THE PRINCETON CLUB OF CHICAGO
2007 ANNUAL REPORT
PRESENTED
APRIL 26, 2007
PRINCETON CLUB OF CHICAGO
2007 ANNUAL REPORT
PRESENTED AT THE APRIL 26, 2007 ANNUAL DINNER
REMARKS BY CHARLENE HUANG OLSON '88, PRESIDENT
Good evening and welcome to
the Princeton Club of Chicago 2007 Annual Dinner.
I’d like to take a moment
to officially thank Sharon Keld ’80, our most recent past president.
As many of you may know, Sharon seized the opportunity to join the Peace
Corps in Morocco last fall, which cut short her term as president.
Traditionally, we have thanked our outgoing president at our annual
dinner, but since that was not possible last year, I would like to thank
her now for her incredible dedication to our Princeton-Chicago community
and for serving as a member of the Princeton Club leadership group in
so many capacities. I look forward to the opportunity to thank
her in person when she returns. In the meantime, I have no doubt
that Sharon continues to show her colors and is painting Morocco a little
more orange and black every day.
This year has been a wonderful
year filled with many events and activities. Our Chicago Princeton
community is one of the largest and most active in the world, thanks
to our 2500+ alumni and a strong core of dedicated Club leaders.
I would like to thank the many people who have made the past year another
successful one. For their leadership and commitment, I want to
extend special thanks to our Club’s Vice President, Carl Yudell ’75,
our VP of Programs, Sally Metzler *97, and our Annual Dinner Chair,
Mike Laidlaw ’94. I’d also like to express our gratitude to
the staff at the Chicago Athletic Association for hosting us this year
and many past years at this historical venue. Special recognition
goes to Kristine Mighion ’86, Oren Pollock *51, Ben Porter ’99,
and their committee for organizing the fifth annual silent auction,
this year benefiting our Chicago area community service initiatives
including Princeton in Chicago Schools (PICS) and Princeton Project
’55. I’d also like to thank the very generous alumni and businesses
who donated items and all of you who bid on them. Special thanks
to the Distinguished Service Awards Committee, and our chair, Tim Johnson
’73, for their enthusiasm and thoughtful consideration, and all of
the members of the Leadership Group (who are listed in the annual report),
the 450+ members of the Club, particularly those who provided additional
support as benefactors or patrons (also listed in the annual report),
and all of you who attended any Club activities. Your time, energy,
and participation truly make this one of the most vibrant alumni associations
in the world. We are also grateful to Alumni Services, the local
organization that handles most of our administrative needs, to other
local alumni organizations who have helped organize events, and to the
staff and faculty at the University who have helped us throughout the
year.
I would like to share a few highlights of the past year with you. We undertook a survey last summer, asking for Chicagoland alumni feedback regarding Club activities. A remarkable 300+ alums responded. Your input was very helpful in the planning of this year’s schedule of events.
Program events ranged from
sports to lectures to arts and culture. Of special note was our
Extraordinary Egyptian Evening at the Field Museum in November.
Other than the Annual Dinner, it was our year’s most well-attended
Club-organized event and included a light Egyptian-style supper and
an educational, as well as humorous, lecture by Dr. Jim Phillips, curator
of the King Tut exhibit. A very special thanks to John McCarter
’60 and to Sally Metzler *97 for her masterful planning of this event.
Based on survey feedback, we
introduced a special “precept” series – intimate conversations
built around a presentation on various topics of interest. This
year’s scheduled “precepts” included subjects ranging from
Genetics to Art to the latest issues facing University trustees.
Thank you to Jutta Heller ’95, Rico Cedro *84, Gerry Skoning ’64,
Bill Schopf ’70, and Bob Murley ’72 for volunteering their time
and expertise to lead and/or host these discussions.
Our Young Alumni and 30-Something
groups were also very active. There were numerous events this
year (more fully described in their respective sections of the Annual
Report) that included wine tastings, theatre outings, sporting events
and Ivy League/Seven Sisters joint events.
Taking further survey feedback
into consideration and looking at our Club membership demographics,
we hosted and will continue to host events on the North Shore including
our recent new admit reception in April and our annual summer picnic
in August. Look for our upcoming Fall wine tasting to be held
in Kenilworth. A special thank you to Robin and Peter Baugher
’70, Peggy and Art Wood ’72, Marcia Opp Ekdahl P99, P07, and Randy
Barba ’75 for hosting and planning these events.
In August we awarded our first
Princeton Prize in Race Relations to Eunice Buhler of Lakeforest.
Senator Kwame Raoul was our keynote speaker at the ceremony which was
held at the DuSable Museum of African American History. Special
thanks go to John Rogers ’80 and Mellody Hobson ’91 for their support.
Now in our second year under the leadership of James Smith ’92 and
Brian Gant ’97, the Princeton Prize committee will be presenting the
2006-2007 award to Sally Nuamah, a senior at Jones College Prep in Chicago.
The awards ceremony will be held at the American Indian Center later
this spring.
