The meeting convened by teleconference at 2030 EDT. All members were present.

1. Galloway welcomed Bob Faulkender to the Board as the Southeast Regional Group Representative, replacing the late Fred Wells.

2. The agenda was reviewed and approved.

3a. The latest version of the reunion planning schedule was reviewed. Galloway noted the organ recital has been cancelled and that the Ellis Island tour is to include lunch. The hospitality suite is to be opened Tuesday night after the dinner, and to be reserved on Wednesday until noon for cleanup purposes. Breakfast arrangements were discussed. Galloway will investigate the possibility of expanding rhe continental breakfasts to include hot items. The schedule will be adjusted to clarify timing for the chapel service and cemetery visits. Military time will be used throughout the schedule. The Regional Representatives reported the interest levels for the traditional post-parade class photo within their groups. The Board decided to continue the tradition.

3b/c/d. A schedule of reunion-related correspondence with the Class was reviewed. A draft interim update letter was presented and several editorial changes were suggested. Galloway will refine the letter and present a final version to the board. It will be sent to the class via USPS. A request for registration fee payments and hotel information is planned for a late August distribution. Meal and event documents will go out by January 15, 2012 and a final coordination letter will be produced by April 15.

3e. Voorhees reported progress on reunion mementoes. The cost of the previously approved pendants for the ladies will be $55.00. Supplemental ones will be available for additional purchases. After discussion, the Board agreed to procure distinctive headgear for the men and consider them their reunion memento. Hats similar in design and decoration to those worn in 2007, black in color, were favored. Voorhees will pursue the project.

4. The gym hallway decoration which was our 1987 reunion gift is in need of complete renovation. The current cost proposal for the project is in the low to mid thirty thousand dollars. The Board reaffirmed its interest in the project and paying the costs out of the Class gift fund. Considering the substantial funds involved, the Board agreed to seek Class approval in accordance with the requirements of the constitution.

5. Galloway reminded the Board of constitutional provisions for electing officers, particularly the president and vice-president positions, which require five candidates to be nominated for the three positions, with the three candidates winning the most votes taking the seats in the order of their support. He expressed his discomfort with such a system, believing a nominating committee should be tasked and able to select a single candidate for each position based on knowledge of the candidates’ qualifications, interest in serving in the position, and knowledge of the responsibilities entailed. He proposed a constitutional amendment be promulgated, which would additionally include a provision for supplemental candidates to compete. The Board determined to consider the proposal while Galloway produces a draft amendment, to be done with all rapidity.

Gadd noted that, according to the constitution, an election of Regional Representatives must be held at about the same time as the election of officers, and reaching the required 10% of the class voting for representation may be not be possible for some of the Groups. Also, he believes the constitution contains conflicting language on the subject. Considerable discussion ensued, with various schemes proposed. The issues will be considered at a later date.

6. Galloway reported that negotiations are continuing for a crest to be placed in the coffee shop. He hopes to have samples for the Board’s consideration in the near future.

7. Kovel reported highlights from the recent AOG Class Leaders Conference.

The AOG was represented by Jim Johnson, VP of Alumni Support, Nadia King, ‘91, the new Director of Class Support, and Lisa Strine, ‘88, Senior Director of Development. They presented brochures: "Your Legacy" (Instructions on planned giving); "West Point Pride" (How private giving shapes West Point); and "For Us All: the Campaign for West Point" (Needs and ways to support West Point). All are part of a new campaign aimed at raising $350 million.

Noting the multiple requests going out for funding, a suggestion was made to better integrate them. Basically, all the money goes to the same funds. The AOG has reduced the fund raising charge from 15% to 12%. A primary objective is to get individuals to commit to giving a fixed amount monthly for an extended period of time.

The class of 1952 representative indicated they are considering moving their gift fund out of the AOG to a Class investment.

The AOG has established a Department of Communications and Marketing that will be responsible for all publications, including Assembly. It is to be led by Norma Heim.

The AOG’s reunion support program is expanding to include registration and other activities. A DVD "Program for Reunion" is available. She reminded that USMA and the AOG license all class crests, but classes may use them for their own purposes.

Various classes discussed their arrangements for supporting their class widows, with means ranging through assisting with paperwork at the time of death of the graduate to accommodation of widows in supplementary positions on class boards. The Class of 1958 was noted to have a formal program.

8. Galloway presented a document on survivor assistance produced by the Class of 1956. The Board will consider the usefulness of such a program for our Class at a later date.

9. Stephenson discussed the Class of 1962 initiative to decorate a room in The Thayer with memorabilia honoring the 1953 Army football team. The project is nearing completion.

The meeting adjourned at 2240 EDT.