March 2003

Dear Classmates,

About three years ago, classmates began working with the Naval Academy to identify a suitable gift to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of our graduation and to make a lasting memorial for the Class. Our gift will be presented to the Academy during our 50th Reunion in September 2005. Several gift-giving opportunities were presented and discussed at our class meeting during the 45th Reunion.

An exciting opportunity is the renovation of the John Paul Jones Crypt. The objective of this 50th Anniversary Gift to the Naval Academy is to honor John Paul Jones and assist the Academy in executing its responsibility to care for his remains and the crypt in which they repose. The crypt is the nation's monument to John Paul Jones. It is the place where Midshipmen and other visitors can be inspired by the example John Paul Jones exemplifies indomitable will, courage and ferocity in the face of close range enemy fire, attributes our nation's armed forces need now and will need in the future. Jones was also a tireless advocate to the Congress of the need for officer training and education, so it is most appropriate that his crypt be located at the primary institution for teaching Midshipmen how to be officers. Our project will restore the crypt to a condition of somber splendor appropriate to the memory and example of John Paul Jones. If fund raising proceeds speedily, our 50th Anniversary Gift will be completed in time to provide the Naval Academy with a restored crypt to display to our countrymen. This will demonstrate the importance to the Navy and the nation of the fighting spirit of our first seagoing combat hero. Ted Parker is the Class Gift Project Officer for the JPJ Crypt and is working closely with the multiple agencies involved at the Academy.

For those classmates who may prefer an alternative to the crypt another project is in the area of athletics. Recently an opportunity arose to contribute significantly to the renovation of the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. This memorial was built with private funds in the 50's and has deteriorated significantly. Our part will be the funding of one of the Memorial Battle Arches (COLD WAR CLASS OF 1955) as depicted in the enclosed project information sheet. John Adams will monitor this project for the Class.

As we were developing these projects, the Naval Academy Superintendent began a major five year fund raising campaign termed “Leaders to Serve the Nation” which will provide private funds to support the overall goals of the Academy and the Brigade. The Class has joined this campaign while maintaining our distinct efforts for the crypt and Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Both of our projects are entirely consistent and compatible with the overall aims of “Leaders to Serve the Nation.”

The fund raising for our gift projects and for the larger campaign is being accomplished by the Naval Academy Foundation. The Foundation is the designated agency authorized to raise private money for the Academy and to convey it tax-free to appropriately approved projects. Some classmates misunderstood the role of the Foundation initially, but this has been resolved—we are all together now. (If you have given any money to another group in the name of the Class of 1955, that money should be returned to you.) The Foundation exacts a small and reasonable fee of about 5% for performing the fundraising work for our gifts and the larger fund drive. This 5% fee is far less than the national average of 12-15%. This work consists of letters, phone calls, record keeping, credit card fees, and follow-up on behalf of the classes. Part of that fee is necessary to support the Alumni Association and the publication of Shipmate.

The Foundation's first letter went out to the Class in the fall of 2001 with follow-up phone calls over the next few months. Unfortunately, the Alumni Association/Foundation Annual Fund Drive occurred at the same time, so that it seemed like a duplicate solicitation. For that and other reasons the effort was only partially successful. Phone calls reached only about 250 classmates and only about half of those responded with a pledge for the Class Gift. Through November 2002 the total amount pledged was only $370,479. We can and must do better than that. Fred Tolleson became our Chief Fundraiser this year. He is working with the Foundation to get us on track after the confused beginning.

That money goal of “Leaders to Serve the Nation” is $175 million. Our Class Gift goal is $2 million and is a part of the $175 million goal. In raising and contributing funds for these efforts, the Class of 1955 will receive appropriate, tangible, and enduring recognition on the sites.

Enclosed are information sheets providing more detail about the two projects in our Class Gift and related information.

You will receive a letter asking for your support very shortly. If you have previously committed to a multiyear pledge this letter is for information only. You do not have to repeat your 2001 pledge, but you will receive reminders. If you have not pledged the Class of 1955 needs your financial support desperately. You may also be solicited separately for the Academy's Annual Fund Drive in 2003, 2004, and 2005. The Annual Fund Drive solicits unrestricted funds to meet the needs of the Academy and the Brigade. You may, however, choose either an unrestricted donation or you can make another contribution to the Class Gifts in any or all of those years. If you want to support the Class Gift effort you must mark your Annual Fund Drive response form and the accompanying check for the “JPJ Crypt” and/or “Stadium.” This will ensure that your contribution is placed in the proper account.

In contributing to the Class of 1955 gift goal of $2 million you will make a significant and enduring memorial to the Class of 1955. You will also provide significant support to our Naval Academy

We urge you to contribute what you can afford and to whichever of the Class projects you wish to support. We hope to see all of you at the 50th Reunion in September 2005.

  Sincerely,