The USNA Class of 1970 Annual Meeting was held on October 21, 2017

1. Class Meeting Called to Order – Class Vice President:

Class Vice President, Class Vice President Lynn Widener called meeting to order at 1415 during the Navy - UCF Tailgate.

2. Welcome – Class President Mike Novak:

Mike Novak made his opening remarks.

3. Introduction of any VIPs or Special Guests in attendance (Announce and Recognize Board of Trustees Members):

Mike Novak recognized VIP Mr. Collins of NBC, spouse of Emily Collins nee Bender, Tom’s sister. BOT members Bob Sonnenberg, Dan Bowler, Pat Dawson, Guy Knieriem, Dave Martin, Carl Wick and Grant Thorpe.

4. Treasurer’s Report – Class Treasurer:

Ed Moore stated the class was solvent with the following amounts available as of 9/19/17:

Fund Balance
1970 Capstone Seminar $396,574
1970 Cyber Program $112,894
1970 Ethics Leadership $151,673
1970 Athletics Excellence $59,980
Hopper Portrait $19,591
Project Undesignated $304
1970 Class Checking $54,049
Total $795,065

5. Class Membership Report - Class Membership Secretary:

Class Membership in Alumni Association: 60%

Gino Marchetti reported that the numbers are about the same as last year; 63% members, 3% annual members, and 60% life members.

6. Report on the deaths of Classmates since our last annual meeting in 2016:

Ed Moore reported that 9 classmates have passed since the last annual meeting:

7. Corresponding Secretary’s Report - Royal Connell:

Royal thanked those of who sent emails and photos for SHIPMATE. Remember that it is your article, and a way to pass along news to the rest of us. Keep those cards and letters coming, and make sure faces are recognizable in photos. And by the way, photos from most cell phones are too small or too grainy to publish, so either get a good phone/camera combination, or take a picture with a real camera. Royal loves to get news from the spouses, who are always more talkative about their husband’s than their husband’s are.

8. Class Fundraising Committee Report - Grant Thorpe (Board of Trustees):

The total amounts pledged and paid as of 06 October 2017 are:

Fund Balance
Ethics Leadership: $167,072.27
Athletic Excellence DAF: $23,400.00
Athletic Excellence: $97,320.09
Naval Academy Fund: $419,346.01
Cyber Program Support: $116,115.56
Total $823,253.93

9. Reunion Committee Report - Gary Knight (BoT):

Other than hotel space at Loew’s reserved for the reunion week-end, nothing to report. 50th reunion committee will begin meeting about 24 months out from the reunion.

10. Reunion Hotel Report - Carl Wick (BoT):

Same as above, except someone noted that O’Callahan’s is closed for about a year due to its acquisition by Hilton Garden Suites.

11. Tailgate Report - Gino Marchetti:

One tailgate left for SMU. Attendance has been excellent, averaging 70+ per home game, including members of the class of 2020 (ALITC). Expect to close out 2017 home stand on Nov 11 with traditional soup menu. 75% of tent costs recovered. Per the tailgate plan, this closes out tent collections for the season.

12. Army Navy Tailgate - Barry Steelman (BoT):

46 signed up as of this date. Need 100 people to secure Big Bama big rig, otherwise need 60 people for the tailgate and smaller rig to progress. Cut-off date for responses is October 28, 2017.

13. Capstone Report - Gary Knight (BoT):

Successfully conducted 2 Fall Capstone sessions, awaiting the Spring schedule.

14. Another Link in the Chain Committee Report - Gary Knight:

Gary Knight (BoT) reported that gold from rings due soon for the 2020 ring ceremony.

15. Distinguished Graduate Award Update - Class President Mike Novak:

Class President Mike Novak stated that two are in work Machtley and Malone), and two may be forthcoming (Golez and Reinemund). Sutton and Williams are sitting out this round.

16. Old Business (if any):

None.

17. New Business (open to floor):

  1. Discussion of Guidelines and Criteria for Honorary Class of 1970 Membership – Barry Steelman (BoT)- still a work in progress, but getting closer.
  2. Status of Hopper Hall Items (Grace Hopper Portrait, USS HOPPER Battle Ensign) – Bob Sonnenberg (BoT)- portrait being worked by artist, and USNA has battle flag DDG-70 in its possession.
  3. Senior Enlisted Leadership (SEL) Award – Class President Mike Novak- pretty much approved, awaiting financial decision. Plan is to deliver award in April 2018.
  4. American Veterans Conference Attendance by Midshipmen and Classmates - Barry Steelman (BoT)- October event, dinner event opened up to classmates who may wish to attend (and pay).

18. Adjourn until annual meeting at 2018 Homecoming:

Passed and the meeting adjourned until the 2018 Annual Meeting October 2018, unless another meeting is schedule sooner.

Updated: October 24, 2018
Curator: Ed Moore