"85@25" is underway!

The planning is underway for 1985's 25th DA Reunion! On September 27, members of the just formed reunion committee met (and phoned in) for a 90 minute strategy session. Thanks to Jeff Downing, Fred Ilchman, Greg Delts, Greg Fitzgerald, Syd Williams and George Knight for being in attendance and to Lee Hansen, Joe Kaufmann and Brian Jurek for calling in. Additional thanks to Syd's parents for hosting this terrific kickoff event for all of the above and their kids!

To get involved, email Syd and respond to anyone from the class who reaches out. The Goal is 85 attendees at our 25th reunion June 11-13, 2010, with online registration beginning in November 2009.

Fred Ilchman impressed all at the gathering with his framed graduation day photograph (remember: his mom was the speaker?) and his vintage BEAT CHOATE hat from 1983 (one of the early Eric Suher Enterprises products). Go find your old pictures and memorabilia!!!

Deerfield Academy Class of 85@25

Hello all,

I have invited the committee folks as well as a few others so that they can monitor our progress. Obviously anyone is free to comment. Russ, I thought you might be interested in that some of the ideas may help in creation of the logo.


We have two tasks as I see it and before we begin I would like to have agreement on what they are.

1) I see a short term task of brainstorming a class gift that aligns with both Deerfield’s mission & needs and our desire to give back to the broader community in some way. The key here is motivating our classmates to attend and know that at the same time they are helping the community in some small way. That is our short term challenge. I would hope we could use this gift as a rally point for our logo, messaging and marketing efforts without confusing our classmates why they should attend. First, to reconnect with their classmates, second to support DA in its ongoing mission, and third doing something unique for others.

2) We want to discuss any ongoing effort for the class of 85 that may or may not be the same gift recurring every five years, or it may be something different on an annual basis. That’s for us to decide.

To the first charter I think it might be worthwhile to reach out to DA and hear about the efforts that are currently underway, efforts that require new or addtional funding etc. If we have their support we proabably have a better chance of making a larger impact. This could also serve as a starting point for our brainstorming sessions.
 
I hope I have captured the intent from our meeting this weekend. I welcome all comments!
 
Best,
Greg