From Robby--
Intrepid 72ers- In the middle of what as been one of the hottest summers on record, I thought I would bring you up to date on a few class related events as we get ready to get back into gear in the fall.
PRINCETON IN AFRICA- As many of you know, our class sponsored the PIAF fellow at the African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg for this year, Veda Sunassee. A few of us met Veda and his family at the Class Reunion dinner last May, and he certainly is an impressive young man. He has promised to update us on his experiences, and we will post his comments on the Class web site as we receive them.
The PIAF annual benefit is on Thursday, Oct 28 in New York City, and this year they are honoring Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, the renowned journalists. It is a fun event, and we would love to have a big crew of ‘72ers attend. Details are on the PIAF web site. Meeting former fellows and hearing how the year in Africa changed their lives is worth the trip itself.
We have done a great job working with PIAF to help them grow the organization and offer more fellowships. One of our Classmates who is in control of a Foundation’s assets directed a significant grant to Princeton in Africa, as the mandate of the foundation matches the mission of the organization. This gives us the flexibility to perhaps fund another fellowship, and maybe a Class trip is in order to see them in action!!
All in all, a very good start to our first Community service initiative. We would love to hear from anyone interested in learning more, or getting involved on any level. The web site of PIAF is a very useful tool. You will actually see a few of your illustrious Classmates (and Veda) in the most recent flyer.
ANNUAL GIVING_ Ho hum- another year with over 60% participation (64+ actually). Double digits ahead of the average of the other classes in the ‘70s. Tom Hoster’s bust adorns every corner of the AG office. The bigger news is that as a whole, the AG campaign had over 60% participation, Incredible. A lot of that is driven by 70% numbers posted by some of the younger classes, but once again, Princeton is the gold standard in university fundraising.
HARVARD GAME- The Harvard game is Saturday, October 23 in Princeton. Our Class will convene in the Whitman College Common Room, after the Tigers roar, for our annual football game cocktail party. Mark your calendars!!!
I hope the summer is treating everyone well. There will be a more in depth report on our Class affairs in President deGolian’s annual State of the Class letter. Keep your eye on our Class web site for upcoming trips and events, and don’t forget to read Ed Strauss’ incomparable Class notes in the PAW. --Robby