We have also made additional
efforts to invigorate our community service initiatives this year and
will continue to do so in the upcoming year. A special thanks
to all of this year’s Project 55 fellows who have been working hard
to make our community a better place. Thanks also to PICS Chair
Brendan Boyle ’99, Nick Gorga ’99, Oren Pollock *51, Bruce Rosenberg
’69, and the rest of our Princeton in Chicago Schools volunteers for
their on-going work with the students at Roosevelt High School.
One team that deserves special
recognition this year is our Alumni Schools Committee. Princeton’s
popularity worldwide among student applicants has grown significantly
the last few years, with a record-setting almost 19.000 applications!
In the Chicago area alone, there were 584 applicants, up from 330 just
three years ago – a 77% increase. Thank you to Stuart Gunn ’85,
VP of our Alumni Schools Committee, our Chicago regional vice chairs,
and the more than 100 alums who interviewed these candidates.
The Club would like to congratulate all of the 57 students from the
area who were admitted into the class of 2011. This year also
marks Princeton’s last year of early decision. Please join us
on September 20, 2007 as the Club welcomes Dean Janet Rapelye to the
Chicago area for a discussion on Princeton admissions.
Kudos and congratulations go to our Annual Giving Chair Chris Yarbrough ’96 and Midwest Section Chair Mike Laidlaw ’94. Our region's participation rate was a stellar 64% compared to the nationwide average of 58%.
I also want to congratulate
this year’s award recipients: Christopher L. Mallette ’93 will receive
the Club’s 2007 Award for Distinguished Service to the Community.
Jeffrey S. Sharp ’80 will receive the Club’s 2007 Arnold M. Berlin
’46 Award for Distinguished Service to Princeton University.
At this year’s Annual Dinner
it is a pleasure to have the honorable Congressman and Professor Jim
Leach ’64 as our speaker. A career public servant, Jim served
for 15 terms in the U.S. Congress representing eastern Iowa from 1977
to 2007. He also served as a member of Princeton's board of trustees
from 2002 to 2006. In February of 2007, Jim joined the faculty
of the Woodrow Wilson School as the John L. Weinberg/Goldman Sachs
and Company Visiting Professor of Public and International Affairs.
I hope to see many of you at
one or more of the Club’s Events over the next year. If you
would like to assist with any Club activities, please check the Club
web site for committee listings and contacts or call the Club office
at 847-256-5800. Also, contact the Club office for membership
information, changes in address, or information on upcoming events.
Thank you again for your support and enthusiasm in the past year.
REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES
Annual Giving Committee
Chair – Chris Yarbrough ‘96
In 2005-6, the Chicago region
proved once again that it is one of the best Annual Giving regions in
the country. The region's participation rate was a stellar 64% compared
to the nationwide average of 58%, and
Chicago's excellent performance
was the work of a group of dedicated volunteers. Mike Laidlaw, Chris
Yarbrough, and Brendan Boyle oversaw the campaign. Many thanks go out
to everyone who helped make phone calls, and especially to those who
participated in the campaign.
The 2006-7 campaign is shifting
into high gear and participation and dollar totals are ahead of where
they stood at this time last year. The Chicago team encourages
you to think about giving. Your gifts go to support the University's
essential mission--providing young men and women with the best education
in the country. Please also consider joining the Chicago AG team, which
is always looking for volunteers. Contact Mike Laidlaw, James Crawford,
Chris Yarbrough, or Brendan Boyle for more information.
Annual Giving Gifts are accepted at www.princeton.edu/ag or 800-258-5421.
Communications
ACE Award
The Princeton Club of Chicago
received the Alumni Council’s 2006 ACE Award for excellence in communications
for its comprehensive package of communications services to its members.
The Club receives a $500 check and a citation for this award; the award
presentation is being made at the Club’s April 26, 2007 Annual Dinner.
Newsletter
Editor
– Carol Obertubbesing ‘73
The Club newsletter, Tiger Talk, celebrated its 13th year. The newsletter, as well as several bulletins, provided information about events, members, and committees. This year there were Summer/Fall, Winter/Spring, Spring/Summer Newsletters and a Fall Bulletin. Please send suggestions and articles for the Fall 2007 newsletter to Carol Obertubbesing at (available on Tigernet) or fax # 312-527-1973 by July 15, 2007.
Princeton-Chicago Tigernet Discussion Group
Co-Chairs
– Roberta Packer ’94 and Ken Sax
‘73
Our Club’s “Princeton-Chicago” online discussion group continues to grow. We now have about 400 subscribers! This is a great way to keep abreast of the latest Club activities and stay in touch with local alumni. The Club e-mails announcements to members of the discussion group about upcoming events, and list members send the group their own announcements and questions related to Princeton and/or life in Chicago. To sign up for this free e-mail group list, go to www.tigernet.princeton.edu and click on “discussion groups.” If you have any questions about the discussion group, contact list coordinators Roberta Packer ’94 ((available on Tigernet)) or Ken Sax ’73 ((available on Tigernet)) .
