1939

The class has been on a "downer" since the Christmas season. We have lost nine men since this-past December, five in 1984. At this writing we sadly report the passing of Jim Gilchrist on February 5, Wayne Shrodes on February 16, and John Gaul on March 21. (Obituaries will be included in this or subsequent issues.)

We regret that we committed three factual errors on the story we did on the passing of Ralph Wright which appeared in the obituary section of the March issue. We hasten to make amends herewith. Ralph's wife's name is Marjorie Thomas Wright, not Bettie as reported; Ralph was 66 years old, not 68 as reported; and his daughter's name is Roxane, not Roxanne as reported: Our apologies for these grievous errors.

Your executive committee met in New York City at the offices of president Bert MacManis on April 25 with 12 in attendance: Tishman, Howe, Corner, Coulson, Tomkins,Coding, Cornie Miller, McLaren, Hird, Kaiser, MacMannis, and your scribe. Obie Boldt joined us for lunch at the New York Yacht Club (lunch through the auspices of Bob Howe). Bozo Noland was scheduled to appear but at the last minute was held in Virginia by business pressures. Eridy Smith had also planned to attend but had opted to be on hand with wife Georgette, who had just undergone an operation for cancer of the bladder; we understand the operation was successfully performed.

MacMannis read a letter from Jim Tonkovich '68, the assistant secretary of the alumni, which said in part: "Your reports'show a marv elous consistency as they've chronicled the class activities. I'm still drawn to some of the more unique activities of the class, including one of the finest widow-support programs, that incredible dues campaign and scholarship fund, and the 1939 Man-of-the-Year Award. These are in addition to a regular mini-reunion program and excellent communications. . . . Another year goes by for which the College is grateful for the support and loyalty of the entire 1939 family."

MacMannis also reported that the information for the 45th yearbook Was coming in briskly, and your scribe gave thanks that it is because it is fine material for upcoming columns. It was pointed out that the College computer system was being updated, and as a result it can support the acceptance of winter and summer addresses. This, I can assure you, would be most helpful, not only to the College in sending out communications, but also to Bob Davidson and the writer who are frequently confused by "so-called" changes of address, only to find that it is a mere switch in homesteads for the season. So the bottom line is that we would welcome your passing on the info about dual or triple addresses with the approximate periods that you would be in each.

Miller gave a quick treasurer's report which stiggests that we have $33,956.63 earning interest in various investments; that expenses to date are $7,453.27 in the current fiscal year; and that our 1938-84 dues to date total $9,655 (as of April 25), less than $100 behind the total amount collected in the 1982-83 year. A good report.

Incidently, our 1939 Scholarship Fund stands at $46,970 (as of June 30, 1983) with the year's income of $4,064.27 being paid out. to our outstanding recipient, Janeen Stone 'B6.

Coulson noted that there had been 11 deaths of classmates since our last executive committee meeting in September of 1983. He said that some $600 to $700 had been contributed to the Alumni Fund in memory of Bob Richman and that $5,902.50 in memorial gifts had so far been received in 1984, overall.

Kaiser's bequest report was identical to the one he delivered last fall, and, donning his other hat, he stated that the mini-reunion accommodations were all set for the Penn game September 21 and 22 at the Sheraton North Country Inn. McLaren reported that golf arrangements were being made for the Eastman course, and that tennis would be available to the interested on the College courts.

Endy Smith had sent on word that he would have to step down as chairman of our Man-of-the-Year Award committee, although he was agreeabie to continuing on with LouHighmark and George Hanna as a committee member. Highmark was duly voted as the new chairman.

Corner gave a status report on our current Alumni Fund effort which indicated that we are some $5,000 behind the excellent pace of last year. As of this writing (and we do hope things change by the time you read this) we are $60,000 and 163 givers away from our goal.

Tomkins and Howe, heading up special giving, were also concerned about the goal in their department, noting that slightly more than 38 percent on their list were still to be heard from.

Goding stated that the 1985 reunion plans were ready to be kicked off at the Class Officers Weekend to have been held in early May in Hanover. We will be joined by the classes of'40 and '41 on June 10,11, and 12,1985: The MacMannises, Jacksons,. Godings, Kaisers, Millers, and possibly Davidson planned to be on hand for the Class Officers Weekend. All hands expressed surprise that Davidson was hoping for an appearance because he had but recently suffered a tough knee operation and was having a nasty time recuperating. He is one of our leading candidates for the title of "Bionic Man."

This is our last until next October, so we encourage you to have a happy and healthy summer. And, incidentally, unless some unforeseen events louse up our efforts, we are happy to report that this copy is all being accomplished by our new Apple lie. But what an effort!!!

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