From balishfam at aol.com Sat Jun 2 04:22:30 2007 From: balishfam at aol.com (balishfam at aol.com) Date: Sat, 02 Jun 2007 00:22:30 -0400 Subject: [sticklist] - Attention to Orders: All Alumni there will be a Trustee Meeting on 3 Year Plan Proposal June 28 2007 Message-ID: <8C972E4C4D459C7-1678-535D@WEBMAIL-RB03.sysops.aol.com> Gentlemen, On June 28 2007, at 2:30PM located in Eisenhower Hall, the administration will present a three year plan that will have significant impact on the future of Valley Forge. The Trustees will formally approve that plan at their September board meeting. Alumni this is an opportunity to hear first hand the recommended direction and changes the administration plans to implement in the next 3-5 years. ?It is also an opportunity to ask the tough questions that must be asked before major changes to the school are implemented. ?The time is now to come together and attend this monumental event. ?The plan presented could change the character of our Alma Mater forever. ??? ?There are some things that are already happening that are mentioned in the proposed Strategic Plan. 1.? The admission of Day School students to the Academy is one item. Questions that should be asked by alumni are what plans are in the works to enroll women into the Day School program? Do plans for women cadets include the Academy? Would women be billeted in the Academy barracks? Cost of adding latrine facilities? Discipline for the Day Students; how will that be different as they will not be restricted to post as boarding cadets? 2.? Proposed modification of Mellon Hall to accommodate College classrooms and the possibility of selling off the College Hill sector of Academy property to Cabrini College. If Hart Hall is to be vacated, why is it being painted this summer? Is this relocation permanent?? What will happen to the cadet life opportunities located in Mellon Hall? ?These are just a few things that could be mentioned in your questioning. ? Other Questions to ask are:? 1.? Infrastructure improvement plan. What is the plan to raise @25M in deferred maintenance?? .? Status of Wheeler Hall (major renovations must be done to get it back into zoning codes) 2.? Status of scholarship funds for all cadets D troop and E battery scholarship fund program to reduce cost 3.? Are there any plans to reestablish school alumni relations? 4.? Will there be an increase in recruiting alumni to work at VF? 5.? What military standards are going to be removed by the new direction of the current administration?? How will this keep VF competitive with other military academies? ? Again June 28, 2007, 2:30PM in Eisenhower Hall at VFMA&C.??? ? ________________________________________________________________________ AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: https://attrition.org/mailman/private/sticklist/attachments/20070602/ee993e99/attachment-0001.html From balishfam at aol.com Wed Jun 6 04:38:07 2007 From: balishfam at aol.com (balishfam at aol.com) Date: Wed, 06 Jun 2007 00:38:07 -0400 Subject: [sticklist] - Attention to Orders: From Chairman Alumni Association Message-ID: <8C9760B9CF2AE4B-1B1C-68FE@mblk-r19.sysops.aol.com> A MOST IMPORTANT REMINDER TO ALL CONSITIUENTS OF VALLEY FORGE MILITARY ACADEMY & College ? 28 June 2007?at 2:30PM - Eisenhower Hall. Presentation of the Three year Strategic Plan?by President McGeorge and his staff. ? You have asked for an opportunity to receive first-hand information on the changes which are being proposed to keep Valley Forge alive and strongly?positioned for the future. THIS IS THAT OPPORTUNITY. I urge each and every one of you to make sure that you and your fellow alumni are present.? BRING YOUR QUESTIONS AND SPREAD THE WORD! Show our school that you care. ? Kindly email me with your RSVP (wbeute at aol.com) ?so that adequate accommodations may be made. ? Bill Beute, '63C - D Troop Chairman Alumni Association Board of Directors ? ________________________________________________________________________ AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: https://attrition.org/mailman/private/sticklist/attachments/20070606/31485cfb/attachment.html From rforno at infowarrior.org Thu Jun 14 13:07:47 2007 From: rforno at infowarrior.org (Richard Forno) Date: Thu, 14 Jun 2007 09:07:47 -0400 Subject: [sticklist] - Message from VF Alumni Assn President John Rapp Message-ID: The following message is being sent on behalf of John Rapp, President of the VF Alumni Association Board of Directors. I urge all interested alumni to take a few minutes to read his comments. --Rick Forno '90 '92C Gentlemen: Printed below are copies of two e-mails that may be of interest to you. The first was sent to the Chairman of the VF Board of Trustees, Bill Floyd, last month on behalf of the Alumni Association Board of Directors by John Rapp, President of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.? ?As of today, however, there has been no reply.? Indeed, there have not been any replies of which we are aware from other BOT members to similar inquiries. ? The reason