Regular readers of PAW are aware that the secretaries of many of the Old Guard classes are non-classmates — a widow, son, grandchild, nephew, niece. I did just that for 1907, my grandfather’s class (George A. Brakeley 1907), for the last seven years of its existence, and it was a wonderful and rewarding experience. I would hear regularly from relatives of class members, and the University would send news about such things as 1907 scholarship recipients; there was always something to report.

I was not the first non-classmate secretary (the late George Vondermuhll ’35 had that honor), but I promoted the idea actively, and before long others appeared for other classes. Now, in my capacity as a member of the Alumni Council’s Class Affairs Committee, I am serving as secretary pro tem of the classes of 1928, 1931, and 1932. More to the point, I am looking for new secretaries for those three classes, be they widows, sons, grandchildren, or some other kin.

Provided one is fairly nimble with the computer, it is not much work at all. A few lines in each issue will suffice, and I stand ready to serve as coach and mentor to anyone who will step forth. I am happy to talk with anyone who is interested in hearing more. My mail and e-mail addresses can be found in those class columns in this and subsequent issues.

George A. Brakeley III ’61