E-Newsletter

A closing Note of Thanks from your e-newsletter staff!

It was wonderful to see how many records our class broke for this Reunion.  Thank you to everyone who was able to come, (you already know how amazing it was)!

To those who contributed to the Bio Book allowing everyone to catch up whether they were at the reunion or not, another big “thank you!”

The members of our class who provided events, entertainment and presentations include, but are not limited to the people below.  Check the link to see more of what was going on. Read more about the programs as well as the final video from Eric Janus. 

Thank you very much to everyone who contributed so generously to our 50th Reunion gift. We’re thrilled that, together, we increased our Class of 1968 Endowed Scholarship Fund by more than two million dollars, as well as making a substantial contribution to the Alumni Annual Fund. Adding in “legacy” gifts that will be paid in the future, we raised $16.3 million for Carleton! Fantastic!

John Cooke has been selected to be the eleventh director of the Federal Judicial Center. Read the formal press release.

Registration is still open for our 50th Reunion, June 14-17!  However, on-campus rooms are completely full. Additional local lodging options are available. Visit the Class of 1968 site to register for several days of conversation and fun, all for $50!  See Who is Coming from our class and the Special Events scheduled.

View Eric’s video about an entertaining book of short stories now at your home.

Eric Johnson will lead the group on a short walk to the historic Northfield Depot which is in the process of being renovated (7:30-8:30 on Saturday morning). Northfield’s last scheduled passenger train ran in July 1969 (northbound from Kansas City to Minneapolis).

Three people will be presenting:

• Alice Thomas—from the booster club, will talk about the history of the Depot.
• Clark Webster is involved with the move and reconstruction of the Depot.
• Suzie Nakasian, City Council member will talk about reestablishment of a train south from St Paul to Kansas City, (has involved many mayors south of Northfield to Kansas).

Sunday is the final day of our 50^th Reunion and offers a chance for final visits, farewells, and time to reflect with memories of our departed classmates.  The schedule for the morning includes:

• An informal breakfast is a chance for more stimulating conversation and for saying good-bye.
• We will remember and honor our classmates who are no longer with us at the Japanese Garden from 8:00-9:00am.  The names of classmates who have died are listed in the In Memoriam section of the Bio Book.  Earlier this month, after the deadline for the printed version of the Bio Book, our classmate Mario Small passed away.  Mario attended many past reunions, and would have attended the 50^th reunion had he been able to.  You can add remembrances about Mario or any other deceased classmate to the In Memoriam section of the online Bio Book.
• Our classmate, Linda Clader, will help lead the Alumni Interfaith Service of Remembrance and Celebration that will take place at Skinner Memorial Chapel from 9:30-10:30 am.  Following the service, a Sweet Farewells Reception will provide a chance to say good-bye and enjoy a treat before you depart.
• And then, just as on that June day 50 years ago, we’ll scatter with plans to stay in touch and gather again at another Reunion.  Departure shuttles leave campus at 6:30am, 8am, 10am and noon.  For more information on shuttles and other transportation, visit the Shuttles & Travel page at the Reunion website.

… but “Thanks $2.8 Million!”  That’s how much you’ve invested in Carleton through your fabulous response to the Reunion Planning Committee’s 4:1 Challenge.  More than 47 classmates claimed the full amount of the $250,000 challenge fund through their new cash and legacy gifts.  Thank you very, very much to all of you who responded, as well as to the members of the Planning Committee whose pledges created the challenge fund that encouraged your generosity.  We look forward to announcing in June an astounding final figure for our 50th Reunion Class Gift.

Last month we reported that our class was closing in on the record for the most members of the Joseph Lee Heywood Society of any class in Carleton history.  We’re proud to report that you’ve now set that record, with 77 members from the Class of 1968!  Thank you to all of you who’ve made a legacy gift for Carleton.

Although we’ve now surpassed the previous record by one member, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t really smash it.  It’s not too late to join these classmates who have chosen to support Carleton after they’re gone, by including the College in their will or naming it as a beneficiary of an insurance policy, retirement account, or charitable trust.  If you’re interested in pursuing one of these options, please contact Jennifer Foth at Carleton, 507-222-4276.