Princeton Club of Chicago Web Site
Web Master
– Eric M. Carty-Fickes ‘02
Information about the Princeton
Club of Chicago is available at the Club web site http://www.princetonclubofchica
Community Service Committee
Chair – Doris Manning ’03
Since our last annual report, Tigers served Chicago on three different fronts.
In April 2006, we did our part on Earth Day by lending a hand at Humboldt Park's Earth Day Clean-Up. We got dirty with some trash bags and picked up a surprising amount of trash- grass hides a lot! In August we cooked and served a meal at Inspiration Cafe, which provides restaurant style meals to homeless men and women in Uptown. We concluded our service in November at the Special Olympics of Illinois Floor Hockey Championships, where we chaperoned several athletes from across the state through the skills portion of the competition. We all left with more friends than we had when we arrived.
If you would like to suggest
an organization to plan a volunteer event around, please e-mail (available on Tigernet). Check the website for upcoming
events for 2007!
Distinguished Service Awards Committee
Chair – Timothy B. Johnson ‘73
I want to congratulate this
year’s award recipients. Christopher L. Mallette ‘93
will receive the Club’s 2007 Award for Distinguished Community Service.
Fresh out of Princeton, Chris Mallette ′93 came to Chicago
as a Princeton Project ′55 Fellow. He supervised Ariel
Foundation’s tutoring program and established its athletic program.
After graduation from law school, Chris returned to Chicago as Assistant
Corporation Counsel in the City of Chicago Law Department. In
1998, he went to work at St. Sabina parish on the south side, as General
Counsel, Executive Director of the ARK (St. Sabina′s youth center)
and Athletic Director for St. Sabina Academy. From 2004 through
2006, he was a Cluster Coordinator for the Chicago Board of Education.
Last year, he became Executive Director of the Juvenile Intervention
and Support Center, a coalition of six Chicago public and private agencies
that intervenes with juveniles at their earliest levels of involvement
with law enforcement. Chris also finds time to coach football
at the Simeon Career Academy and in the Lawndale youth football program.
Chris has selflessly used his talents to help the youth of Chicago,
in both his various "day" jobs and through his involvement
with sports programs.
Jeffrey S. Sharp ‘80 will receive the Club’s 2007 Arnold M. Berlin ‘46 Award for Distinguished Service to Princeton and its community. Jeff Sharp ′80 has been a tireless Princeton booster ever since his graduation. He has been most active on Annual Giving for his class, serving in a variety of roles, including Class Agent for many years. We all know him for his devotion to the Princeton Club of Chicago, for which he has worked for many years, culminating in his recent term as President. Jeff now serves on the National Annual Giving Committee and is the incoming chair of the Committee to Nominate Alumni Trustees. It is appropriate that he is receiving the Arnie Berlin ′46 award, because he seems to be turning into Arnie Berlin! Jeff has also been a leader in raising money for the Latin School of Chicago, and is a Trustee of the school and former Chair of its Development Committee. In his spare time, Jeff is managing partner of Marshall, Gerstein & Borun, an intellectual property "boutique" law firm.
Membership Committee
Chair – Roberta Packer ‘94
Membership is a major focus
for the Princeton Club of Chicago. Every year, the Club sends out dues
forms and volunteer survey forms in August. And, in an effort to acquaint
Club newcomers with the Club and the city of Chicago, welcome packets
are sent to new members as their registration forms are received.
Membership categories include Benefactor, Patron, Regular, Class of 2007, Recent Graduate (2001 - 2006), Non-Resident, Parent, and New. Dues support Club activities such as sporting events, lectures and “precepts”, the Annual Dinner, and other programs. There are also members-only publications and member discounts for many events. The Club produces a printed directory every two years. Your membership is essential to the success of this Club.
Orange & Black Club
Chair – Bob Loveman ’69
The Orange & Black Club held its 31st annual meeting on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 at the University Club. Professor Stephen Pacala, Director of the Princeton Environmental Institute and Petrie Professor of Biology, provided insights on Princeton's current activities in environmental research, including the Carbon Mitigation Initiative -- a joint project of Princeton University, BP and the Ford Motor Company to develop strategies to reduce global carbon dioxide emissions that will be safe, effective, and affordable. Professor Pacala offered encouraging information - that both scientists and politicians were now convinced of the need to act, and that specific ideas for accomplishing reductions in emissions are understandable, attainable, and affordable!
We again recognized those Princetonians in the Chicago area that provide leadership in Annual Giving. For the 2006/2007 year, I am pleased to report that O&B members contributed more than $673,000 to Annual Giving from 101 members, including members of classes from the 1930s through 2001.
Parents Committee
Chairs – Marcia and Jon Ekdahl P'99 P'07
The mission of the Princeton
Parents Committee is to provide a friendly welcome to newly admitted
students and their parents and to answer questions about the move to
college and the freshman year experience.
