I’m sitting at my dining room table watching the snowflakes slowly settle to the ground. It’s warm inside, but I know if I venture out, it is terribly cold. Even though we have alumni all over the world, each of us shares that common experience—we have endured Buffalo winters. Truth be told, I do enjoy the winter, especially the quietness it brings. But as I watch the snowfall, I also find comfort in knowing that beautiful flowers will soon bloom.
It is this same hope and excitement that I see building within all of our 100th Anniversary Committees. We have been planning for almost a year, and so many people have dedicated their time and energy to bringing this celebration to life. In this mailing, you will find the results of our efforts—your invitations are ready! Please respond quickly, as our next steps depend on knowing how many people will be attending each event.
I am so proud of all that we accomplish together. It is truly fulfilling to work with our committees. If you still want to be involved, please let me know—there is still much to be done. Also, if you know of any classmates who do not receive our Bennett Alumni mailings, please share their addresses with us so we can include them.
Enclosed in this mailing are AD FORMS for our 100th Anniversary. Our Souvenir Program is an opportunity to be remembered forever in our 100th Anniversary publication. I hope each of you will consider sponsoring an ad. If you own a business, please consider sponsoring a business ad. Additionally, if you frequent businesses or other establishments, I encourage you to ask them to sponsor an ad as well. All proceeds from our Souvenir Program will go to the Endowment Fund, which will benefit our students for generations to come.
Speaking of our Endowment Fund, I am pleased to report that our fund, which started just two years ago, has now grown to over $130,000. We reinvested our first payout and plan to do the same with our second. A special thank you to those who have consistently contributed to the Endowment Fund, including Christopher Wende, ’68, Margaret Lanz Puzio, ’68 & Fac., Thomasina Stenhouse, Ph.D. ’68, and Margaret Nash Carestia, ’08. Your generous investments in our young people are truly appreciated.
Enclosed in this mailing, you will also find a brochure introducing our Legacy Campaign—The Tiger Stripes Society. We ask you to consider, as part of your estate planning, a contribution to the Endowment Fund. Personally, I have set aside 20% of one of my life insurance policies for the Bennett Alumni. When the time comes, that portion of my policy will be donated to the alumni association. While I do not know the exact dollar amount, I take comfort in knowing that this contribution will ensure that I remain a part of Bennett forever.
Lastly, I want to remind you that we still have pavers available in our Alumni Walkway and Memorial Garden. If you would like to sponsor a paver in honor of our very special 100th Anniversary, the cost is $250. This donation also includes an annual membership, if you so choose. For more details, please call or text me at 716-308-5451.
I cannot wait for the 100th Anniversary celebration, and I hope to see all of you there. The best is yet to come!