1943 
 
 R'srS-iS^V ' 
 
 T-'-s"^ ■• 
 
btatc College of agriculture 
 jat Cornell Winibetait^ 
 3K6aca, ^. g. 
 
 %ihtavp 
 
 Cornell University Library 
 LD 1346.S47 
 
 Cornell university semi-centennial celeb 
 
 3 1924 013 370 667 
 
 III 
 
G>m«ll University Semi-Centennial Celebration - 
 
 .j ' REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS - f, 
 
 By Andrew J. Whinery, Publicity Manager. 
 
 It has. been suggested that a report of the publicity work con- 
 nected with the Semi-Centennial Celebration should be prepared 
 and placed on file. Being discharged from the .United States Army 
 on March 31st, 1919, I arrived in, Ithaca on April 4th to undertake 
 the work as ' Publicity Manager. Previous to this date, a circular 
 letter had been mailed from the Associate Alumni Committee, of 
 which Mr. E. N. Sanderson was Chairman. The subsequent bul- 
 letins were also prepared and mailed by this committee from New 
 York City. All of the other publicity work was handled from the 
 office in Ithaca. A tabulation of the various items of work done 
 is appended hereto, The duties were varied and touched on all 
 phases of publicity work. Many other advertising methods were 
 planned but the time was too short to make them all effective. ■ The 
 chairmen f6r the Local, State,- and City campaigns, selected by Mr. 
 E. N. Sanderson, were industrious and most effective in persuad- 
 ing Cojrnellians to return for the Celebration. Through them, we 
 were able to also secure the correction of a large number of erro- 
 neous addresses and to obtain much data concerning the' partici- 
 pation in the Great War, of our alumni. 
 
 The registratioii of alumni attending the Celebration was held 
 in the Old' Armory. Unfortiinately, the registration was not com- 
 plete, due to the fact that many failed to sign registration cardsi 
 The total number of ialumni registered wag .4,241. , In addition, 
 guests numbering 1,020 were registered, making , a total registra- 
 tion of ^,261 people, A tabulated list of the registration by' classes 
 is appended hereto. .If we add the probable number who failed 
 to register to those who filledt^out the cards, the total attendance 
 would approximate 6,000. * 
 
 The Semi-Centennial Celebration appeared to develop a new and 
 greater Cornell spirit. , Many men who had never returned since 
 their graduation came back for this occasion. One man who left 
 Cornell in 1870, had not returned in 50 years; he left Ithaca with 
 the statement that he would certainly come back within a short 
 time. A very large number of non-fraternity- men were present and 
 
this was a gratifying change from former reunions. A new, keen 
 and helpful interest was manifest in all the alumni. They seemed 
 much, >i.nXp,e;st;fe(i jn , the. ,yi^]i^^f, ,pf . tli^ ^IJniyrtsity, : . The 'Co.llege con- 
 ferences, despite the fear that they would not be successful, were 
 yell attended and the ' alumni manifested a niost' helpful attitude 
 toward the >vork of the respective colleges. Contrary, to the usual 
 experience, the reunions were closely confined to the campus. This 
 was a beneficial dhange, because the alumni were brought into 
 closer touch with the Universityl A true and greater Cornell spirit 
 was instilled into the men who were present, and they will, it is 
 believed, revisit Corhell triore frequently in the future. The Cele- 
 bration Seemed to alt to be the beginning of a hew' and more 
 intimate' relationship between the University and' its alumni. In 
 order to develop and fostei: this attitude; certaifi action seems nec- 
 essary on the part of the University. The interest or lack of 
 interest' of the alumni may quite assuredly be attributed to the 
 attittide of the University toward its returning former students. 
 If the interest is to be enlivened and perpetuated, Cornell must 
 evidence a desire to foster and engender it in her alumni. They 
 should be encouraged to returti to Ithaca as often as possible 
 because in no other way can they be so impressed with the magni- 
 tude, the growth, the heeds and the unequaled ' beatlty of Cornell. 
 The Semi-Centennial Celebration was enjoyed by e'veryone.' It 
 oflfered an opportunity for a man to meet not only members of his 
 own class but also those from the adjoining classes. It devel- 
 oped a "famiV atmosphere that has nevei- been noticed at other 
 reunions. Having been in Ithaca preparing for' the Celebration and 
 having been in correspondence with a large number of alilmni, both 
 before and after the event, the Publicity Manager takes this oppor- 
 tunity to offer certaiti recommendations. It is believed that these 
 suggestions, if adopted, might be the means of developing; foster- 
 ing and maintaining a true and more intimate Cornell spirit among 
 the alumni, which in the end wdiild assist the Uhi-VfirSity ttiaterially 
 in its Work and needs. ,,,/ 
 
