1924

As I understand it, there are two fundamental principles which a class secretary should follow. First, he is not supposed to be a fund-raiser. This is a function of the class agent and the professional staff of the Alumni Fund. I am breaking the rule for two reasons. First, the chairman of the Fund has asked all class secretaries to put in a plug. Second, I think this year's Fund situation has unique aspects which make it too important to be left to class agents and professionals. The unique situation this year is adverse publicity from the media and harsh criticism from within the family. Do we quit and run for cover, or is our loyalty and support called for more than ever? It seems to me that the latter is clearly the answer. By the time this is published, most of you will have already forwarded your contributions. Have you included the something extra for this year's special situation, or is a supplemental check in order? For anyone who has not yet contributed, this is the year to show that you really care.

The second rule for a class secretary is that he has the duty to report on what members of the class are doing and thinking and should not substitute his personal judgment for that reportorial duty. The following probably violates this rule, but I shall do my best to lean over backwards. After this is written but before you see it, I shall have listened to a presentation by Trustee Sandy McCulloch '50 and shall have attended Class Officers Weekend where there will certainly be extended discussion. I could be much more lucid after these experiences. In the meantime, I can not resist two comments. Do those who say that there is a lack of communication between the administration and its constituency completely overlook the Alumni Council? The Council is elected under a system which makes it truly representative. Individually and collectively, hard work and a steadfast loyalty to the College characterize its role. Has anyone devised a better system for representing the alumni? The Trustees and the President seek the output of the Council and do not take its recommendations lightly. The other matter that I can not reconcile is the contention on the one hand that decisions are made too firmly and on the other hand that the Trustees are too wishy-washy and are failing to make essential decisions. There are vast inconsistencies in the critics' positions.

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