The meeting commenced at 2100EST. Present were Galloway, Stephenson, Voorhees, Schwehm, McNeil, Kehoe, Kovel, Golden, Wells, Stevens and Gadd. Class Trustee Hatch also attended.

1. The minutes of the previous meeting, 4 November 2005, were approved.

2a. Schwehm reported results of the 50^th Reunion Initial Interest Survey. Three hundred and two classmates expect to attend, and 25 former classmates, widows, and other deceased classmates’ family members. Forty-three classmates indicated their intentions not to attend. No response has been received from seventy-three classmates, 12 of whom attended the 45^th Reunion. Schwehm will prepare a short note of encouragement for mailing to the seventy-three.

2b. Schwehm reported an anticipated New York Harbor cruise participation of 669 persons. This is a conservative early estimate in that in the numerous cases of a classmate reporting, for instance, himself and his wife to attend, but with a possible addition of other family members, the larger number was noted, but not included in the 669 total.

Our facilitator, Mrs. Joan Emmer, has reported that one of our original choices of larger vessels will not be available, it being removed to Baltimore. We anticipate chartering Spirit of New York from Spirit Cruises ( and one or two smaller vessels from VIP Yacht Cruises ( Mrs. Emmer has made agreements with both companies to reserve vessels, without deposits, until such time as another party indicates interest in the date of our cruise. At that time, we will be required to make a down payment, typically one-third of the charter cost. Spirit Cruises, however, will make a price increase after January 31^st. To avoid the greater cost, we must make an initial deposit by that date. The Board authorized Schwehm and McNeil to draw upon the administrative accounts for the purpose. Schwehm will establish contact between Mrs. Emmer and McNeil and instruct Mrs. Emmer to negotiate the deposit amount with Spirit Cruises to a maximum of $13,000. Mrs. Emmer will negotiate contract details to include an "Impossibility Clause" and refund provisions, and will inform Galloway, Schwehm and McNeil

2c. Kovel presented a suggestion for attire at the Alumni Review developed by Wells, Gadd and himself of light gray or tan slacks, blue or black blazer, shirt (white) and tie (preferably the Class model) and a black cavalry hat. Photos of hat samples were made available to the Board. The cost is anticipated to be approximately $25.00 plus shipping costs to the reunion hotel. Galloway instructed the Board to consider the proposal for discussion at the next meeting.

2d. Kovel volunteered to handle the choice and procurement of reunion tokens and souvenirs. Kovel reminded that at the 45^th Reunion, a Newburgh company sold distinctive West Point and Class of 1957 clothing items in the hotel. The AOG is now interested in doing so. An AOG representative will be asked to make a presentation at a future meeting. A member is needed to oversee the project.

2e. Galloway presented a summary and a Memorandum of Understanding, both prepared by Mrs. Emmer, of tasks her EMR Agency will perform in coordinating our reunion. Kehoe questioned the need for her participation in mailings, contending that we can do it more accurately and efficiently. He also reminded that we have made a promise to a number of classmates to not make their addresses available to the AOG, while permitting Class mailings to them. Galloway will invite Mrs. Emmer to the next meeting to discuss her proposal on handling mailings. Kovel questioned the Agency fees of 7 1/2% and asked which of the many monies in total reunion revenue would be subject to the remuneration. Galloway will investigate further, and pointed out other classes have reported that in the matters that the Agency has handled, she has negotiated a better price than their reunion committees were able to do.

2f. Schwehm relayed recollections and advice from Comeau about reunion attendees, e.g. widows, who did not take part in all the activities. Bob stated that generally such occurrences were not a problem, but they did require a bit of special attention and to expect them. Those who pay no registration fee should not receive reunion tokens or other materials. They should not use the buses unless they pay the full bus charge. There have been instances of unpaid use of the buses and taking of meals; generally they occurred as a result of a well-meaning act of kindness by a classmate. He warned that some who do pay a registration fee may ask that their welcome package be mailed somewhere. He advised to avoid that annoyance by requiring the individuals to make arrangements with friends.

