MINUTES OF CLASS MEETING -- MAY 24, 2025

PRINCETON CLASS OF 1969        

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Call to Order

A class meeting was held on Saturday, May 24, 2025 following our 56th Reunion Saturday dinner in the Schulz Dining Room in Robertson Hall. President Chris Meyer presided.  Classmates in attendance were Don Adams, Bob Axelrod, Steve Boughn, Andy Brown, Bill Charrier, Tom Fleming, Mike Gehret, Bob Golenbock, Jim Gregoire, Paul Hanle, Chip Jerry, Rick Kitto, Jeff Marston, Jack McCarthy, Clay McEldowney, Ken Mertz, Chris Meyer, Marc Miller, Chris Milton, Bill Pape, Bob Raymar, Sheldon Reaven, Sandy Rea, Rich Rein, Jim Shuey, and Gary Sykes.

President’s Report

     Chris thanked Reunion Chair Clay McEldowney, and Vice Chairs Andy Brown and Jeff Marston for doing a great job in organizing our 56th.  He noted that attendance is quite robust with approximately 30 classmates, plus spouses and guests signed in.

He also thanked the Class Co-Secretaries Bob Axelrod and Mike Gehret, and Webmaster Jeff Kaplan for their efforts during the year.  And he recognized his predecessor, Chris Milton, for the wonderful job that Chris did leading our class from the 51st to the 55th Reunions.  Chris Meyer then called on Sandy Rea to lead a locomotive for Chris Milton.

     Named as Honorary Classmates were Casey Karch, who was so effective in on our 55th Annual Giving effort, and Betsy Sittenfeld.

Co-Secretaries’ Report

     Bob Axelrod thanked those present for sending in news items and photographs for the Class Notes.  He asked everyone to encourage other classmates to send material, especially those who have not been heard from for some time.  

     Mike Gehret noted the deaths of classmates whose passing we had learned about since the last class meeting on November 2, 2024: William Fredrick Graves, Bruce Walter MacDonald, Roderick Alexander Ferguson, III, and Douglas Bryce Northcutt. Mike asked for a moment of silence in memory of these four classmates.  

Reunions Report

     Clay McEldowney cited the award won by ’69 for attendance at our 55th, as well as the strong turnout for our 56th Reunion.  He reminded those who were attending the dinner, but who had not yet paid, to get their money in to the Treasurer.  He ended by thanking the Reunions Vice Chairs, Andy Brown and Jeff Marston, for their good work on food and housing.

PICS

     Bill Charrier reported that PICS is now funded in part by a $300,000 endowment in honor of PICS former and current Executive Directors, Seva Kramer, Jeri Schaefer, and Emily Sharples.  In addition, funding also comes from the Class of 1969 Community Service Fund endowment currently valued at  $1,300,000.  The focus of alumni involvement with PICS will be on creating internships.  There will be about 250 internships available to undergraduates this coming summer.  Bill ended by complimenting Emily Sharples for her work in helping to grow and strengthen PICS.

Goheen Tribute

     Chris Meyer reported that 14 classes had joined ’69 in advocating for the University Committee on Naming to recognize President Goheen by renaming the SPIA in his honor.  Chris encouraged classmates who want to support this effort to note their support on the web site for the university naming committee and to contact members of the Committee that they may know.

Financial

     Chris reported on behalf of Treasurer Chuck Freyer that both our operating account and our Reunions account are solvent and in good shape.

Annual Giving

     Bob Raymar reported good progress towards our dollar and participation goals.  As of  the Reunions dinner, we had received more than $230,000 from 40% of the class.  Bob asked for volunteers to help reach out to those who had not yet contributed, and especially those who had a perfect giving record for the last five years.

Other Business

     Bill Charrier wanted to make sure that the class is aware that a number of our classmates have created 27 fully endowed scholarships.  This creates an enduring legacy for 1969.

Adjournment

     Chris Milton led us in the singing of “Old Nassau,” following which the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Mike Gehret,

Co-Secretary Class of 1969