In February, the Committee members, who include Marcia Opp Ekdahl P’99 P’07, Linda Feinstein P’07, and Peggy Wood P’09, called the parents of the 20 students who were admitted in the Early Decision process to congratulate them and give updates about upcoming events in Chicago and Princeton. They described Outdoor Action, Community Action, freshman registration and orientation, tips on moving to Princeton, Freshman Parents Weekend in October, and the summer picnic for Chicago area students and family members.
In April, the Committee members
also called families of students who were admitted in the regular decision
process and discussed the same topics with them.
This is the fourth year that
the Parents Committee has provided the extra outreach service to new
families. Feedback from the parents of these new students, as well
as from the Princeton administration, indicates that these friendly
phone calls and e-mails have been useful, reassuring, and well-received.
The Parents Committee’s main
responsibility is to coordinate arrangements for the Summer Picnic,
which brings together all new admits, their parents, current Princeton
students and parents, recent alums, and various other members of the
Princeton Chicago area community before school begins. This year’s
picnic will be held on August 12th at the home of Art ‘72
and Peggy Wood for the fifth year in a row. Paper invitations
will be sent to the new admits, and e-mail invitations will be sent
to current students, their parents, and alums. Last year, more
than 130 persons attended this festive picnic—complete with lots of
conversation and a gourmet feast—at the home of the Woods.
The Princeton Club of Chicago is very grateful to the Wood family for
their continued generosity and devotion to incoming Princeton families
by hosting this delightful event.
Princeton
in Chicago Schools (PICS)
Co-Chairs
– Brendan Boyle ’99 and Everett Ward
‘83
This year saw the departure
of PICS' executive director, Berenice Alejo, who is now managing a bilingual
education program in Pilsen. Still, the relationship between PICS and
Roosevelt High School grew. We not only had more successful events this
year, but also had better participation from Roosevelt students and
Princeton alumni.
PICS partnered with RHS' Math
Department to offer Saturday morning tutoring sessions. We have
regular attendance of twenty or more students and six Princeton tutors.
Roosevelt faculty members also attend. In the last two months
we have tried to expand the partnership to offer tutoring in English,
as English is a second language for many Roosevelt students. The
school has expressed great admiration and thanks to the tutors for their
hard work. Particular thanks to Leslie Stirling ‘98, Kristine Mighion
‘86, Oren Pollock *51, Charlene Huang Olson ’88, and Nick Gorga
‘99.
PICS also continues to support
RHS' History and Science Fairs. Without the judges PICS supplies, these
events would not succeed. Again, RHS has expressed its deep thanks to
all those who judged the students' projects—Debbie and Bruce Rosenberg
‘69, Edie Canter ‘80, Sally Metzler *97, Oren Pollock *51, and Phyllis
Ellin ‘83. Several judges mentioned that they found the experience
very rewarding.
PICS is always looking to expand
its volunteer base. PICS hosted a volunteer night out at the Seven-Ten
Bowling Alley in March, which gave the organization a chance to tell
its story to interested Princeton alumni. It was nice to see some
new faces, and we look forward to seeing many of them at the school
in the near future. No experience required to come out and tutor,
just a willingness to help. Please contact Oren Pollock *51 ((available on Tigernet))
or Brendan Boyle ’99 ((available on Tigernet)) with any questions or to stay abreast
of PICS' events.
Princeton
Prize in Race Relations
Co-chairs
– James Smith ’92 and Brian Gant
‘97
In order to recognize, support,
and encourage the young people of our country who have demonstrated
a commitment to advancing the cause of relations among the races, Princeton
University is sponsoring an awards program for high school students
-- the Princeton Prize in Race Relations. Princeton and its alumni recognize
that the issue of race relations continues to be one of the most urgent
and important challenges facing our country. Princeton has created this
program to identify and commend young people who are working to increase
understanding and mutual respect among all races. Through the Princeton
Prize we hope to encourage others to join in these or similar efforts
and to undertake initiatives of their own. The 2006 Prize was
awarded to Eunice Buhler of Lakeforest in August at the DuSable Museum
of African American History. Senator Kwame Raoul was the keynote
speaker and John Rogers ’80 and Mellody Hobson ’91 both helped the
Club in sponsoring the ceremony.
Now in our second year, the
Club will present Chicago’s 2006-2007 Princeton Prize to Sally Nuamah,
a senior at Jones College Prep in Chicago. Sally founded the African-American
Club at her high school and proposed the addition of Latino studies
and African-American literature to her school’s academic curriculum.
She also organized an annual black-tie event, “The Other Grammys,”
to honor minority students for their achievements in subjects such as
academics, sports and the arts. She will be honored at an awards
ceremony to be held later this year at the American Indian Center and
will be presented with a $1000 prize from the University. Congratulations
also go to Charles Merrick, an 11th grader at Kenwood Academy,
who received an honorable mention.
