OK Rabble!

Here's a progress update on our Class Gift fund-raising effort and an announcement of an exceptional opportunity to acquire a little bit of history and simultaneously help close the class gift equation.

First the progress update.  As of the end of October, we have raised just about $2,475,000.00.  Just a smidge over $225K more and we will reach our target of $2.7M, which will cover in full our commitment to the Academy of $2.5M for the "naming opportunity" of the library rotunda and all anticipated ancillary expenses as well, including the costs of class memorialization.

Pres Miller advises that so far, about $53K of the $68K Challenge has been taken up.  Sincere thanks to the classmates who funded this initiative and to the classmates who have risen to the challenge.  Another $15K of the Challenge remains available, so if you haven't already done so, please consider taking advantage of this opportunity to double the impact of your contribution on the bottom line of our class gift account.

A few more update statistics.  As of the end of October, 63.5% of living classmates have made contributions in support of the class gift, and 165 of those classmates have each contributed at least a "fair share" amount of $5K and received a Bronze Class Coin.  Sixty-six of them have reached or exceeded the Silver Class Coin level ($10K).

The net of it is that we've come a long way thanks to the generosity of a growing majority of classmates - but we're not there yet.  We can do this, Rabble.  We can close this financial equation - hopefully with the help of an even larger number of classmates in the final tally.  No task too great - including this one.

Now the announcement of the exceptional opportunity that I mentioned above.  A couple of months ago, John Calabro, with great eloquence and erudition, described the magnificent and unique life sized bronze sculpture of Thomas Jefferson which will adorn the Class of 1968 Rotunda. Internationally renowned artist, Friend of West Point, and Associate Member of the USMA Class of 1968 James Nathan Muir is crafting the piece and has offered to produce a limited edition of "maquettes" - exact replica statuettes approximately 18" high - and offer them for sale exclusively to members of our class from now until our 40th reunion (or until they are all sold.  James and his wife Linda have further decided to transfer one-third of the price for each maquettes sold to our Class Gift Account as a charitable contribution to be credited to the purchaser.  The purchase price for each maquette is $4,500.00 (plus $100.00 for crating and shipping), so $1,500.00 will flow into our class gift account for each maquette sold. The sale of the entire limited edition will add over $100K to our Class Gift Fund - and 68 classmates will own a magnificent artwork of special significance.  Purchases will be on a first-come first-served basis based upon receipt of payment in full.

You can see the preliminary clay concept model of the Thomas Jefferson sculpture and/or purchase a maquette by credit card at the following website  <https://secure.west-point.org/usma1968/classgift/> and you can view examples of James Muir's finished works at

<http://www.jamesmuir.com/>http://www.jamesmuir.com .   If you wish,

you can make your purchase by check.  If so, you should make it payable to the "Class of 1968 Administrative Fund".  You will receive tax documentation acknowledging your charitable contribution from AOG when a third of the purchase price is transferred to the class gift account.

Classmates who can call on an employer match for their contribution may wish to write two checks - one to the "Class of 1968 Administrative Fund" in the amount of $3,100.00 and another, payable to the "Class of 1968 Gift Fund" in an amount that will depend on the nature of the employer match.  In a one-for-one match situation, for example, the amount would be $750.  Purchasers using employer match programs must, of course, send properly executed employer matching amount forms with their checks in the appropriate amounts, and will be deemed to have made full payment when these materials are received.

Please be aware that receipt of payment in full will determine a successful purchase and once the limited edition is sold-out, subsequent attempts to make a purchase will be unsuccessful.

Proffered funds will be returned to unsuccessful purchasers.  Please feel free to contact Dutch Hostler at <mailto:dhostler@west-point.org>dhostler@west-point.org with any questions regarding this unique opportunity.

We are nearing the end of 2007.  Please keep the class gift in mind as you plan any final charitable contributions for the year.  And also keep in mind the upcoming reunion in 2008.

Warm wishes for a great Thanksgiving holiday to you and to all you hold dear. We have much to be thankful for - in the alma mater that helped shape our lives - and in the extraordinary friendships so many of us continue to enjoy.  God bless.

No Task Too Great!

Dutch

E-Mail Addresses:

John Calabro

PAUL A. DeCoursey

Dave Gerard

Dutch Hostler

1968 Class Home Page

Page Last Updated: Nov 21, 2007