 '.'.... ' .. !•' 
 
 ' i ■■'■•■ ■ • i^;r 
 
 A Genbrai, Reunion of AiA Classes Shouij) be ; Held at 
 Frequent iNTEiivAts. |^ 
 
 A cbnSidcrable number of alutoni have' stated to the Publicity 
 Manager that they hoped the University would again hold a general 
 
:3 
 
 reunion within> a few years. There can be no doubt but that the 
 presence of men from all classes at the Celebration was an inspira- 
 tion to all. It did much to develop the feeling that Cornell men 
 were members of one great, well-organized family. The small 
 individual class organizations became merged in the greater and 
 better reunion. And yet the various classes were each able to hold 
 such separate class meetings as seemed to them desirable. The 
 huge University gatherings; such as the dinners in the New Drill 
 Hall and the assemblies in the New Stadium, were most inspiring. 
 It is urged that general reunions should be held at' frequent inter- 
 vals and that the University should, on these occasions, make 
 great organized efforts to secure the return of as many alumni" as 
 possible. Since the regular class reunions are held every five years, 
 it would be unfair to hold general reunions at the same intervals 
 because that would give certain classes discriminatory advantages 
 over the others. It would seem desirable to hold these proposed 
 general reunions of all classes at four or six-year intervals. 
 
 2. 
 
 The Work of the Publicity Manager RevEai^d a Very Urgent 
 Need oe a New Oeeicer in. Ithaca Whose Duty it Wouu) be to 
 Foster, Deveeop and Maintain a Closer Relationship between 
 THE University and its Alumni. 
 
 There are a number of urgent reasons for the establishment of 
 such an office in the University and they are particularly set out 
 in the succeeding paragraphs. If such an office were created, a 
 man conversant with Cornellians and with Cornell institutions 
 should be chosen to fill it. He should be a man of great tact, con- 
 siderable ability and embued with the true and loyal Cornell 
 spirit. He should be energetic and not averse to doing work which 
 might sometimes seem unnecessary to him. If this alumni work is 
 worth doing at all, it is worth doing as well as possible because it 
 may mean much to Cornell, if properly handled. A sufficiently high 
 salary should be established for the office to secure the services of 
 a man well equipped in every way for the work. The name of the 
 office is unimportant, whether it be called Alumni Secretary, Alumni 
 Registrar or any other title indicative of the character of the posi- 
 tion. The reasons which make the creation of this new office 
 desirable are as follows: 
 
This Ai,umni Obpicer Shoum be Charged With the Main- 
 tenance OF AN Accurate Address List oe ai,i, Cornei,wans. 
 
