DAVID SWENSEN launches Y65 ZOOM SERIES in spectacular fashion!
80+ classmates, spouses, and widows paid rapt attention as David Swensen spoke about… how Yale nimbly adapted to the possibility of a pandemic-driven market meltdown; how for decades Yale’s proud leadership in ethical investing has contributed to Yale’s spectacular investment performance; and more recently, how Yale has challenged its outside investment managers to diversify their staffs. Also fielding questions selected from the zoom chat by Chris Cooke and Dan Denison, David covered many topics knowledgeably and candidly — the positive business case for ethical investing; why Yale avoids all investments in “bad capitalism”; how Yale conservatively values its illiquid assets; how the Endowment now funds 60% of Yale College expenses; how public and corporate pensions who recklessly understate their long term liabilities are headed for crisis; the prospects for another market bust a la the 2000 internet bubble; the worst investment decision he’s ever made; and more. If you missed seeing it live, or want to watch it again, here’s the link.
About the Y65 Monthly Zoom Series Third Wednesday every month, 4pm est
Bob Hammond (sherrillbrookmd@gmail.com) and Dennis Mack (dennis-mack@nyc.rr.com), honchos for this already popular new series, encourage all classmates and widows to contact them with ideas for future Zoom calls. Look for the January announcement soon.
Our own BRUCE ALEXANDER: a deserving Yale Medal recipient!
We are all extremely proud of Bruce, who was recently honored for his visionary contributions to Yale that will be felt throughout the 21st century — vastly transforming Yale’s physical footprint, restoring and beautifying the commercial spaces around the campus, and revitalizing Yale’s relationship with New Haven. Check out this short video, featuring remarks from Bruce and testimony from his colleagues:
Our 2020 Annual Class Dinner, via Zoom
Most of the 140+ pre-registered classmates and widows showed up for our October 30 Class Zoom Call and were treated to an engaging 90-minute “virtual annual dinner.” James (Jimmy) Hatch, a 53-year-old ex-Seal and now a Yale sophomore in TD College, inspired us with his life story, followed by a gripping Q&A session covering his military and Yale experiences, his views on his own life, and his opinions on important current issues in American society. The results of our traditional Election Year Class Survey were presented, and Jennifer Julier, our YAA rep, updated us on prospects for a rescheduled 55th Reunion in 2021. A few technical zoom glitches were met with understanding and good humor. Many attendees hung around for camaraderie and banter after the formal meeting ended.
Or, to see what interests you, scroll ahead to these times:
On August 17, Ralph Protsik’s stage adaptation of Warren Rothman’s book series, “Kafka in China” was presented in theater workshop form at the Berkeley Repertory School of Theater. See the photos and read the rest of the story here.
Chris Kinney has provided us with a great series of photos of the 2016, 2017 and 2018 Class Dinners. Click to view!