10 July 2011

The meeting convened by teleconference at 2000 EDT. All members were present.

1 The minutes of the previous meeting, 20 June 2011, were approved

2. The Board finalized and approved a letter to ex-cadets, widows and children of deceased classmates who are in contact with the Class. The letter gives initial details on the forthcoming 55^th Reunion.

3. The Board finalized and approved a similar letter to regular members which includes two additional items.

The Board proposes the expenditure of up to $40,000 of Class gift funds for the rehabilitation and improvement of the central gymnasium entrance hallway that was our gift to West Point at our 30^th Reunion The hallway is now used both as a passage to the weight rooms and as a room for the conduct of promotions and other ceremonies by the Department of Physical Education. Unfortunately the lighting system we installed 25 years ago has proven to be inadequate. The simple fact is that the hallway area is so dark as to make it seem a foreboding place. It further makes it difficult to view the pictures (of us) on the walls, and to recognize that the writ-large brass lettering on the archway at the end of the hall identifies it as being a Class of 1957 memorial. In addition to the ravages of time, the major reconstruction of the gymnasium complex created changes in the hallway that further detract from its attractiveness. The major problem is the archway that has been filled in with a plaster wall and a metal door. To once again make it a suitable area representing the Class of 1957, we need to provide considerably better lighting throughout the hallway. To accomplish this, we propose to replace the existing ceiling lights with higher wattage fixtures/wiring and to add wall-mounted sconces. Further, we will add hardwood paneling to the metal doors, the wall, and to other areas throughout the hallway which have been changed as a result of gym reconstruction. We will add entry door hardware, to include two sets of panic hardware, pull plates, toe kicks, hinges, and automatic closers, all in bronze. In addition radiators and ventilation coverings will undergo major repair and upgrade. And finally, we will fix/repair a number of other items in need of improvement. It is not going to be cheap, but it is going to be first-class. The Board requests Class approval of the project. A ballot for voting is included.

The Board proposes amendments to the Nomination and Election paragraphs of the Class Constitution. The changes would replace the original requirement to have five candidates for the three positions of president, first vice president, and second vice president with a straightforward requirement to nominate at least one candidate for each position. The Board believes the nominating committee has the opportunity to examine the qualifications of interested individuals and to make recommendations to the Class as to whom it believes would be best suited for each position. The provision in the Constitution that permits additional nominations to be submitted by 12 regular Class members ensures that the opportunity exists to go beyond the recommendations of the nominating committee. The candidate receiving the most votes for each position would be elected to that position. The Board requests Class approval. A ballot for voting is included.

4. In other business, Kovel noted that other classes have integrated ex-cadets and widows to the degree that they are eligible for elected positions on the governing bodies. The Board took note.

Voorhees he has ordered a sample black straw hat with black band and gold crest for the reunion, similar to that worn at the 50^th. Additionally, he is updating the West Point self-guided tour guide.

Stephenson reported on the project to install memorabilia of the 1953 football season in a room in The Thayer Hotel. The sponsors now desire that the Classes of 1954 through 1957 solicit funding from within their Class ranks. Stephenson has asked them to provide a complete description of the project. A concern is security of the items since the room will be used for general occupancy.

The meet adjourned at 2055 EDT.