Dear Class of 1979 Family,
It
seems apropos that we chose "We Are Family" as our theme for our 40th
Reunion last year and for all Reunions going forward. With Covid-19
affecting us all, take comfort that the '79 Family is here for you in
every way. We Are Family, indeed.
We
write to you all now with the same message that Lonny Behar wrote to
our wonderful Student Reunions Team just yesterday: "We are thinking of
you during this stressful and disruptive time. Your '79 Family cares
very deeply for your well-being.” If you'd like to speak with someone
about your experience, we encourage you to contact a Classmate -- we all
do care!".
Who
amongst us would have thought that the term "social distancing" would
enter our lexicon...and become commonplace in a matter of days? Who had
even heard of it before this month? I know I hadn't...but we are
heartened to see how quickly people are adapting and adopting new
behaviors so as to combat this together. The University is doing all
that it can to protect the health and well-being (in every way) of
students, faculty and administration.
Princeton
is fortunate indeed to have the resources to weather this storm...but
Annual Giving remains important to the University's ability to support
current initiatives as well as to maintain Princeton's remarkable
financial aid program. Over 60% of students currently receive aid, and
the average amount is in fact a grant of full tuition.
But
this letter is not a special request for you to donate. Rather, we
wanted to reach out to demonstrate the cohesion of our Class and our
mutual fondness for Old Nassau...and to underscore our collective
support both for the University and for one another, as Classmates, as
alumni, and as citizens of the world.
On
a specific level, the Covid-19 pandemic is affecting one young man who
is my Mentee from our Class Mentoring program. Diamond is a Junior at
Princeton, from a very remote village in Nepal. He just now applied to
remain on-campus during the crisis, as he had literally nowhere to go
when students were told to leave campus for good (although Judy and I
offered for him to stay with us in New Hampshire if need be). The
University thankfully accepted his application to stay in Princeton, and
he will be well-cared-for on campus - thanks to the University's
resources and support from all alumni and friends.
Please let us know what we can do to be supportive to each other as this unprecedented event continues to unfold.
With
great affection, Tiger spirit, and '79 Family comfort and support, we
remain hopeful that we will all get through this together. We Are
Family.
Phil Hueber, Class of 1979 President
Email or call 603-852-2460
