CAS Meeting 8 July 2009 Update

Gentlemen,

It has already been a week since the Class Senate met and I am just now getting my notes together. The draft minutes, and later the official minutes will be posted. As for now, my opinion is what you get!

The two main points I want to address are:
• Bart Holiday and the USAFA Endowment (UE)
• The "Moving Forward" document

As many of you know, Bart Holiday, USAFA '65, is the Chairman of the Board for the UE. A few points of significant importance were emphasized by Bart. They are:
• Donors were NOT "stolen," "sucked away," or otherwise taken from the AOG. They left when they lost confidence in the AOG, largely as a result of the internal turmoil the AOG went through a while back and from which it has not entirely recovered.
• The UE represents a new model of how a donor organization might work. The emphasis is on the word NEW. Garry's opinion - in a few years, we may mark this as the turning point in the way it is done - - or - - the model will struggle and undergo huge modifications.
• At the present, it is "donor driven." The donors state how their money will be used. Separate endowments are in the process of being setup to fund the organization itself. These careful "stewardship" of the donor's money and wishes is a prime prerequisite to land a donor.

Bart wants a partnership, relationship, or whatever with the AOG and the newly established Athletic Association 503(c). Why? Because the second essential prerequisite to land a donor is that' "We all play nice together!" - The sentiments of the present and potential donors.

As we look at the goals of the two originations, we see parallel goals. So why are we not working together. Not an easy question to answer. Several thoughts are in play. The history and conduct of some individuals burned bridges. Sad to say, but we now have a trust issue amongst fellow graduates. There are also valid differences on the approach on how to accomplish some of the goals. Then there is the question of who leads and who participates.

Solution -

We all keep an open mind. Both organizations are well intended and well staffed. Bears repeating - Both organizations are well intended and well staffed. Garry's opinion - We as individual graduates should support both organizations. Do NOT use the current disagreement between the two organizations as an excuse to support neither.

There is a committee with superb talent working on getting the two organizations together. Eventually, the newly created Athletic Association 503 (C) will need to align as well.

T Thompson was most attentive and gave Bart the floor without interruption and without rebuttal. Both men were impressive in their courtesy and diplomatic skill - and I mean that in the complimentary manner.

T was asked a few direct questions after Bart left and he responded. I am going to leave that to the official draft minutes so I do not mess it up! My notes are not that good!

The second main point is the "Moving Forward" document. The Moving Forward document is the Class Senate's main effort to inform the Board of the members' wishes for the organization. Please read it. It is an update from previous years. I think it is a strong document.

In Summary

Support your AOG. Money is a great way. Membership is also needed. I see no reason not to support the UE. It is a good organization. Support both without sacrificing one for the other, but please do something.

Your slave in Colorado Springs,

Garry

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