for copying this to all of you is two-fold: ?? ?? ?a. Your? Association officers want to keep you in the loop of communications. The Association has been trying to work with the BOT and the Administration, but have come up with little-to-no response. ? ?? ?b. We wish to remind you again of the meeting 28 June 2007, 2:30pm in Eisenhower Hall, regarding the Administration's "3 Year Plan".? This is where, it is said, you will have a chance to hear the plan in 'most' of it's entirety... outlining intentions for academics, tactical matters, and property solutions.? ?? ?? ?The second item transcribed hereunder is likewise to Mr. Floyd and the Truestees, and to the Alumni President,?from our VF alumnus BG Richard Artz -- now retired, but with 55 years contiguous service to the Forge.? Dick is arguably the most widely experienced braintrust available anywhere in the VF history of marketing, admissions and the tactical department.? Focusing now on predictable aspects of the "3 Year Plan", he has nonetheless seen mediocrity and permissiveness fail elsewhere.? Many VF parents and friends would also appreciate our sharing of his wisdom. ? ?? ?? ?We need "critical mass" at this meeting.? We also need correspondence with Bill Floyd, Chairman of the BOT, regarding your specific and substantive concerns.? ?It is asked that with all such written correspondence, a copy be sent to me (JRapp at stei.com) so I can build a notebook, and will present copies to the entire BOT.? Although the meeting has been scheduled at a most inconvenient time for many,? please make every attempt to attend. And again, please be writing to Chairman Floyd. Should you not have an address, you can write him at the school, and he will?receive the mail as?forwarded. ? ?? ?? ?? ?That's what we have at this moment. We are sure to have many other thoughts// after the 28 June meeting. Thank you for your support and caring. We can make a difference when we all pull in the same direction.? ? ?? ? ? ? ? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?COURAGE, HONOR, CONQUER. ? ? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?John R. Rapp,??President, AABOD JRapp at stei.com ============================================ From: Rapp, John? Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 3:26 PM To:?William Floyd, Chairman, Board of Trustees Cc:?William Beute, Gene Banco, Alumni Association Subject: Situation at VF; Solution? Dear Bill, ? In light of the situation presently at school, we would like to promote a proposal that might do the school, the Alumni, the Parents, and the BOT some good for the immediate future.?We propose that an Independent Commission?be created to conduct?an investigation into this event and provide a detailed report of its findings?to?all constituents. ? The reasoning is simple.? The Alumni?are fast?reaching a point, if not already there, that they simply do not believe what is being said by the Administration or any spokesperson for the administration.? And, because of this attitude, there is a feeling growing that the BOT is ineffectual in running the school.? An Independent Commission?will not be in a position to please any one person or group, just to report the facts and the findings. ? The investigators, individuals?selected because they possess impeccable qualifications, would be alumni... as they understand the system, but not? be anyone?associated with any of the current Boards at the school. Suggestions would be:??(names listed for now only to the addressee Chairman, pending? his comments). This investigating group could further appoint anyone else they would need to help on their commission, as they see fit. ? Time is important and fleeting. This is not the first time that an event like this has happened, and the news is not good (ex: Tac officer last year being jumped in barracks). While some things have been explained, it does not mean they were done well, or even correctly, or believed by all parties concerned. The BOT should be able to show parents, Alumni, faculty and staff they understand the role of a BOT member, and be willing to take action. ? When all said and done, if the BOT would charge an Independent Commission, there could be a resurgence of good faith in the BOT. You are well aware that the general population of Alumni do not feel the BOT are up to the task of their position. This would give them a showing that the BOT is responding to the cries of the Alumni and even the parents. ? John R. Rapp, 74C President, Alumni Association William Beute, 63C Chairman, Alumni Association =========================================================================== From: BG Richard M. Artz '46 Subject: 3 Year Planning meeting Sent: June 13, 2007 9:05 PM As Transcribed: June 14, 2007 ? ?? ?? ?I appreciate being apprised of this planning session announcement for alumni, but will be unable to attend.? ?My 4 years as a cadet, 11 years as a Tactical Officer (beginning in 1953), 15 years on the Valley Forge Camps Staff, and 25 years in the Admissions Department give me a