 At the present time, this is one of the many duties of the 
 University Secretary. Because of the stress of other work, he has 
 been unable to give this alumni list the personal attention which it 
 deserves. The work was delegated to an assistant who has made 
 every effort to keep up the list and who deserves much credit for 
 her efforts. But, to properly maintain this file, it is necessary that 
 some one familiar with Cornell names and Cornell activities give it 
 considerable attention. Such a person might easily secure the 
 address of a "lost" Cornellian because of his knowledge of the 
 man's connections while in college. The Semi-Centennial Celebra- 
 tioft publicity campaign disclosed a surprisingly large number of 
 incorrect addresses in' the University files. Many more than a 
 thousand letters were returned to thfe Secretary's office because of 
 bad addresses. When the localized campaigns were started in 
 States and cities, the chairmen returned cards of which more than 
 a half showed corrected addresses or incorrect addresses. A very 
 considerable sum of money was expended ineffectively for postage 
 because of these bad addresses. This will continue to be the case 
 unless the list be corrected and so maintained. The' University 
 will lose money on the mailing of every publication until this con- 
 dition is remedied. If a publication is worth sending to an 
 alumnus, it is certainly, worth while to see that he receives it. 
 It is an enormous proposition to maintain a correct' address list for 
 the 30,000 Cornellians, more or less, and it demands personal atten- 
 tion by an alumnus who is reasonably familiar with Cornell men 
 and institutions. 
 
 The Alumni officer should be charged with the maintenance of a 
 correct Ust of all Cornellians. If we were able to have such a list, 
 we would not only avoid the expenditure of a large sum of money 
 on ineffective postage, but we would also escape the embarrassment 
 of sending the various publications and letters to Cornell alumni 
 long since deceased. In order to properly maintain a correct list, 
 this officer should be authorized to mail at least one first-class 
 letter to every Cornellian each year, with a return card on the 
 envelope. In this way a fairly accurate check might be made on 
 the addresses and, when found incorrect, they should be immedi- 
 
ately followed up. It would be possible to educate the alumni to 
 advise the Alumni Officer of every change in address and to notify 
 him if no communication be received from Cornell for a period 
 of a year or more. In this address work very effective use might 
 be made o£ directories, such as the Medical Directory of the 
 United States, the State Bar directories, membership lists of the 
 numerous technical societies, etc. Fraternity lists would also be 
 helpful. The Cornell Alumni News and the Cornellian Council 
 might also be useful agencies in this work. 
 
 II. 
 
 This Ai,umni Ofmcbr Shouij) be Charged With Securing 
 
 BlOGRAPHICAI, InEOEMATION REIATIVE TO CoENELWANS. 
 
 At the present time, there is no definite effort made to obtain and 
 record biographical information relative to Cornellians. On the 
 reverse side of the address cards in the general file in the office 
 of the University Secretary, there are somtimes found notations 
 of the undergraduate activities of the men. While it is important 
 to record the man's record as an undergraduate, it seems much 
 more desirable to maintain an accurate account of his activities 
 after he leaves Cornell. It might very conceivably be a matter of 
 great value to Cornell to know with what organization a former 
 student has worked, what positions he has held and what success 
 he has made in his particular business or profession. It would 
 be desirable to have a record on file showing that a man had been 
 elected to public office or had held positions of public responsibility. 
 Such information might be of value in many ways. It would enable 
 Cornell to tell a former student of the activities of any of his par- 
 ticular friends who were in college with him, and he would thereby 
 feel that the University was maintaining an efficient set of records. 
 If the University ever makes an attempt to assist its alumni in 
 securing not only their first positions after leaving college but also 
 in obtaining better positions as they arise from time to time, such 
 a biographical record would be of inestimable assistance in the 
 determination of the right man for the right job, because a record 
 of the man's business or professional experience would be avail- 
 able. There might be an occasion when a short biographical 
 account of a Cornellian would be needed on short notice and it 
 would be quite appropriate that such a record could be obtained 
 from the institution where the man received his education. At 
 
the time of the death of a Cornell man, an obituary might be pre- 
 pared without delay and without annoyance to his relatives. In 
 
 -passing, it would be a very decent thing for the University, through 
 such an Alumni Officer, to express the University's condolences to 
 the family of a deceased Cornellian. This biographical record 
 would also be of great value in the preparation of a Ten-Year Book 
 
 ' or other Cornell directory. 
 
 III. 
 