Galloway and Kehoe added that special efforts will be required to insure widows and other family members of deceased classmates are made to feel welcome and comfortable. We will bring Carlyn Elder into future board meetings for her assistance. Special hotel and transportation needs must be managed also. Kovel discussed past photo arrangements. Galloway stated an individual should be named to oversee photo activity.

2g. Development of a time line for reunion planning was discussed in general terms. Galloway will present a proposal at the next meeting.

3. Kovel reported 50^th Year Book progress. Three hundred seventy-two books are sold and patron donations are sufficient to significantly reduce the cost to class widows. An advertising manager is still being sought. Fourteen cadet company CQs have provided returns, and information from some of the remaining ten is anticipated soon.

4a. McNeil reported the status of class administrative funds. Approximately $17,000 in the two administrative funds is available as working capital. Additionally, $17,610.00 has been received for the 50th Year Book. The Treasurer’s report was approved. The unanticipated early cruise deposit will consume a significant part of the fund balance, and little in the way of receipts are anticipated in the near term. To ameliorate the situation, it was agreed to require an advance deposit from each attendee. Galloway directed that an anticipated cash flow analysis be developed for presentation at the next meeting. McNeil agreed to provide.

4b. Galloway reported a gift fund balance of $400,790.14, on hand and pledged, as of 31 December 2005. This is up from $318,287.20 at the beginning of the fund drive in late November. Kovel will provide to Galloway the names of major donors from past campaigns that he will volunteer to contact.

5a. Schwehm reported the vote count on the proposed 50^th Reunion gift. Slightly more than 50% of the Class has voted; 198 voting in favor and 22 against. He noted that more than two-thirds voted by mail, using the ballot which accompanied the gift description package. Considerably less than one-third voted electronically by the means available on the class website.

5b. Galloway noted that about half of those voting against explained their reasoning. Although there was no strong commonality in the objections, several felt the gift should be more distinctive or better identified with the Class. Other thoughts were: the cost is too high, wait until 2012 and raise more money, send cadets on overseas trips, appropriated funds should be used, the choice is unimaginative, purchase an important inspirational artwork. Galloway’s sense was that the gift as proposed represents something of a middle ground of the opposing views. He described the comments in opposition as earnest and respectful.

5c. Stephenson stated that fund-raising CQs have not been identified for all cadet companies. He has made contact with several major donors. Schwehm asked for clarification of the information to be provided to gift CQs regarding the status of their companies’ giving. Stephenson explained that he would periodically inform CQs of the names of their companies’ donors. Amounts will not be revealed. Schwehm relayed a suggestion from a gift CQ that selected ex-cadets be approached for contributions, and asked if Stephenson had received a copy of the original gift proposal letter that had been reworked for the purpose. The suggestion is that each CQ be given such a letter to send to those ex-classmates from his company that he thinks would be interested in making a contribution.

Galloway requested that board members make contributions soon as a positive example. He additionally reported that the Academy is asking those classes intending to make contributions to the library to make partial contributions as soon as possible. The reason for the request is clear. The library is now under construction and funds to support the gift enhancements need to be available at the right time in the building schedule. Galloway cited his personal experience during the construction of the present library. There were instances of gift money not becoming available for particular enhancements until after basic construction was complete, thus requiring a certain amount of tear-out, retrofit, loss of time, and additional expense. When our gift has been approved in accordance with constitutional provisions (sixty days after requesting the referendum, January 31^st in this instance) the Board will consider meeting the request.

6. The Board discussed a prospective candidacy for AOG Board of Directors.

7. The Board considered the AOG Distinguished Graduate Award program.

8. Stevens presented a proposed letter to the Class announcing the sale of prints of the mess hall mural at $5.00 per copy, $10.00 if packaging and shipping is required. After discussion of the expense of USPS class-wide mailings he decided to announce the sale to those on the class email list and make a later effort to reach the remainder of the Class.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2240EST.