the dues program over the years. I realize that we are in the midst of difficult economic times but, considering that the Class uses the funds raised from dues to pay for your subscription to the PAW, fund activities through out the year, including our regional events, and underwrite all of the other services that the class provides to class members, it is still one of the better values you will find. I therefore ask that everyone do his or her best to stay current with your dues. Look for the dues component of this mailing and please be generous!

 

Until I see you next, my best wishes to you and your family.

 

All the best,