 This Awmni Officer Should be; Charged With Maintaining 
 Proper and Correct Class and Geograpkical Lists. 
 ' At the present time the maintaining of class address lists is left 
 entirely to the respective class secretaries. They arfe usually busy 
 men who cannot give the matter the attention which is necessary 
 to keep such a list up to date and correct. The result is that very 
 few of the Class secretaries have address lists which are of any 
 use. The effectiveness of their work is diminished because of this 
 fact. This Alumni Officer would be the logical man to keep such 
 lists up to date. He would be able to make corrections more 
 readily than the class secretary. His office would be a sort of clear- 
 ing house for new addresses. When an address on the University 
 list is changed, it would be a relatively simple matter for him to 
 have it also changed on a class and geographical list. Certainly 
 a class list would be more easily kept correct by some one in 
 Ithaca than by a class secretary who, in the very nature of things, 
 cannot give the' matter constant attention. Every class should have 
 a separate file in the office of this Alumni Officer, containing a card 
 for every member of the class who matriculated with it. If a man 
 has died, it should so state on his card. With such a list it would 
 be a comparatively easy matter to furnish a class list on short 
 notice. As the records now stand, there is no separate list of the 
 members of each class showing their present addresses. 
 
 While we have a few Cornell Alumni Clubs that are active and 
 effective in fostering and maintaining a real Cornell spirit, most 
 of our existing clubs are more or less dormant. This condition 
 inight be altered if we had some one in Ithaca who would try to 
 keep all of the clubs stirred up to the proper activity. This Alumni 
 Officer should maintain a local address list for all the cities and 
 communities wherein a considerable number of Cornell men reside. 
 There are numerous occasions when such a Ust would be desirable. 
 
Whenever a local club organized a membership campaign, it would 
 be possible to obtain a correct list of all Cornellians residing in 
 that vicinity. If a Cornell man removes from one city to another, 
 it would be well if the local club in his new domicile were so 
 informed. In this way a club might render very effective service 
 in making a Cornellian feel at home in a strange city arid might 
 assist him very much in getting settled in his new surroundings. 
 
 In the campaigns to be carried on by the Cornellian Council and 
 by the Semi-Centennial Endowment Committee, it would be very 
 important that correct address lists for the district in question be 
 furnished. If the Endowment Committee requires a man in a 
 particular community to assist them, this local list would quickly 
 furnish the names of all available Cornellians in that district and 
 the most satisfactory man for the work might be chosen. Many 
 other occasions will certainly arise when it will be desirable to 
 have a correct address list of Cornellians in a particular district. 
 
 This Alumni Officer would again be the logical man to maintain 
 such a list and it would be a comparatively simple matter for him 
 to make corrections on this local list whenever they were made 
 on the general University file. 
 
 IV. 
 
 This Ai,umni Officer Shoui,d be Secretary of the Association 
 OF Class Secretaries. 
 
 At the present time the secretary of the Association of Class 
 Secretaries is elected from among the secretaries. This results 
 in the election of a man who can only give an infinitesimal part of 
 his time to the work and who has no facilities for the better 
 handling of secretarial work. The office of Secretary of the Asso- 
 ciation of Class Secretaries should be permanent. There should, 
 be a central office in Ithaca where all class secretarial matter might 
 be filed. Whenever a Class Secretary sends out literature of any 
 sort fifty copies thereof should be filed with the Secretary of the 
 Association. Then, when another secretary desires to circularize 
 his class for any particular occasion, such as a ten-year reunion, it 
 will be possible for him to obtain samples of what other secretaries- 
 have done upon similar occasions. In this way the office of Secre- 
 tary of the Association of Class Secretaries might be made really 
 useful and the Association itself acquire some better function than, 
 merely that of holding meetings now and then. Having a central 
 
