A big "thank you" to those of you who have contributed thus far.  To keep this program going, we need all the support we can get!  As we said before, no contribution is too small -- and every contribution counts! 

We're asking for your support since this program does indeed make a difference!  It is our small way to give back to Bremen what Bremen has given to us.

Please join us in making the 2019 Scholarship Awards a success and a testament to and remembrance of our lost classmates.

Class of '62 Hall of Fame Program

The Class of '62 now has 10 inductees in the Hall of Fame, more than any other class.  Let me share with you my views on the program -- views that are shared by many others:

Initially, I was somewhat skeptical of this program, mainly because I felt it was impossible to single-out any individual in a Class with so many truly accomplished classmates.  

However, after discussing the program with Dr. Kibelkis, (Bremen’s Principal), and other members of Bremen’s faculty & staff, I came to understand that this program is really about the students -- and not about the individual or our Class. 

The goal of the program is to demonstrate to students (in a very tangible way) what they can do with a Bremen education.  In other words, the Hall of Fame inductees are indeed “role models” for the students.  

Like our Class of ’62 Scholarship Program, this is all about “paying forward” -- i.e., giving back to Bremen what Bremen has given to us.

Therefore, we would like to ask you to suggest other candidates by sending us a brief outline of what they accomplished with their Bremen education and also an indication of their desire to serve as a role model for the students.  

We look to the sponsors to gather the necessary information to complete the nomination forms.  Of course, we will be there every step of the way to help.  

The cutoff date for submitting a nomination is the end of May.  Therefore, if you would like to sponsor a candidate, now's a great time to start!  

I’m also pleased to report that a name has already been submitted for the 2019 Hall of Fame.  In our view, someone who clearly meets the criteria we outlined -- i.e., a positive role model for the students and a willingness to serve!  By the way, nothing prevents us from submitting more than one candidate in any given year.  

BREAKING NEWS: We are also in discussions with Bremen to make the Hall of Fame program more than just a "one-day event" by having Hall of Fame inductees, and other willing classmates, participate in various career guidance programs and workshops to support the graduating seniors.  In other words, we want to put even more focus on "continued service" versus a "one-time event".

As always, let us know your thoughts -- and if a candidate comes to mind, please contact us.

Go Braves!

Mary Lou, Denny, and Rich

November 19, 2018

CLASS OF ’62 UPCOMING ACTIVITIES... “LET’S KEEP THE BALL ROLLING”!

As we approach the holidays and the New Year, we would like to once again ask for your support for one of the programs that contributed to the Class of ’62 being recognized by the District 228 Board of Education.

Our class of ’62 scholarship program...

First, we would like to thank all of our sustaining donors for their generous contributions over the past 3 years.  Next, we would like to encourage those of you who have not contributed in the past to consider a contribution this year -- no matter how large or small.  A large number of small contributions can make a big difference!  However, regardless of size or frequency, any and all contributions are sincerely appreciated!

Does our program make a difference?

In most cases, we rarely get direct feedback for the contributions we make.  The best test of any program is hearing back from its beneficiaries:

2016 Recipient -- Javier Covarrubias (Stanford University)…

“My name is Javier Covarrubias, and I am a former recipient of the scholarship from the Bremen Class of 1962 and a junior at Stanford University studying Management Science & Engineering. It’s no secret that college is a very expensive investment, especially in California; there are many bright and talented people around the country who make the tough decision of not attending college because they are unable to fund their education. Although I am on good financial aid at my school, I still pay for parts of my education, including textbooks and course readers, and those costs can add up. In fact, I used the scholarship money that I was awarded from the Class of ’62 to buy a lot of my textbooks freshmen year, which saved me a lot of financial stress. What might seem like a drop in the bucket in the grand scheme of things when it comes to financing a college education can mean a world of a difference.”

2018 Recipient -- Henrietta McDonald (Wayne State University)… 

“The scholarship from the Class of 1962 was extremely beneficial to me.  It allowed me financially to afford my books for my freshman year and helped with my tuition for the school year.  This scholarship helped relieve some of the stress a student deals with in terms of affording education and allowed me more time to focus on my studies.  Thank you Class of 1962!  Go Braves!”

Next, here is what Dr. Kibelkis and the District 228 Board of Education feel about our program: 

From Dr. Kibelkis, Principal of Bremen High School…

Where we are now and what we plan to do… 

• For 2019, we are about 60% there to reaching our $2,000 goal, so we need your help!  
    
• OUR FOCUS: 
  In May of 2019, we would like to present our Scholarship Awards in remembrance of our lost classmates – both known and unknown.  
   