Princeton Project 55 Public Interest Program
Chair – John H. Fish ‘55
Project 55 made a significant
transition in 2005; the Public Interest Program in Chicago is now run
by a steering committee, under the leadership of John Fish ’55 and
several other Chicago alums. This transition was successful and the
committee this year includes: John Fish ’55, Dani Petrie '90, Stacy
McAullife '98, Kirsten Ekdahl Hull '99, Lindsay (Michelotti) Wall '02,
Lea Weems ’99, Ben Porter ‘98 and Rebecca Deaton '91. The committee
also includes three current Project 55 Fellows: Nadia Ben-Youssef ’06,
Chioma Ihunnah ’06 and Rebecca Garr ’06. Each steering committee
member takes responsibility for a sub-committee, which include placements,
alumni relations, and social events. Additionally, the committee redesigned
the PIP – Chicago webpage to provide more information to potential
Project 55 applicants and better display the amenities of the great
city of Chicago.
The steering committee is always interested in new members, and is particularly looking for young alumni and recent Project 55 participants. If interested contact Lindsay Wall (available on Tigernet)
Project 55 now focuses on yearlong fellowships. The summer internship program has been merged with the Class of 1969's Community Service Fund. In 2006 – 2007, Project 55 made the following placements in Chicago. The alumni listed in the right-hand column are serving as mentors; Project 55 is grateful to them for their support of the fellows.
Access Community Health Network Chioma Ihunnah Bob Loveman '69
Bethel New Life Nadia Ben Youssef Davis Jenkins '81
Civic Federation Takamichi Okubo Emile Karafiol '55
Illinois Coalition/Immigrant Rights Juan Jose Gonzales Vince Anderson '65
Illinois Coalition/Immigrant Rights Laura Hidalgo Oren Pollock *51
IT Resource Center Peter Landwehr Carol Obertubbesing '73
KIPP/Ascend Charter School Sara Holloway Peter Freeman '66
Mikva Challenge Mariaelena Morales Amalia N Gomez '99
Nat’l Assoc of Charter Sch Authorizers Erica Jones Don Deutsch '48
North Lawndale College Prep HS Chika Anekwe
Sinai Community Institute Sasha Baker Stephanie Freeth '97
Sinai Health System Rebecca Garr Bill Lawlor '56
Working in the Schools Christopher Aguilar Gudelia Lopez '93
In addition to the fellowships noted above, 20 fellows from Northwestern and University of Chicago were placed at Chicago-area organizations.
Programs Committee
Chair – Sally Metzler *97
An Extraordinary Egyptian Evening, Hot Topics in Genetics, wine tasting, and bowling: a sample of the rich mosaic of programs offered to Chicago Princeton alumni, parents, and friends in 2006-2007.
Why does it appear that events organized for our Chicagoland Princeton community increase every year and cover even broader topics than the year before? The key to our success can be found in the dedicated group of enthusiastic alumni planning and attending the programs. Over 150 Chicago Princeton alumni gathered on April 27, 2006 to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Woodrow Wilson School. The event featured a provocative panel of distinguished alumni, including John Rogers ’80 of Ariel Capital Management. The lively discussion, with an abundance of questions from the captivated audience, was followed by a convivial reception of wine and appetizers at the Field Museum. In November, the lure of Egypt and King Tut enticed many alumni for the sold-out lecture and reception also held at the Field Museum. Alumni enjoyed an Egyptian dinner buffet and were entertained by the lecture “The Changing Faces of Tutankhamun.”
The Club inaugurated a local “precept” series, promoting the expertise of Princetonians in Chicago. The topics covered broad territory, including Dr. Jutta Heller 95’s fascinating talk on genetics, held at alumnus Rico Cedro *84’s architecture firm, Krueck & Sexton. In September, Senator John Danforth ’58 spoke at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs on faith and politics. A book discussion and reception honoring alumnus Bill Taylor and his book, “Mavericks at Work: Why the Most Original Minds in Business Win,” took place in October at the University Club, hosted by alumnus Peter Baugher ‘70. Professor Sean Wilentz spoke at the Chicago History Museum in January on the history of American democracy and met beforehand with a group of alums for an intimate dialogue. Princeton Trustee Robert Murley ’72 graciously hosted a “precept” at his beautiful Credit Suisse offices for a discussion on issues facing Princeton University trustees.
In the literature, art and music categories, on May 9, 2006, alumni honed their knowledge of Shakespeare at Sotheby's in Chicago. Alumna Jane Dorn ’79 was instrumental in offering alumni this private viewing of the rare manuscript, Shakespeare’s First Folio! Alumni were treated to the lyrical melodies of folk-rock singer and alumna Ruth Gerson ’92 at the Saddle and Cycle Club, arranged by Robert Loveman ‘69. Alumnus Bill Schopf ’70 hosted the Club in March 2007 at his hip art gallery in the West Loop for an art exhibition and delicious sushi.
Culinary and wine aficionados satisfied their cravings at Just Grapes on February 21, 2007. Alumnus Al Chan ’91 organized this sold-out event featuring Asian food and wine pairings, as well as the lovely sounds of singer, songwriter and musician Cynthia Lin ‘99.
