THE ALUMNI FUND
F. H. LEGGETT '98
Mr. Leggett presented a comprehensive and illuminating statement of the policies underlying the Alumni Fund. He contrasted the functions of the class agent and the class secretary and showed how the secretary might be most successful without much tangible evidence of his success, whereas the success of the class agent depends on reaching his quota. Almost equally important with gaining the quota is success in getting every man in the class to contribute and frequently the hardest subscriptions to obtain are those for $1 and $2. Both the secretary and the agent are working for class solidarity and they can give each other valuable assistance.
The Alumni Fund executives have three objectives: to raise the quota, to do it inexpensively, and to interest the younger alumni. The mailing pieces as at present devised are intended to appeal more particularly to this latter group. Men in the older classes who have resisted appeals for years are not a fertile field for further effort. Economies are being effected by having somewhat fewer mailing pieces and devising a special Fund envelope which will carry a lower rate of postage but without losing its distinctive appeal. Mr. Leggett showed the present status of the Fund as encouraging, with both a larger total and a greater number of contributors than at the same time in previous years, but stressed the fact that continued intensive effort would be necessary to raise the quota of $130,000.
He concluded Ms talk with a brief discussion of class funds and the movement now under way to terminate those in existence and concentrate work in all the classes on the Alumni Fund proper.
Following the address of Mr. Leggett the Committee on Resolutions, through its chairman, Mr. Melville '79, presented the following resolutions which were unanimously adopted. BE IT RESOLVED: That we send to our much beloved President, Ernest Martin Hopkins, our most hearty greeting and good cheer. We miss his inspiring presence but we felicitate him on his trip abroad with the hope that it may be both enjoyable and restful for him and Mrs. Hopkins. That we render to the college authorities our sincere thanks for the splendid hospitality they have extended this year as always to the members of this association. That we express our genuine gratitude for the faithful lives of the three secretaries who have entered the higher field of service since our last meeting, namely: Samuel H. Jackman of the class of 1860, John Scales of the class of 1863, Arthur W. Dudley of the class of 1867. That this association express its high regard for the work of Professor Eric P. Kelly of the class of 1906 and his associates in managing the ALUMNI MAGAZINE during the absence of the veteran editor, Eugene F. Clark; and for elevating that publication to its present high point of excellence. That we extend our affectionate greetings to two older members who are unable to be present, namely: Secretary Adriance '73 who has not missed a meeting since 1922 and Secretary Piper '76 who has been present at each meeting since 1923.
The Committee oil Nominations was then called upon for nominations for the ensuing year. The chairman, Mr. C. A. Perkins '90, moved that the following officers be elected:
President Nathaniel G. Burleigh '11 Vice-president William M. Hatch '86 ("Nathaniel G. Burleigh '11 Executive William M. Hatch '86 Committee J Eugene F clark ,Q1 John R. Burleigh '14 -Herrick Brown '21 Secretary Eugene F. Clark '01 Member of the Alumni Council for three years Allan M. Cate '20 Editor, ALUMNI MAGAZINE Eugene P. Clark '01 There being no further nominations it was moved and VOTED: That the secretary cast one ballot for the officers as nominated.
The final speaker on the program was Sydney C. Hayward '26 who, among his other college activities, has charge of the film service of the College. He told of the operation of this service during the past year and asked the opinion of the secretaries as to its continuance. Twenty-four associations subscribe to the service at $15 apiece and the four releases made during the college year have covered the country in their travels. With a view to ascertaining the interest in these films Mr. Hayward sent a questionnaire and found that in general the associations enjoyed them and desired their continuance. The operation of the service has resulted in a loss of about $200 and the question was raised whether the associations would be willing to pay somewhat more for the service in order to avoid a deficit.
The discussion resulting from Mr. Hayward's remarks showed a unanimity of feeling that the films were a very desirable adjunct to the life of the associations and that those using the service should be willing to pay the necessary costs. It was moved and VOTED: That the Secretaries Association express its appreciation to Mr. Hayward for his work in connection with the film service and desire its continuance.
It was further moved and VOTED: That the amount charged for the college film service be raised to include an adequate return to cover the cost of the service.
This concluded the formal program of the meetings but a spirited discussion ensued regarding the type of music played by the college band at football games. There seemed to be a general feeling among the secretaries present that their enjoyment would be increased if more attention were devoted to the old football type of music and less to the jazz and saxaphone variety. There was a large participation in the discussion but the matter was finally tabled, it being the general consensus of opinion that the attitude of the Association could best be presented in an unofficial way.
Following this discussion the meeting adjourned but the opportunity was given for those who wished to stay and see the latest reel of the film service, that having to do with the Carnival and winter term of the College.
The afternoon was spent by the secretaries in inspecting the College and attending the athletic offerings or on the golf links.
In the evening about forty gathered at the Outing Club House for a supper and a short musical program by members of the Musical Clubs thus concluding the activities of the twenty-fifth meeting of the Secretaries Association.