8 
 
 officer to direct matters would enable the Association to become 
 a really helpful organization for Cornell University. He could 
 suggest to secretaries of classes, having regular reunions, various 
 stunts and activities which might help give Cornellians a happy 
 visit when they return to Ithaca. He could assist the secretaries 
 in making preliminary plans for their reunions and could make such 
 reservations for them as might seem necessary or desirable. He 
 could be of inestimable value in making the reunion period a 
 success of the sort that would benefit the University greatly, because, 
 from his position, he could in a very large measure; direct the 
 activities of the alumni who come back each year. If this Alumni 
 Officer maintains a complete list of addresses for each class, every 
 member thereof will receive due notice of the reunion or other 
 special occasion. He might also assist any Class Secretary who 
 becomes financially embarrassed in his class finances, in that he 
 would be able to advise them of the plans by which other class 
 secretaries manage the financial situation in their classes. To 
 properly do this, he should obtain from each secretary a statement 
 of the financial plan of his class, from which reports this Alumni 
 Officer would obtain many ideas as to class finance. 
 
 It is important that each Class Secretary send out at least one 
 class letter per year to every member of his class. This Alumni 
 Officer could undertake to see that each secretary sent out such a 
 letter or communication. It would be well for every class secretary 
 to arrange for a gathering every June of those who happen to be 
 in Ithaca when they do not hold a regular reunion. The Alumni 
 Officer might be of great assistance in making such arrangements. 
 
 V. 
 
 This Alumni Officer Should be Secretary of the Associate 
 Alumni of Cornell University. 
 
 ■ The secretary of the Associate Alumni now happens to be resi- 
 dent in Ithaca but under ordinary circumstances this would not be 
 the ease. It would be eminently desirable if there could be a per- 
 manent secretary whose headquarters would be in Ithaca. In addi- 
 tion to his other duties, the proposed Alumni Officer could easily 
 act as secretary of this organization. In this way he could be kept 
 in touch with all local Cor^iell Clubs and would be able to render 
 considerable assistance to them in their work. Whenever they 
 planned a meeting and so desired, he could assist them in getting 
 
a University speaker and in furnishing films for moving pictures. 
 If any club seemed inactive he should urge them to resume activ- 
 ities, rendering such help as might be required. There are many 
 cities and communities in which there is no Cornell Club, despite 
 the fact that a large number of Cornellians reside therein. This 
 Alumni Officer should attempt to organize and develop good clubs 
 in such districts. Whenever any club plans for a meeting or 
 gathering, he could assist in the advertisement of such parties 
 and he might also suggest methods by which the most success- 
 ful Cornell assemblies are held. In this way the clubs would be 
 able to profit by the experiences of the other clubs. - 
 
 It would be desirable to have a central filing office for all litera- 
 ture sent out by Cornell clubs. Publicity methods might thereby 
 be suggested to the other clubs when they desired such informa- 
 tion, samples of Cornell literature being sent to them. This Alumni 
 Officer could maintain a central filing system for such literature in 
 his office. 
 
 When a Cornell man moves from one city to another, this Alumni 
 Officer could so notify the secretary of the club in the city to which 
 he has removed. Thus the clubs would soon be advised of the 
 arrival in their district of new Cornell men and they could be of 
 considerable assistance in helping them get settled. It would be a 
 decent thing for such clubs to offer the privileges of the club to 
 such a new arrival for a limited period. This plan would undoubt- 
 edly help Cornell clubs to obtain new members and it would leave 
 a very favorable impression on the alumnus of the ability of the 
 University to look after its alumni. 
 
 This Alumni Officer could also "be of great assistance to the local 
 technical clubs which are now being organized among Cornell 
 men in various sections of the United States. Some of these clubs 
 maintain effective employment bureaus. and the co-operation of the 
 officer in Ithaca might help them considerably in bringing the job 
 and the man together. 
 
 It would also be desirable for this Alumni Officer to travel over 
 the country considerably, attending meetings of Cornell clubs and 
 meeting Cornell men. He would soon be regarded as the con- 
 necting link between the alumni and the University and might be 
 the means of settling many little, petty, but unfortunate misunder- 
 standings between them. 
 
10 
 
 VI. 
 
 ' This Ai,umni Officer Shoui,d Undertake the Entertainment 
 OP Ai,uMNi Who Return to Ithaca During the Year. 
 