Sports played a role in our programs this year as well. A bowling outing at Lucky Strike, organized by Kristine Mighion ’86 and Amy Beth Treciokas ‘87, was a fantastic way to thank our hard-working volunteers. Further sports activities included our annual Cubs game at Wrigley Field in September, a gathering held at Glascott’s together with the Brown Club to watch the Princeton vs. Brown football game on ESPN U, the women vs. Northwestern basketball game in December, the men’s basketball tournament held at Marquette and co-organized with the Princeton Club of Wisconsin, and the Princeton vs. Penn basketball game in March. Look for our upcoming Sox game on June 18th and Cubs game on September 18th.
These events represent only a summary of our engaging programs, with many other exciting offerings, including our very active 30-Something and Young Alumni Group activities, in addition to the Ivy Dinners. This was a bountiful year of programs, thanks to all alumni and members of the Princeton Chicago community who attended and helped in organizing!
Scholarship Committee
Chair – Gerald D. Skoning ‘64
Founded in 1912, the Princeton
Club of Chicago Scholarship Fund was the first Princeton endowment of
its kind. It is an important part of Princeton's financial aid
effort and continues to set a sterling example in assisting undergraduates
with funding the cost of an outstanding education.
I am pleased to report that
generous scholarships totaling a Fund record of $139,735 have been awarded
this year to seven undergraduates from the Chicago area, the most scholarships
awarded by our Fund in Club history. The individual awards range
from $1000 to $38,885. Individual scholarships averaged $19,962.
Hearty congratulations to the seven recipients for the 2006-2007 academic
year:
| Name | Class | Home Town/High School | Career Plans |
| Carrie A. Carpenter | 2009 | Rock Island, IL | Business/International Affairs |
| James S. Kuczmarski | 2008 | Chicago/Latin School | Business/Consulting |
| Blake P. Sercye | 2008 | Chicago/Fenwick HS | Law/Politics |
| Nicholas R. Lilly | 2007 | Oak Park High School | Ecology/Environmental Biology |
| Mary F. Gallery | 2007 | Northside College Prep | Academia |
| Whitney O. Ajibade | 2009 | Latin School | Medicine |
| James E. Mister | 2009 | Lincoln Park High School | Architectural Engineering |
On behalf of the Princeton
Club of Chicago Scholarship Fund, I would like to thank those of you
who contributed in the past for your support and to ask you again (as
well as those who have not contributed before), to give consideration
to this worthy cause.
The Scholarship Fund's contributions are part of a broader effort to allow the most outstanding candidates to attend Princeton, whatever their circumstances; and it also permits Princeton students to benefit from the economic, social and racial diversity so critical to the educational process. Princeton continues to offer admissions to undergraduates solely on the basis of merit. This is due to the continuing generosity of alumni like you.
Schools Committee
Chair – Stuart Gunn '85
Many thanks to all of the volunteers who gave generously of their time to interview applicants from the Chicago region for the Princeton class of 2011. Vice Chairs Peter Barack '65, Peter Goldman '94, Charlene Huang Olson '88, Ken Sax '73 and Nick Gorga '99 did another terrific job of organizing the effort.
This year a record 18,942 students applied for admission to Princeton, 584 from the Chicago region, up from 500 last year. Twenty of the sixty-nine candidates from the Chicagoland area were admitted in the University’s final year of Early Decision. The 29% admit rate compared to 25% nationally and to 17% from Chicagoland last year. Approximately 48% of the estimated class of 1245 students were accepted through Early Decision. Regular Decision letters were mailed to applicants at the end of March. The University offered admission to 9.5% of applicants overall, with just a slightly higher percentage being offered admission in the Chicagoland area. In total, 57 students were accepted. A well-attended reception for admitted students from the Chicago region was held at the home of Robin and Peter Baugher ’70 on April 22nd. This year marks our final season of Early Decision as the University will move to one round of Regular Decision applications in the fall.
The University’s goal is to interview 100% of all applicants. This is particularly important since the alumni interview is oftentimes the only personal contact a candidate has with Princeton. This year, there are several individuals who deserve recognition for their personal commitment to meeting with these applicants: Rex Hume ’70 interviewed 14 candidates, Nick Gorga ’99 interviewed 10, and Peter Goldman ’94 interviewed 31 students. We always welcome additional interviewers (over 100 strong this year), and look forward to a number of you joining our team next year . . . it is a great way to help the University.
30-Something Committee
Chair – Nancy Collins ‘91
The 30-Something group held several events throughout the year, including a wonderful wine-tasting held at Webster’s Wine Bar in November and the trip to the theatre in December to see “Wicked” together with the Young Alumni group. Upcoming events include the “Diary of Anne Frank” on May 3rd at the Steppenwolf and a “Tuscan Getaway” cooking class at The Chopping Block on June 8th.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer – Randy Barba ‘75
The Princeton Club of Chicago
attempts to operate on a break-even basis each year, supported by dues
(including extra support from our generous patrons and benefactors)
and event fees. This year has been an exceptional year for event
planning such that we will end this fiscal year in excellent financial
shape. Thanks to our members and event planners, we have managed
to break even while at the same time, hosting a significant number of
events. Members’ dues support the newsletter, event mailings,
administration of the Club’s membership, and selected event subsidies.
