November 2021
Dear Classmates:
Princeton
has asked all classes to create a new, forward-looking officer position
with an express focus on Diversity – Equity – Inclusion (DEI).In true
Class of 1979 spirit, we plan the focus to be on inclusion and
engagement, much like our Class Theme, “We Are Family.” As I promised in
my recent President’s Letter, we are holding an open nomination process
to choose the Class of 1979’s inaugural DEI & Engagement
Co-Chairpersons.
Why am
I emphasizing Inclusion & Engagement? Our principal goal as class
officers has been to provide ALL members of our ’79 family with a warm
welcome, and more reason and opportunity to engage with each other, the
class and the university community (especially the undergrads and recent
alumni) in a variety of ways. These opportunities have included our
class service projects, social and educational ’79 gatherings, support
of affinity groups, and leadership in both our communities and in
University endeavors--whatever shape it takes and without any bar to
participation.
From
service as trustees, to mentors, to support of young entrepreneurs, or
community service activity, individually or in groups, this spirit is
what animates our class. We want to be sure that we have a strong voice
in University DEI actions while continuing to reflect our distinctive
class experiences. We have led and lived through growing pains, change
and innovation while we were students and for decades since—and now
wiser, we can add value and shared experience to the discussion.
Send
your ideas! Between now and February 1, 2022, we invite you
volunteer/nominate yourself, or classmate(s), with the right mix of
experience and commitment to serve as our DEI & Engagement chair or
co-chairs. They’ll serve a
term that will run from appointment until our 45th Reunion, which is
when our other current officer terms end. After our 45th, the term will
mirror the five-year terms of our other officers. As described in our
Class By-laws, the DEI & Engagement Chair or Co-Chairs will propose
and champion activities that will provide value to our ’79 Family, and
represent our Class in university-wide initiatives or discussions
relating to DEI. They will, along with all Class of 1979 Officers,
represent our on-going commitment to the University values of service,
and diversity, equity and inclusion in Class of 1979-sponsored
activities and outreach – all the while reinforcing that in ’79, We Are Family.
We
would like our DEI & Engagement Chair to be both a thought leader
and “a doer,” suggesting and spearheading and working collaboratively on
programs that will increase class engagement while enhancing Class
members’ connection to an increasingly diverse student and alumni
body.We want to encourage engagement of our passions and experience as
the University takes on new initiatives across a broad front.We’d like
to see nominees with a track record for listening to and respecting
diverse perspectives, and promoting an atmosphere of tolerance and
service to others devoid of political partisanship.
How to Nominate! Nominations should be in writing and forwarded by mail or email to me, with a copy to the Secretaries.
Your nomination should include (1) the name and brief bio of your
nominee; (2) a statement citing the experiences and leadership qualities
that you think will make this person a great choice; (3) tell us how to
contact them; (4) your contact information, and (5) any other
information that you think would assist the Class Officers in making a
decision. You can include the names of other classmates who also support
the nomination you are submitting. I hope to hear from you before
February 1, 2022.Once nominations have closed, ‘79s officer will
determine our new co-chairs.
One More Ask! I want to encourage you to reach
out to volunteer to help our 45th Reunion Planning Team—no nomination,
experience or bio required —just contact Kathryn Reimann or Marguerite
Vera!
Thank you for your support,
Phil Hueber, Class of 1979 President