Fwd: gift from your class

[John Kurtz]

FYI from Pearl.

Is anyone interested in meeting this year's class in the next 3 weeks?

JK

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Kane, Pearl" <ka...@exchange.tc.columbia.edu>

Date: April 23, 2008 10:28:53 PM EDT

To: "John Kurtz" <joh...@flash.net>

Cc: "Tonge, Adele" <To...@exchange.tc.columbia.edu>, "Haynes, Aletha" <Hay...@exchange.tc.columbia.edu>

Subject: RE: gift from your class

Dear John, thank you so much for the generous contribution of 8 graduation gowns. The word has already gotten out about your class contribution and students are thrilled that more gowns will be available.

 

Your class has very special people in it and I appreciate the thoughtfulness and care that has gone into discussing the gift. This was an extremely busy year as we prepared for the 30th anniversary event -- made a video and involved the family. I also spent a lot of time negotiating the bequest. So accept my apologies and please understand if I or our staff  didn't respond to your emails. We were preoccupied with these events.

 

Would you like to come to a class to present the gowns and to talk on behalf of the class -- wishing them luck and welcoming them to the alumni body? That would be special. We have 3 weeks remaining in the term.

Thank you and please extend my gratitude to your class for their generosity. Fond regards, Pearl 

 

 

---

From: John Kurtz [mailto:joh...@flash.net]
Sent: Wed 4/23/2008 1:09 AM
To: Kane, Pearl
Cc: Tonge, Adele; Haynes, Aletha; Kling2003
Subject: Re: gift from your class

Dear Pearl:

Thank you for your note. I apologize that it has taken so long for me to get back to you.

If it is not too late, our class would like to purchase 8 graduation gowns for this year's students, which we understand should cost around $400, as a way of supporting and congratulating this year's class.

If you don't mind, let me explain to you are thoughts.  Your email prompted a lengthy and thoughtful conversation among our class about our goals and the purpose of our gifts.  (However, because the conversation was by email, it was a bit protracted).  

We have several goals:

-to help pay for some student expenses, even in our own small way

-to create a connection between the current students and our class, based on the shared intellectual experience of the books that we've given

-to give tangible "keepsake" gifts to the students as a reminder that there is an alumni network out there interested in them and their success

-to maintain the bonds and connections within our class each year through our fundraising efforts and our ongoing conversations about which books each year would be meaningful gifts

We all loved our year in the Klingenstein program, and that is what we are trying to convey to the students each year.

For the past few years, we have been able to give two books. One was a required text for a class, and the second was a graduation gift that we thought everyone would enjoy and value.   Last year, thanks to Karolyn Belcher, we were able to continue with the graduation book gifts with the generous support from several members of her class.

Earlier this year, we tried to continue the pattern of buying one course book and one graduation book.  We were disappointed when the course book fell through, and admittedly a bit surprised to the initial response to our proposed graduation gift.  That's what generated our conversation.

Of course, we very much want to support the students and the center, and we are happy to pay for these gowns.

All the best,

John

On Apr 3, 2008, at 12:31 PM, Kane, Pearl wrote:

 

Hi John,

I got copied on your email.  I’d  strongly suggest the graduation gowns as that is a direct out of pocket cost for students. This time of year students don’t have a lot to spare. We have several gowns that have been given to us by a few alumni. We write their names in the gowns and each student who wears the gown adds their name so that there is a growing tradition that students seem to love. If you and your colleagues we be willing to do this we’d love to have you come to class to present the gowns.

 

Hope all is well.

Warm regards, Pearl

[Ayanna Hill]

Hey there,
Thanks for the thoughtful letter, it was well-written and honest.

Depending on the day, I oculd get in to the city for a presentation if
needed. I'm out May 7 and 8th but another afternoon could work. Thanks
to all who organized this and continue to do so, your efforts on our
behalf are greatly appreciated!!! - Yanni

[Athena Maikish]

Depending on the date I, too, could help with the presentation.
And, thanks, John for making a great decision and writing a great letter.

Best,
Athena

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____________________________________________
Athena Maikish
New York University, Steinhardt
Doctoral Student, International Education Development
Teaching Assistant, Advanced Quantitative Methods I and II