Each year, the Club also supports Princeton in Chicago Schools (PICS),
the Scholarship Fund, Princeton Project ‘55, the Princeton Prize in
Race Relations, and other events.
Triangle
Chair
– Jane Dorn ‘79
The Triangle show typically visits every 2-3 years and did not come this year as the troupe pleased the Princeton crowd in Chicago in December of 2005 with Excess Hollywood. The Club looks forward to hosting the next Triangle show in December 2007 or 2008.
Young Alumni Committee
Chair – Elizabeth Balthrop ’01
The Young Alumni Committee
completed another full year of events and activities for Princeton classmates
from the past ten years. Diverse opportunities, along with our collaboration
with several other Ivy League young alumni, attracted participation
from a wide variety of young Chicago-area Tigers. Activities included:
- The Annual Summer Beer-Garden Tour – Young alums took advantage of warm weather evenings to take in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in bars, pubs, taverns, and saloons throughout the city. The Beer-Garden Tour remains one of the most popular young alum adventures.
- Wine Tasting at Kafka – An evening of wine and fun.
- “Wicked” at the Oriental Theatre – Seeing one of Chicago’s hottest musicals and discovering what happened before Dorothy arrived in Oz.
- Sushi Dinner – at Kaze Sushi in Roscoe Village.
- Penn vs. Princeton Men’s Basketball – at Gamekeepers in Lincoln Park.
- Ethel’s Chocolate Lounge – An evening of chocolate and fondue.
- Goose Island Brewery Tour – Exploring one of Chicago’s local breweries.
These events provided young
alums with opportunities to mix and mingle, and excuses to take in some
city attractions that they might otherwise never see. Participants ranged
from new graduates just settling in Chicago to veterans who have been
young alums for years. All are encouraged to join us next year in planning
and attending some of the Princeton Club of Chicago’s coolest events.
Elections/Nominating
Committee
Chair – Jeff Sharp ‘80
The Club thanks retiring Directors Jane Dorn ’79, Catherine Farmer ’03, Lisa Jann Reategui ’88, and Jim Santos ’81 for their service and leadership. The following nominees have been asked to serve as Club Directors for three years, with terms ending June 30, 2010: Macol M. Stewart Cerda ’91, Chris Douthitt ’06, and Yung Bong Lim ’87. Roberta Packer ’94 has been asked to serve the remaining term extending to June 30, 2009 of Jane Dorn ’79 who, unfortunately, has moved from the Chicago area. Vincent P. Anderson ’65 and Oren T. Pollock *51 have been re-nominated to serve an additional three-year term.
We thank Marcia Opp Ekdahl and Jon N. Ekdahl P99 P07, for their service as chairs of the Parents Committee, Jane Dorn ’79 for serving as Triangle Chair, and Roberta Packer ’94 for her service as Membership Chair. We also welcome Ryan Ruskin ’90 as our new Triangle Chair and Catherine Farmer ’03 as our new Membership Chair.
We wish to acknowledge those who will continue as officers or as chairs of the following committees: Charlene Huang Olson ’88 President; Carl R. Yudell ’75, Vice President; Randy Barba ’75, Treasurer; Rebecca E. Deaton ’91, Secretary; Eric N. Macey ’73, Counsel; Christopher K. Yarbrough ’96, Vice President Annual Giving; Rico A. Cedro *84, Vice President Graduate Alumni; Sally A. Metzler *97, Vice President Programs; Stuart R. Gunn ’85, Vice President Schools Committee; Carol Obertubbesing ‘73, Vice President Communications; Michael D. Laidlaw ’94, Annual Dinner; Shepherd G. Pryor IV, ’68, Careers; Timothy B. Johnson ’73, Distinguished Service Awards; John H. Fish ‘55, Princeton Project 55; Gerald D. Skoning ’64, Scholarship; Nancy Collins ’91, 30-Something; Emily Krone ’01 and Sara Curtin Tims ’01, Women’s Network; Elizabeth M. Balthrop ‘01, Young Alumni; and Web Master Eric M. Carty-Fickes ’02. Moderators of the Princeton-Chicago discussion list are Ken Sax ’73 and Roberta Packer ’94. Other Leadership Group members include liaison to the Ivy/Seven Sisters Roundtable, Oren T. Pollock *51; liaison to the Association of Asian American Alumni, Al Chan ‘91, and liaison to the Association of Black Princeton Alumni, Nat Piggee ’96. We also thank those who will continue serving their existing terms as Directors: Peter Baugher ’70, Edith Canter ’80, Phyllis Ellin ’83, Brian Gant ’97, Nick Gorga ’99, Emile Karafiol ’55, Kristine Mighion ’86, and Amy Beth Treciokas ’87.
I would like to thank the other members of the Nominating Committee: Charlene Huang Olson ’88 and Carl Yudell ’75 for their assistance in this process. I would also like to extend a personal “thank you” to all who have served on the Leadership Group in the past year and a “welcome” to all who will be serving in the coming year.