• SAD FACT: 
  Since our 50^th Reunion, we have lost 25 Classmates that we know of, many of whom attended our 50^th Reunion.  Help us let them be remembered!
   

How to contribute…

Assuring that your contributions are secure is our first priority:

1. We have set up a joint savings account at MB Financial Bank in Palatine, IL to hold the funds until they are dispersed. 
   
   
2. Rich Kieffer and Mary Lou are the joint-account owners.  Bremen is the designated account beneficiary. 
   
   
3. Denny Day is the account’s independent auditor.  You can contact Denny at any time concerning the status of your contribution. 
   
   
4. All checks should be made out to and mailed to:  
   
   

Richard Kieffer 753 Quail Run Inverness, IL 60067-4776 with the memo line of the check reading: Class of ’62 Scholarship Fund

IMPORTANT NOTE: The bank will not accept checks made out to the “Class of ’62 Scholarship Fund”.  We looked into setting up a 529 (C) account, but it would have been too costly. 

1. Checks will be endorsed by Rich as “FOR DEPOSIT ONLY”and will be deposited in the Class of ’62 Scholarship Fund savings account at MB Bank.  A record of the deposit will be sent to Denny.
    
2. You will receive written confirmation of your payment for audit and tax purposes.
    

Are the contributions tax deductible in 2018?  

Absolutely – however, they must be postmarked no later than December 31^st!  

Mr. Tom O’Malley, District 228 Business Manager, notified Dr. Kibelkis, Bremen’s Principal, that our gifts are tax deductible under the provisions of IRS 170 (f) (8).

We realize that there are a lot of great causes to which one can contribute.  However, I can think of no better great cause than to help a few of Bremen’s bright and hardworking students who need financial assistance in furthering their education.  

Plus, doing this in remembrance of our departed classmates is not only a legacy of them, but also to Bremen’s mantra... 

We have pride! 

An Unexpected Surprise and a Very Special Honor for 

the Class of ’62!

This past week, I received a call from Dr. Dave Kibelkis(Bremen’s Principal). Dave said that District 228 would like to recognize the Class of ’62 at their next Board of Education Meeting on November 16^th. 

As I understand it, from time-to-time the District recognizes individuals or groups who have in various ways supported the District. I believe that this is the first time the District has recognized an entire Class!  Woohoo!

One might ask: Why the Class of ’62?

My point of view on this is nicely captured by Pat Anderson Rogers on Page 9 of our 50th Reunion Program:

“We are the children of what has been called the "Greatest Generation". We are pre-baby-boomers who grew up hearing first-hand stories of growing-up during the Great Depression. We are the children of men who went off to war, and we were, perhaps the last generation to understand that we had to EARN what we wanted. We are also the generation who went off to fight an unpopular war, and then years later kissed our own children good-bye as they went off to fight in still more wars. Ya know, we're "old geezers" now but, damn, we deserve to be pretty proud of ourselves!
 

…a personal perspective by Pat Anderson Rogers

Dr. Kibelkis’ view is the following:

1. He feels that our Class is one of the most active and involved alumni classes contributing to Bremen school Spirit, Bremen Pride, and Bremen Student Support.
    
2. Specifically, he referred to the following:
    

• Our participation at Homecoming events is setting an example for all students by showing them that supporting Bremen does not end on graduation day.
   
• Our Scholarship Program is having a positive effect on hard-working students who have the desire, but not always the means, to further their education.
   
• Our active participation in the Hall of Fame Programhelps students better understand that a Bremen education can open the door to many opportunities.
   

Dr. Kibelkis went on to ask if some of our local classmates could attend this event. Given that this is an honor being bestowed on our entire Class, my first thought was to contact Mike McPherrin (our Class President) and Lee Riegler (our Class Vice-President) to see if they were available to accept this recognition. Unfortunately, they both had conflicts and are not able to attend.
 

Then, John Mensing came to mind since his brother, Rev. David T. Mensing, was Secretary to the District 228 Board of Education for several years. I'm happy to report that John and I will have the honor and privilege of accepting this prestigious recognition on behalf of the Class of ‘62.

Of course, John and I will give you full update after the event. 

Upcoming Events...

Our next website update will be soon -- in early November Yikes, how time flies!  

Our next two events will be:

1. A first-hand view of how our program has helped past scholarship recipients.
    
2. Why we would like to present the 2019 Scholarship Awards in remembrance of all of our lost classmates -- both known and unknown.
    
3. A call to our past contributors and other classmates to help us make the 2019 Scholarship Awards Program another resounding success!