April 6, 2007

Dear Classmate,
 
Here is a succinct statement of where we are regarding our Class Gift:  with only a little over a year to go before our fund-raising deadline of 5 June 2008, we are approximately $500K short of our goal for the Class of 1968 Rotunda in the new USMA library, including funds necessary for memorialization of the class.  This statement of where we currently are assumes complete fulfillment of all outstanding pledged amounts - approximately $200K.  Unfortunately, we recently encountered a setback when changed financial circumstances and the revelation of misunderstandings caused a nearly half million dollar downward adjustment in our assessment of the total cumulative amount pledged and received.
 
Half a million short.  That's a big hole - and not much time left - so we need your help to fill it.  If you are among the 43% of classmates yet to contribute anything, please close ranks with us now.  If you are among the significant number of classmates who have pledged and/or contributed some amount, but haven't yet reached the 'fair share' amount of $5,000, thanks for your contribution to date and please consider making a further pledge and/or contribution.  If you are among the growing number of classmates who have already contributed a 'fair share' or more, thanks and 'well done' for your generous contribution to date and if your circumstances permit, please consider a further contribution.  And please remember to fulfill any outstanding unfulfilled pledges.
 
The Class Gift Committee will be providing frequent progress reports as we enter the final stretch - once a month starting in June 2007 - and we all can help provide the progress to report upon.
 
Speaking of progress, here's a list of classmates who have attained bronze ($5K) and silver ($10K) Class Coin contribution levels since our last update in December 2006:
 
Bronze Coins:  Gus Lee, Lew Robertson, Ed Milinski, Bob Balog, Joe Dooley, John ONeal, Nick Deines, Bruce Korda, Charlie Klein, Skip Greeby, Mike O'Neil, Bill Robinson, Terry Holland, Joe Dooley, Mike Fay and me.
 
Silver Coins:  Brian McKenna, Mike Fellows, John Kruger, Jim Jennings, Mike O'Neil, Paul DeCoursey, Jim Kohler, Larry Baker and me.
 
I'm confident that we can and will deliver the full funding for our Class Gift on time - but we'll all have to help.  Just like 40 years ago, we're counting on each other.
 
No Task Too Great!
 
Dave Ohle
 

P.S.   Please note that in recognition of our failing eyesight, we've upsized the list of contributors, so it's easier to read .... and there's still plenty of room to add your name.