continual interest in the success of the school.? I am proud to state that much of my early years had the benefit of the direction of Generals Baker and Medenbach.? They innovated new programs and procedures with each new challenge, while all of the time holding on to their standards and strong policies. ? ? ?? ?General Baker, as well as most of the military school founders in America, had a background of Army Reserve or National Guard commissions, a record of strong political activity in their states, and business experience and contacts.? General Baker, more than others, had a gift to see opportunities arise... and how he could use them to advance the status of himself or his school.? Many of his policies or procedures were well known by early alumni, and he would freely explain to an inquisitive faculty his special formula for VF successes.? ?Because of the unique location of Valley Forge, in the midst of some of the most highly-endowed prep schools in the nation, it always had to have a specialty, in order for it to compete:? a strong appearance in the quality of its precision marching at parades,? and a fantastic band to give the visual impression that, if the parades were that good, so was the math department.?? We had parades Saturday and Sunday in late fall and then starting in early spring so that guests could view our salesman - The Corps of Cadets. (No cadet ever left VF or failed to return the following year because he had had too many people clapping for him at parades.)? Very strict procedures were installed to demand weekly classroom success, and instructors were challenged to produce an improvement in cadet academic achievement. ? ?? ?? ?The Baker formula worked well until later administrators failed to maintain it.??It is true that boys and situations have changed over the years, and yet Baker would have innovated new programs and opportunities that increased the appeal.??As 700 military schools dwindled to 40 survivors during Viet Nam, I made a study of the failed schools and learned that each had abandoned their founding beliefs and tried to become just a prep school, or one with day students . They had distinguished?administrators by that time, but whom did not have the skills of their founders.? In talking personally to some schools we found they had made fundamental mistakes with their original marketing plans. ? ?? ?? ?As much as I would thank Tony McGeorge for the incredible schedule that he maintains, it is my opinion that his best contribution from now on could be made by being back on the board of trustees, for he does not have a military status, and no military school that has competitors has really prospered without the?"President" having a legitimate uniform.? I would suggest that when possible an Alumnus who has?some of the background of the founder be appointed to take advantage of the policies and procedures that he has retained from his own early days.? (Perhaps he was not even a flag officer, but close enough that the Board of Trustees could promote him.? The most successful of all of the military school founders were not career officers). ? ?? ??? ? ?? ?? ?In academic matters, General Baker, in lieu of hiring a full pay assistant of academic affairs to supervise the Deans, hired instead a part time consultant from the?University of Pennsylvania. The Ass't. President was in fact the Commandant of Cadets, and this gave prestige and status to the Tactical Department.?? It also was a man that in a few years might be the best candidate for President,? ?assuring continuity.?? An Alumnus should also be sought for this position, thus to have less "on the job training".? I have watched a large number of Commandants who were here for 2 to 4 years each,? but who actually made few contributions to the school.? They were fine soldiers and great Americans, but military schools are a special business .? A commandant has to handle things in a way that can?influence the Corps to grow in size.? All alumni are not candidates, but there are always a few that could make all of the difference. ? ? ?? ? ? ? ?? ?? ?Advertising must be innovative and tell the parent and the boy exactly what Valley Forge will accomplish for them for their future, while being adventurous as they attend.??Demographics for school age children will take a dip in the next 10 years.? I write and implore you to please understand that your decisions as a Board should permit the school to have its strongest appeal, the most experienced?personnel, and a modern innovative program.? ?Find people with fresh ideas based on their own military school experience, thus to meet the challenges.? Most of all, honorably disregard and abandon the idea of changing the Baker formula. ? ? ?? ?? ?I do thank all of the Board Members for the contributions that you make daily for the continued success of Valley Forge. ? Richard M Artz? "46" Colonel, Infantry, Pa.Guard, ret. BG, VFMA, ret. ? From rforno at infowarrior.org Thu Jun 21 01:10:05 2007 From: rforno at infowarrior.org (Richard Forno) Date: Wed, 