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

McNeil reported that he had moved $18,885.00 in Class funds from a Bank of America certificate of deposit and money market fund because of the current low return rates and moved them to the AOG’s administrative fund held on behalf of the Class. This amount, plus $5,205.80 in a local checking account will provide sufficient funds for up-front 55^th reunion expenses.

Galloway briefed an AOG report outlining the last ten years of activity in the Class gift fund. Our total contributions were over $614,000. The return over the ten years was nearly $83,000. The balance of the gift fund is about $199,000 not including expected additions from planned gifts (wills) and uncompleted pledges, and less a payment for completion of the honor kiosk electronics. We are committed, however, to our pledge of $60,000 in an endowment for the perpetual upkeep of all our gifts. Galloway is negotiating a contractual agreement with the AOG and the Post on this issue.

Galloway led a discussion on the proposed reunion schedule with initial focus on hotel activities as he must sign the contract with the hotel by 1 June. In the Fall we must make room and event commitments. It is important that we have good numbers by then so as not to overextend ourselves and risk penalties. In allotting rooms, it was decided to allow one room per classmate during the period 1-31 August 2011, after which individuals needing additional rooms could make reservations. Kehoe related the experience of the Class of 1950 from their recent 60^th reunion, the fourth time they have used the Hilton Woodcliff Lake. They gave the hotel good marks all around. It was mentioned that a shuttle service from and to the Newark airport is available. Galloway showed a chart of the hotel layout and capacities of the various event spaces. The hotel seems adequate for our needs in every respect. It was noted, however, that should spouses attend the business meeting in large numbers, the room intended for the purpose may not be adequate. Kovel questioned the choice of the reception and hospitality rooms, and the issue will be revisited.

Schwehm reviewed the results of the reunion interest survey. Eighty-four graduates, ex-cadets and widows stated their intention to not attend the reunion, 181 responded with intentions to do so, with stated guest expectations sufficient to bring total attendance to 371. One hundred fifty total persons showed interest in touring West Point and 107 the Hudson Valley. He then reviewed comments and suggestions included in the responses and the board evaluated their feasibility. A suggestion for a special early bus return to the hotel on Tuesday after lunch, was deemed reasonable, but a possible problem of wasted bus space was noted. If only a few wanted to do so, they will have to provide their own transportation. A request to plan company tables at breakfast was deemed unworkable, although individual companies could probably reserve them informally. A suggestion to schedule the Hudson Valley tour after the farewell breakfast found no support. Company gatherings in hotel meeting rooms are popular and the board will address how those desiring them can work with the hotel to reserve the rooms. Hatch cited a reunion at which the first evening was "company night" and was mostly entertainment outside the reunion hotel. Galloway described a similar arrangement occurring on the Monday night. A request to use Camp Buckner for an event cannot be accommodated because the plebes will probably be there as they have been in recent years. It should be possible, however, for some of the Monday tour busses to visit enroute to the hotel. Many requests involved visiting specific locations, e.g., gym, barracks, classrooms, computer facilities, cadet store in the cadet area. Most should be feasible if the period after the Tuesday lunch and during the Monday West Point tour can be made to accommodate wandering-around-time.

Several suggestions were made for a New York Harbor cruise. Schwehm will investigate the possibilities of a Monday lunch cruise with especial consideration of the timing between the business meeting and the evening event. If it appears feasible, he will survey likely interest using email. He will also investigate tours of Ellis Island.

The board discussed possible changes to the tentative schedule. Galloway described some elements of another class’s recent reunion. They had made available the West Point self-guided tour booklet which we had produced for our 50^th and encouraged classmates to arrive early (Saturday) to make the tour. Additionally, for others who arrived on Saturday, buses left the hotel Sunday morning, took a tour of West Point, and returned to register. Lunch arrangements were a problem. He also stated that it rained heavily on the Tuesday of the alumni exercises and the group spent the day at West Point in sodden clothing. Adverse weather planning is a necessity. Voorhees confirmed that the tour booklet could be used again by merely changing the cover. It was agreed to provide for optional self-guided tours on Sunday. It was confirmed that a buffet supper is intended for Sunday evening. A discussion ensued about individual company gatherings and it was resolved to not encourage them during the time of the scheduled activities.

In addition to the election of officers at the business meeting, time is available for talks by one or more individuals from West Point. Galloway and Stevens will pursue the possibilities. It was decided to move the barbeque start time to 7PM, preceded by a cocktail hour. No changes were suggested regarding the Tuesday or Wednesday schedules.

Galloway revealed that the AOG is planning to increase its level of support to reunion classes, to include such tasks as event payments, registration, and more. They will not, however, work with other hotel events, outside tours, etc. He noted that our facilitator of the 50^th will not be fully available to us for the 55^th. She has, however, agreed to do a certain amount of the planning. He proposed that he identify those services with her and negotiate a fee. Additionally, she will find an individual to take over the necessary on-scene, real-time tasks during the reunion days. The board agreed, but emphasized the absolute necessity of full-time support at the reunion.

Golden volunteered to handle the hospitality suite, Kovel the Tuesday special events (the memorial service and the dinner), Stevens the speakers and Voorhees the ladies' gift.

The meeting was adjourned at 2246 EDT.