MINUTES OF CLASS MEETING -- NOVEMBER 2, 2024
CALL TO ORDER
A class meeting was held on Nov. 2, 2024 in Room 224 of the Frick Chemistry Lab. President Chris Meyer called the meeting to order at 10:30 AM. Classmates in attendance were Bob Axelrod, Andy Brown, Chuck Freyer, Chip Jerry, Rick Kitto, Clay McEldowney, Chris Meyer, Chris Milton, Bob Raymar, and Sandy Rea.
CO-SECRETARY’S REPORT
Co-Secretary Bob Axelrod read the names of the three classmates who had passed away since the previous meeting: Thomas Kelly Huggett, John Emile Schmeltzer III and John Bright Hanks. We paused for a moment of silence.
REUNIONS REPORT
Reunions Chair Clay McEldowney advised that our 55th Reunion operated on a break-even basis, covering all of the costs of the reunion while operating on a very tight budget. Clay will serve as Reunions Chair for our 60th, with Andy Brown and Jeff Marston serving as food and housing chairs respectively.
Chris Milton updated us on plans for our mini reunion trip to the Napa wine country and the Monterey Bay area, where golf would be available. There was support for an add-on stay in San Francisco at the start or end of the main trip. The trip is tentatively scheduled for the fall of 2026.
PICS REPORT
Chuck Freyer reported that PICS placed 246 interns at 202 host organizations this past summer and had 330 internship positions available at 263 host organizations for the summer of 2025. PICS’ growth has been fueled by the University’s commitment to pay for one service internship for each undergraduate who desires one. The Class of 1969 Service Internship Fund, announced at PICS’ anniversary gala last fall, has capital of $210,000 and funded $10,000 in internship stipends last year. Bob Raymar advised that, in an effort to provide ideological balance, PICS is seeking Republican congressmen, senators and other government officials who can host internships this coming summer.
GOHEEN TRIBUTE
Chris Meyer has reached out to the other classes who were at Princeton during the Goheen era and received strong support for naming a significant program or object on campus for President Goheen. He has also contacted the University’s Committee on Naming, whose recommendation would be needed in advance approval by the Trustees. Our initial request is to rename the SPIA in Goheen’s honor.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Class Treasurer Chuck Freyer reported that our Major Reunions Account now has a balance of $50,000, which is invested in a three-year CD and will be available to support our 60th Reunion as needed. To date, 104 classmates have paid $10,550 in dues plus $5,000 for the class scholarship fund and $6,500 for PICS. We now have a balance of $75,000 in our operating account, which is used to pay Alumni Council dues, the cost of class mailings and the cost of off-year reunions. Annual dues collections run approx. $20,000 per year, with our expenditures being considerably less.
ANNUAL GIVING
Class Agent Bob Raymar advised that our goal for our 56th Reunion is 56% participation. Bob is looking to set up a matching gift fund to stimulate participation and will reach out to 50 classmates to contribute to this fund.
OTHER BUSINESS
Sam Fager and Jack McCarthy are joining Marc Miller on the nominating committee for honorary classmates. Our first candidate is Casey Karch, who did a superb job as staff leader of our 55th Reunion campaign.
We will have a class dinner after Alumni Day on Feb. 22, 2025 in a place to be determined.
ADJOURNMENT
Chris Meyer adjourned the meeting at 11:30 AM.
Respectfully submitted, Date of Approval:
Robert Axelrod, Co-Secretary
Class of 1969