 There are many Cornell alumni who believe that their presence 
 in Ithaca has not been desired. Consequently, relatively few men 
 return to visit Cornell University. This is regrettable and it seems 
 adyisable to encourage, Cornellians to come back as often as possible. 
 Unfortunately, there are no Alumni Headquarters at Cornell and 
 men who return have no place to lodge unless they happen to be 
 affiliated with one of the many fraternities. It is hoped that an 
 Alumni Hall may some day be erected in which alumni who are not 
 fraternity men may secure accommodations and in which they may 
 find an adequate welcome. Until such a building is provided, it 
 would encourage visits by alumni if we could advertise an alumni 
 headquarters in Ithaca where any alumnus can obtain a hearty wel- 
 come and secure information concerning the University. The office 
 of this Alumni Officer might well be made such an headquarters. 
 During the Semi-Centennial Celebration, it was learned that a large 
 number of Cornellians had returned for the first time since they 
 graduated. The University had changed greatly since they last 
 saw it and much was new to them. They were lost in the new 
 surroundings and seemed very appreciative of any attention and 
 information which the Publicity Manager was able to give them. 
 It would greatly encourage alumni to come back to Ithaca if they 
 knew that they might find some one there who could show them 
 around the new Cornell. The Alumni Officer could very easily 
 maintain a list of student volunteers, available as guides and 
 assistants in this work. He Could inform any alumnus of his 
 college friends, because the alumni biographical file would be in his 
 office. If any alumnus desired to remain in Ithaca a few days, the 
 Alumni Officer could advise him where suitable rooming and eating 
 facilities might be obtained. 
 
 VII. 
 
 This Ai,umni Officer Should Assist Alumni Returning to 
 Ithaca to Obtain Suitable Accommodations. 
 
 It has often been noticed that a large majority of the men, who 
 return to Ithaca for reunions or other occasions, are members of 
 fraternities having chapters at Cornell: This is not due to any 
 
11 
 
 greater loyalty on the part of the fraternity men, but is rather 
 attributable to the fact that they are certain to find accommoda- 
 tions when they arrive. It has often been said by non-fraternity 
 men that a visit to Ithaca is unattractive to them because they have 
 no connections of any sort and because the only available accom- 
 modations are in the hotels, which were usually crowded and high- 
 priced. The Alumni Officer might maintain a list of available rooms 
 "on the Hill", where alumni could find accommodations. He 
 could then direct returning alumni to such rooms and advise them 
 as to the best places at which to obtain their meals, such as the 
 University Cafeterias. Such facilities would, I believe, greatly 
 encourage non-fraternity men to come back to Cornell more 
 frequently. 
 
 If possible, all alumni returning to Ithaca during the year should 
 .register with the Alumni Officer. He could then tabulate a fairly 
 accurate list of the Cornellians who returned during any particular 
 year, which tabulation, for some purposes, might be very valuable 
 information. Under this registration scheme, he could also see that 
 letters and telegrams to alumni in Ithaca were properly and 
 promptly delivered. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 This Alumni Officer Should be of Great Assistance in the 
 Management oe a Cornell Employment Bureau. 
 
 Every year Cornell graduates many men and women who are 
 anxiously looking for suitable positions. Many Cornell employers 
 would be glad to learn of these men and women and, if properly 
 encouraged, would undoubtedly notify the University each year 
 of their needs. There should be some central authority in Ithaca 
 to whom such applications might be sent. This Alumni Officer 
 could satisfactorily maintain such a department in his office and 
 he could be of great assistance both to the alumni employers and 
 to the graduating students in this work. Of course it would be nec- 
 essary for him to confer with the Deans of the various colleges in 
 order to secure the proper man for each position. It it were known 
 among Cornell alumni that a bureau had been established in Ithaca 
 for the purpose of bringing Cornell men in touch with positions, it 
 is believed that they would frequently avail themselves of its use. 
 
