A class's fiftieth anniversary represents a special opportunity to gather, both in spirit and
on campus.
This year, members of the Class of 1947 came together to stimulate increased attention and anticipation of their fiftieth Reunion. Their efforts and results have set a new standard.
Nine class members issued a unique “challenge” to the entire class on three fronts:
- Everyone to attend Reunion Weekend, June 26-29, 1997;
- Everyone to participate in the 85th Annual Fund;
- Everyone to increase the previous years contributions to the fund.
The nine class members created a pool of 529,000, promising to match 3-to-1 any gift over and above the previous year's gift by any member of the Class of 1947.
Frank Peters '47, class head agent, then enlisted fifteen classmates to contact each class member.
The results so far? Not only have the number of gifts and pledges to the College increased, but individual contributions to the class fund have increased in almost every case. More importantly, class members have had the opportunity to renew relationships diminished over time and distance.
To Peters, the chance to give back to Union was one he could not refuse. “Obviously, I am not alone in my feeling,” he says. “As indicated by the results, the Class of 1947 has responded
overwhelmingly. Many thanks to those who so willingly volunteered to make contacts and calls, and to all of you who listened and responded.”
Final results of the challenge will be known at Reunion, and all alumni are urged to join the fun from June 26-29.