PRINCETON CLUB OF CHICAGO
Founded 1876
MISSION
The Princeton Club of Chicago exists to build and maintain among local alumni a high level of awareness of and involvement in activities related to Princeton University and its alumni, students, faculty and administration (the “Princeton Family”). Ongoing functions include: finding and encouraging qualified applicants to apply to Princeton and to matriculate if accepted; encouraging broad participation in Annual Giving and the Club Scholarship Fund; encouraging interaction, communication, and networking among the “Princeton Family” at the local level via a wide array of educational, cultural, community service, and Princeton-related entertainment programs; and enhancing local community knowledge of Princeton and of the successes of its “Family.”
LOCATION
The Princeton Club of Chicago has no building. Meetings and events are held throughout Chicagoland, often downtown. The Club is volunteer-run but it has hired a local organization, Alumni Services, to handle administrative services. Alumni Services handles mailings, RSVPs for most events, and other administrative tasks for our Club and many of the other Ivy and Seven Sister schools. Call them at 847-256-5800 to receive a membership form, change your address, inquire about the newsletter, or respond to an event posting. See the club web site for club officer and committee chair contact information. www.princetonclubofchicago.org
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to all undergraduate and graduate alumni, students, parents, and surviving spouses of deceased alumni. Call 847-256-5800 or visit the club web site to receive a membership form with latest dues information and a volunteer form. Membership is complimentary for members of the most recent graduating class, but you need to complete a membership form in order to receive all of our mailings.
ACTIVITIES
There are many ways to participate in the Club. Throughout the year the Club sponsors everything from sports outings to career networking, from social gatherings to talks by Princeton professors and alumni. Newsletters and bulletins, as well as the Club web site, provide information on these. When you become a member, you will receive a new member packet detailing Club activities and committees. The packet includes a volunteer form; you can assist with annual giving, schools committee interviews, or planning events, among other activities. There are special interest groups such as Young Alumni, Graduate Alumni, Women’s Network, and Parents. One of our most important projects is Princeton in Chicago Schools (PICS), a partnership between the Club and our adopted high school, Roosevelt High School, a public school on the northwest side of the City. Your participation is what keeps this Club vibrant, so please join us!
PRINCETON CLUB OF CHICAGO - LEADERSHIP POSITIONS 2006-2007
PRESIDENT
Charlene
Huang Olson '88
VICE PRESIDENT
Carl
Yudell '75
VICE PRESIDENTS
Annual Giving
Chris Yarbrough '96
Communications
Carol Obertubbesing '73
Graduate Alumni
Rico Cedro *84
Programs
Sally Metzler *97
Schools
Stuart
R. Gunn '85
TREASURER
Randolph
C. Barba '75
SECRETARY
Rebecca Deaton '91
COUNSEL
Eric N. Macey '73
DIRECTORS
Vincent P. Anderson '65
Peter Baugher '70
Edith F. Canter '80
Jane Dorn '79
Phyllis Ellin '83
Catherine Farmer '03
Brian Gant '97
Nick Gorga '99
Emile Karafiol '55
Kristine Mighion '86
Oren T. Pollock *51
Lisa Jann Reategui '88
James M. Santos '81
Amy
Beth Treciokas '87
EX OFFICIO MEMBERS
Trustees
Dennis J. Keller '63
Robert S. Murley '72
Mark Siegler '63
Trustees Emeriti
Arnold M. Berlin '46
Wilbur H. Gantz '59
John W. McCarter, Jr. '60
John W. Rogers, Jr. '80
Robert D. Stuart, Jr. '37
Daniel R. Toll '49
PAST PRESIDENTS
Sharon Keld '80
Jeffrey
S. Sharp '80
COMMITTEES
Annual Dinner
Michael D. Laidlaw '94
Careers
Shep Pryor '68
Community Service
Doris Manning '03
Distinguished Service Awards
Timothy B. Johnson '73
Ivy/Seven Sisters Liaison
Oren T. Pollock *51
Membership
Roberta Packer '94
Nominating Committee
Jeffrey S. Sharp '80
Orange and Black Club
Robert B. Loveman '69
Parents
Marcia Opp Ekdahl/Jon N. Ekdahl P99 P07
Princeton in Chicago Schools (PICS)
Brendan P. Boyle '99
Everett Ward '83
Princeton Prize in Race Relations
Brian Gant '97
James Smith '92
Princeton Project 55
John H. Fish '55
Scholarship
Gerald D. Skoning '64
30-Something Group
Nancy Collins '91
Triangle
Jane Dorn '79
Women’s Network
Emily Krone '01
Sara Curtin Tims '01
Young Alumni
Elizabeth Balthrop '01
Web Master
Eric
M. Carty-Fickes '02
OTHER LEADERSHIP GROUP MEMBERS
Association of Asian American Alumni
Al
Chan '91
Association of Black Princeton Alumni
Nat Piggee '96