20 Jun 2007 21:10:05 -0400 Subject: [sticklist] - Important Message Regarding The Sticklist Message-ID: -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Gentlemen: It has come to our attention that recent messages sent to the Sticklist have been modified by an unknown person(s) and sent along to the VF administration and Board of Trustees in an attempt to undermine, slander, or otherwise disgrace certain alumni -- namely John Rapp (President, Alumni Association) and myself as the Sticklist administrator. Be assured such allegations are false. All messages sent to the Sticklist are publicly available for viewing and can be found at http://attrition.org/pipermail/sticklist/. There is nothing to hide -- anyone can view these messages at any time. However, please note that all future messages sent to the Sticklist will be digitally-signed by me to provide a higher degree of authenticity regarding the originator and contents of such messages. We apologize for the confusion. In the current political climate, such cheap shenanigans are to be expected from those with ulterior, if not also less honorable, intentions. COURAGE HONOR CONQUER. John Rapp '74C President, VF Alumni Association Richard Forno '90 '92C Sticklist Administrator -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: PGP Desktop 9.0.6 (Build 6060) Comment: Rick's Current Public Key @ http://infowarrior.org/pgpkey.txt iQA/AwUBRnnPsClmcjtvXmz2EQKTigCgw69K1yk99b3tYeW9pCLdbZ+8h2wAoOfj PnZCrABU6iQx6ntwPCC82ied =XFkt -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- From rforno at infowarrior.org Thu Jun 21 13:31:28 2007 From: rforno at infowarrior.org (Richard Forno) Date: Thu, 21 Jun 2007 09:31:28 -0400 Subject: [sticklist] - COL Tom Medearis '66 named Commandant Message-ID: -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Gentlemen: the following message was sent out by the VFMAC President's office yesterday and is passed along for your information.......-Rick '90 '92C < - > Valley Forge Military Academy College will experience a leadership change within the Commandant?s Department. ? Effective June 20, 2007, COL Thad Gaebelein will resign from the position of Commandant of Cadets to pursue other professional interests.? The VF community is appreciative of COL Gaebelein?s work with the Corps of Cadets and wishes him and his family the very best in their future endeavors. ? In recognition of his dedicated service and demonstrated ability, effective July 10, 2007 COL Thomas Medearis will assume the role of Commandant of Cadets. ? COL Medearis has been an extremely effective and well respected teacher and Tactical Officer for over 30 years.? He brings a wealth of experience to his new position as both a Valley Forge Military Academy graduate, Class of 1966, and service as:? Chairman of the Academy History and Social Studies Departments, Tactical Officer, Assistant Commandant of Cadets, and Assistant to the Director of Admissions.? COL Medearis has earned a BA in International Relations from American University in Washington, DC and was awarded an MA in History from Villanova University. ? Before his employment at Valley Forge, COL Medearis served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, completing Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, GA in 1971, having served with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY and in National Guard and reserve units in Maryland, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.? COL Medearis returned to Valley Forge in February 1976, serving as Tactical Officer of B Company between 1976 and 1995. ? Please join us in congratulating COL Thomas Medearis on his well-deserved promotion! ? Tony McGeorge President Valley Forge Military Academy College -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: PGP Desktop 9.0.6 (Build 6060) Comment: Rick's Current Public Key @ http://infowarrior.org/pgpkey.txt iQA/AwUBRnp88ylmcjtvXmz2EQLCRwCgvfN70YfiR0PZAUL9072ix8NXw9wAoMOP G4sLKfUaBL2YZl6SBx6HcR5v =rfA4 -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- From rforno at infowarrior.org Thu Jun 21 21:12:21 2007 From: rforno at infowarrior.org (Richard Forno) Date: Thu, 21 Jun 2007 17:12:21 -0400 Subject: [sticklist] - Successful Book Donation Project for the Baker Library Message-ID: -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Gentlemen: For the second consecutive year, the Continental Online alumni group has coordinated a book drive with students from the National War College at the National Defense University in Washington, DC. Books on a wide range of current affairs topics were donated by the outgoing National War College class to the May H. Baker Library. Multiple copies of each book are available for VFMAC instructors and cadets to use as additional resource materials. The effort was coordinated by Tom Balish '78 '80C. More information and photos are available at: http://www.continentalonline.org/BookDonation.htm Regards, Rick Forno '90 '92C -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: PGP Desktop 9.0.6 (Build 6060) Comment: Rick's Current Public Key @ http://infowarrior.org/pgpkey.txt iQA/AwUBRnrpjClmcjtvXmz2EQK6BwCeJM/G9t/H1pXg9cXeUPHLyxEcMkQAoM2V 0mSjsxcr4FZAep/YURQdp9Ow =DEOY -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- From rforno at infowarrior.org Mon Jun 25 16:30:57 2007 From: rforno at infowarrior.org (Richard Forno) Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2007 12:30:57 -0400 Subject: [sticklist] - Update & Reminder on 28 June 2007 Strategic Planning Meeting Message-ID: -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Gentlemen: This is a reminder that VF President Tony McGeorge and his staff will present the school's Three Year Strategic Plan on 28 June 2007 at 1430 hours at Eisenhower Hall. For those attending and/or traveling over long distances, please note the school has declared this meeting to be Alumni Only and closed to non-alumni, to include spouses and significant others. However, the school has indicated the event and presentations will be recorded and made available via the school's website the following week for those not able to attend. We look forward to seeing you on-post! Rick Forno '90 '92C Sticklist Administrator -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: PGP Desktop 9.0.6 (Build 6060) Comment: Rick's Current Public Key @ http://infowarrior.org/pgpkey.txt iQA/AwUBRn/trClmcjtvXmz2EQIjYgCfVnE5/uEAZDkls+6LxGbr0xP0CwUAoLXd EABzoO7jlTUTr/3tyApEhGPW =F7F5 -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- From rforno at infowarrior.org Fri Jun 29 19:16:32 2007 From: rforno at infowarrior.org (Richard Forno) Date: Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:16:32 -0400 Subject: [sticklist] - Summary - Three Year Strategic Plan Meeting Message-ID: -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Gentlemen: While the school indeed videotaped the event - and we encourage you to watch/listen when it becomes available - what follows are some initial comments/thoughts/observations following the 28 June 2007 Strategic Planning Briefing held at Valley Forge. Approximately 75 alumni from a wide range of class years were in attendance. The meeting?s structure provided a question and answer opportunity at the end of each presentation segment. A break was taken, and then an open forum Q&A session was held. Please note that the comments below are based on the three-hour main briefing only; due to time constraints, we (Susan Rapp and Rick Forno ?90 ?92C) were not able to attend the open forum. < - > Report On The Three Year Strategic Plan Meeting June 28, 2007 Introduction from Bill Floyd, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT): Bill noted that the strategic planning process began a year ago involving a committee of BOT and various consultants. He indicated that this is a plan and it cannot be successful without alignment and support from all stakeholders. The purpose of this meeting was to solicit input and comment on the proposed plan. He indicated that the BOT does not intend to depart from the school?s mission and asked the audience to maintain an open mind. President?s Office: President (Tony McGeorge) noted that VF is the most expensive military school in the US and third most expensive two-year college. Says the marketplace data trends show increasing interest in day-school offerings as opposed to traditional boarding. Reports that attrition remains a major problem for VF. Admits physical plant and student support services are ?not competitive? and is a major reason for attrition. Says absence of endowment leads to things like staff salary freezes, delayed plant improvements, etc. Reports BOT and staff guiding principle can be summed up as ?Transform and Maximize?. Other comments included an observation that VF is surrounded by excellent private schools, that the pool of potential Pennsylvania students is decreasing for private school education, and that VF has been successful in attracting new students but unable to retain those students year-to-year. One very important point that McGeorge made was that ?VF is asset rich and cash poor?, which may be an insight into what the BOT may decide to do to increase cash availability. Enrollment Management (formerly Admissions/Recruiting/Retention): MAJ Greg Potts (Director of EM) notes absence of technical support such as databases and contact-tracking software is major problem for ensuring appropriate follow-through on inquiries. Says his department is absorbing Parents Assn office to exploit that internal recruiting/retention mechanism. Wants to ramp up Latin American efforts and get more Latinos back into the Corps. He indicated that the school wants to make more data-driven decisions, such as which are the ?feeder? schools that send the most students to VF. Academic Affairs ? Academy and College: Dr Kathleen Anderson (VP/AA) reports only 35 F/T faculty in the Academy. Planning to have a ?house parent? in the barracks to serve as homework-helper and presumably academic counselor, much like what is done at traditional prep school