September 28, 2007

For our 45th Reunion, a survey questionnaire was sent to each of you by which we obtained a statistical profile of our class with individual responses remaining anonymous.  Now that we are approaching our “Golden Fiftieth” it seems appropriate to assemble more personal and introspective reflections from each of you.  Your responses to the attached questionnaire will be shown as yours and compiled into a book.

Even if you cannot, absolutely, positively be with us, here is your opportunity to give your former classmates a glimpse into your present day life and thinking. These questions will stimulate you to think about yourself and hold up a mirror to how you have sailed (or muddled through) the last 50 years.  Perhaps you will come to important and helpful insights that you might be willing to share with the rest of us.

We all have distinct memories of one another from 1958, and it should be truly fascinating to “meet” anew, either by reading the results of the questionnaire, but certainly most satisfying would be meeting face to face once again.  And for those of you who have never been back, you are in for such a glorious time reconnecting with old friends, familiar haunts and memories. The new campus is wonderful and very special.  You won't believe how downtown Saratoga Springs has changed!

Yes, the answering of these questions will take some thought, but there is enough time to ponder because the due date is December 1.  Do make a concerted effort to think about these questions before answering them to the best of your ability and feel free to use the pre-addressed envelope that’s enclosed to return your questionnaire directly to me.   If you’d rather concentrate on only a few of them, feel free to do so.  Not all the responses need necessarily be long, deep and serious.  You can also be imaginative and light, but please stay real!

If you haven't already submitted your history, just click here and follow the instructions.

August 2007
Dear Classmates,

As I compose this letter, I am winging my way back to California after having attended a reunion planning meeting at Skidmore with a core group of fellow classmates.  Led by our Reunion Chair, Mary Avery Gessner, the planning for our auspicious 50^th is now well underway. (I have to tell you the committee is really stoked!)  Mary will be in touch with all of you in a few weeks to give you some of the early particulars – but for now, suffice it to say, various goals have been set and a committee has begun to sketch out a fun-filled weekend (MAY 29 – JUNE 1, 2008) for ourselves, our spouses and “significant others.”  Put those dates on your calendar right now!!  Aside from a nominal registration fee per person, meals and on-campus lodging will be paid by the College in honor of our “milestone” year.  (An offer you can’t refuse, I would say…).

While on campus I received the good news about the overall success ($6.2 million) of the Annual Fund Campaign for 2006-07.  I am happy to report that our class did quite well for an “off-year” – with 51% participation and an overall amount of $72,902 (both figures up nicely from last year).  Our goals for next year will become more aggressive as you will see.  Thanks to all of you who participated with your generous dollars and service in support of Skidmore’s impressive and forward-reaching vision and day-to-day needs.  Thanks, too, to our Fund Chair, Betty Jennison Brady, our Class Agents, and to the students who helped us attain a nice result

Now we need your commitment:  We need you to be with the rest of us to celebrate together.  If you want to be a part of it all and serve on a committee, or you have some creative ideas that you want to share, please get in touch with me or with Mary. Nothing is in cement at this point, and all ideas and suggestions are welcomed and encouraged.

So, just do it!  Commit to being at Skidmore from May 29 – June 1, 2008.  You will have the time of your life!  

Fondly,                                                                       

Bev Grossman

Beverly Beatson Grossman  ‘58
Class President
BGart@att.net  or 818-343-7157 

P.S.  Mary can be reached at maverygessner@comcast.net or 508-375-6488