dorms?.this will be in addition to the regular tactical officers already-present in barracks. Says need for classroom technology is primary objective of her office --- smartboards, laptops for all cadets, online collaboration and teaching, etc. Says Academy is understaffed in guidance office. Reports they just hired a Dr Dan Zupan (sp?) to serve as College Dean starting this coming academic year ? from what we were told, it sounds like he?s got good academic and military credentials. She also indicated that the school is re-thinking its initial plan to move the College to Mellon Hall and exploring the idea of constructing a College building located at the site of the old Sullivan Hall (Infirmary) that was razed several years ago. Superintendent?s Office: COL J.J. Doyle (Superintendent) discussed campus security, noting that Hocker Hall has cameras inside the barracks, and that initiatives are underway for security cameras in all barracks if not also around campus in the future. Tuesday Vespers to be moved into late afternoon to allow greater faculty participation ? accordingly, Vespers will be renamed ?Community Chapel.? Says the A/B weekend proposal is still being considered but nothing has been formalized yet. He realizes the Corps quality has slipped ?a bit? this year and that is a major issue to be fixed. In response to an alumnus question, said the school does not need alumni support in teaching ?basic? things that have stumbled in recent years such as shoe-shining, wall locker organization, traditions, etc. He also noted that the 7th/8th/9th grades will be housed together (perhaps a separate company, but not really defined) and that the overall Corps rank structure will be revised to reflect a smaller Corps of Cadets (also not defined). Additional questions from alumni requested clarification on who is responsible for cleaning the barracks, personal discipline, and retention of tradition. He became increasingly hostile at questions and, as noted above, rejected any suggestion that included having alumni serve in an instructional or mentor capacity to cadets. Commandant?s Office: COL Tom Medearis ?66 (Commandant) understands the Corps requires ?serious work? and is proud to take on the challenge. Notes that esprit de corps cannot be purchased but is brought about by personal pride and discipline based on being part of the regimental system. He also shared the personal observation that it is the military structure of the Commandant?s department that serves as the critical underpinning that supports the academics of Valley Forge and that, while technology and laptop computers for students may be important, he feels that without success in providing structure, all of the other ?stuff? (our words) is secondary. He received several standing ovations of support and encouragement from alumni in attendance. Institutional Advancement: Ann Sinatra (Director of Development) noted the poor state of VF development efforts. Current plan is to raise $9.8M for barracks renovation, $2.1M for operating costs, and $600K for consultants to help the school implement its Strategic Plan. The Ten Year development plan is to raise $25M for capital improvements, $6M for endowment, and $4M for operating costs. The school is exploring new ways of philanthropy and moving forward with corporate and foundation support, as well as public funding (i.e., grants). Marketing, Media & Outreach: Jen Myers (Director) is working to develop targeted messages and ways of branding the VF ?product? in the marketplace. Niche marketing efforts, a push into online advertising, and even a few billboards in/around the VF area. She indicated that several marketing ?slogans? have been trademarked and will be used in marketing efforts. Facilities: CAPT Hale (Exec Asst to President) reports the physical plant needs work. Says the school is exploring ways to revamp the College facilities --- the Hart Halls are much too small for current student body and student needs. Possible options include rebuilding the Hart Halls, build a new College building in the Sullivan Hall area, or moving the College to Mellon Hall. Some prospective site plan maps were on display that showed various real estate segments and concepts ? one of which suggests the disposition of College Hill and faculty housing so that the main campus would be bordered by the Post Engineers? Road. Guest Speaker: Dave Trainer ?62 requested the opportunity to be included on the agenda. What followed was a cheerleading endorsement of Tony McGeorge and a very pointed attack on the Superintendent for the Corps failure in recent years. Dave said that he thinks that it is time for the alumni to stop their attacks on a very fine man (McGeorge) and to focus their energies on raising money for the school to ensure its longevity. # # # # # Now, a few comments/observations from Rick and Susan in the audience during the briefing session: Rick: (1) While many on all sides were expecting trouble, the briefing was rather cordial and civil. However, several alumni (including myself) were noticeably taken aback by COL Doyle?s brash and at-times rude response to their questions, and what can be described as ?repeated smugness? on the part of CAPT Hale as alumni were asking questions. (2) Appearing in the last slide of the conclusion segment was a statement that VF was considering a co-educational day school for the Academy by 2010. Whether this is a declared strategic goal or something that may or may not happen based on the success of the ?pilot? program of the Day School these next few years remains unclear. (3) While I agree that technology and support services are necessary for VF to remain competitive, some members of the administration truly ?gush? over technology and its purported benefits in the classroom and on post. As a career technologist myself, certainly I agree that technology in the classroom has its place and is required for the school to be competitive in the marketplace and develop competent graduates ready for the workforce -- but I hope the desire to acquire and use it does not overshadow the ability of teachers to conduct lessons and provide education without becoming dependent on it. (4) In speaking with several alumni after the meeting, they expressed concern over the ability of the current institutional development director to be an effective fundraiser given her relatively-weak performance at the meeting. Although a certain amount of trepidation was to be expected at this meeting given the high emotions on all sides, the development director did not appear comfortable talking to large audiences. Based on this I am not reassured about her ability to fundraise effectively in a face-to-face venue where potential donors might be hesitant or somewhat-hostile to the school?s needs. However, there was mention of the school hiring a senior development executive and/or otherwise beef up that office, so this concern may become moot in the future. (5) I spoke with Jen Myers about the current proposed marketing slogans. She admitted that one of their phrases ?The Finest Institution of Its Kind In The World? is still a work-in-progress and agreed with my comment that it sounds hollow and meaningless?..after all, the same claim could be made by any institution looking to promote itself. However, I do like the "Military College of Pennsylvania" moniker for the College. (6) In response to an alumnus? question about what is being done to ensure that the traditions of the Forge are maintained, it was surprising - and disturbing - to hear both CAPT Hale and COL Doyle reply ?what traditions?? (7) On 29 June I spoke with Al Crosbie ?90 who attended the open forum. He reported that Bill Floyd expressed the strongest possible support of the BOT for COL Medearis in his new role as Commandant. Susan: (1) I agree that the overall tone was civil but both Doyle and Hale were rude to alumni on numerous occasions. (2) The alumni are clearly behind Tom Medearis. I spoke with Tom as I was preparing to leave, and he said that he doesn?t know if the school will give him full latitude to do what he feels must be done. He may last a month or a year or longer, but he fully intends to maintain his own integrity and if the school doesn?t back him, he could well be let go. (3) The administration repeatedly pointed to the inadequacy of facilities as the main reason for attrition, but little or no mention was made of the decline in tactical standards and expectations. Numerous alumni stated that their own experience as cadets included spartan facilities and that it was part of the learning process as cadets. (4) I don?t know what technology is currently available for cadets in the classroom, and I think it is important, but I agree with Rick that there appears to be an over emphasis of its value. There is a lot that the school could do to obtain computers, smartboards, etc. through grants and special initiatives. (5) I am concerned that Ann Sinatra may be out of her league as director of development. Her presentation was the weakest of all and did nothing to engender confidence in her abilities as a fundraiser. Apparently, the school plans to hire both a VP for Advancement and/or an external consultant to help develop and implement the fundraising activities. (6) I was offended by Jen Myers? frequent reference to ?product? in referring to cadets. Likewise, the other presenters frequently used the words ?boys? instead of cadets and other terminology that was more appropriate for a prep school than a military school. < - > Thanks for reading. Again, I encourage all Alumni to view/listen to the presentations once the school makes it available on the Internet, to hear more details "straight from the source." Have a good weekend! Rick Forno '90 '92C -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: PGP Desktop 9.0.6 (Build 6060) Comment: Rick's Current Public Key @ http://infowarrior.org/pgpkey.txt iQA/AwUBRoVaGSlmcjtvXmz2EQJ0/QCfe7FFcDstnhZfIX89fYeZU6audaAAn2YV 5QRHkatASkzeYUggFEu/e+n9 =kTIF -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----