 Through this bureau it would also be possible to bring Cornell 
 alumni in touch with better positions than they have. Thus if an 
 
12 
 
 alumnus or other employer desired a man of certain qualities and 
 experience for a very desirable position, he could call on this 
 bureau for suggestions and the Alumni Officer, acting with the 
 College Deans, could make recommendations which might bring 
 Cornell men into very desirable, honorable and lucrative positions. 
 
 IX. 
 
 This Mumni Officer Should be Charged Wifn Answering 
 Atl, Generai, Correspondence With Alumni. 
 
 Very often the business efficiency of an organization, is deter- 
 mined by the promptness with which its correspondence is handled. 
 In most cases it may be presumed that if a man takes the trouble to 
 write a letter he will be pleased to have it answered or aclmowl- 
 edged at once. Unless a letter calls for particular information 
 which must be furnished by some University official or professor, 
 it could be turned over to this Alumni Officer. In this way many 
 of the men now connected with the University might be relieved of 
 much correspondence and could devote their time to regular Uni- 
 versity pursuits. The Alumni Officer should encourage alumni to 
 write, to him whenever they have any questions they desire 
 answered. He might often explain little matters which sometimes 
 tend to antagonize some of our alumni. If an alumnus wanted 
 information relative to any Cornell matter he could obtain it by 
 writing to the Alumni Officer. All inquiries should be courteously 
 answered and all communications acknowledged. This should par- 
 ticularly be done whenever the writer evidences by his letter an 
 affectionate attitude toward Cornell. If any alumnus takes the 
 trouble to express his sentiment toward Cornell, he will be much 
 pleased to receive a prompt and gratified acknowledgment of such 
 an expression. 
 
 X. 
 
 This Ai,umni Oeeicer Would be oe Inestimable Assistance in 
 THE Management of Class Reunions Every June. 
 
 Considerable preparations are necessary for a successful reunion 
 in Ithaca. Many of the Class Secretaries are not resident there and 
 consequently are handicapped in making arrangements for their 
 reunions. It would help them greatly if there were some one on 
 the campus whose assistance might be relied upon in making such 
 arrangements and preparations. Class literature must be mailed to 
 
13 
 
 each member at his correct address. During the Semi-Centennial 
 Celebration publicity campaign, the Publicity Manager assisted sev- 
 eral classes, not only in the preparation of correct address lists but 
 also in the printing and mailing of the literature itself. By obtain- 
 ing student help, this Alumni Officer could very readily address and 
 mail these class letters and circulars from Ithaca. If this be done, 
 a true expense account should be kept and the cost of the work be 
 charged against the class for which it was done. This method of 
 sending out class literature would encourage many of the secre- 
 taries to prepare letters more frequently and would also ensure the 
 receipt of the literature by every member of the class. This Alumni 
 Officer could also assist the secretaries in getting rooming accom- 
 modations for the members of their classes arid he could also 
 endeavor to obtain a Class Headquarters whenever they were 
 desired by a class. He might assist in the preliminary arrange- 
 ments for the various class functions and dinners. He could devise 
 a general plan for the reunion so that there would be as few con- 
 flicts on the schedule as possible. 
 
 He should also encourage every class secretary to send out a 
 letter each Spring, even though his particular class does not hold 
 a regular reunion that year. This letter should urge members of 
 the class to come back that June, if possible. This is suggested 
 because it seems desirable that we encourage our alumni to return 
 to Ithaca as frequently as possible. If a sufficiently large number 
 of any class return in a year when a regular reunion is not sched- 
 uled, it would be well for the Class Secretary, possibly through th.e 
 Alumni Officer, to arrange for a get-together party of those men. 
 This Alumni Officer could also make plans for the entertainment 
 of other men who return when their respective classes hold no 
 regular reunions. 
 
 It was noticeable at the Semi-Centennial Celebration that there 
 were a larger percentage of non-fraternity men present than usual. 
 It is believed that one reason for this fact was the establishment 
 of a rooming agency through which alumni might obtain suitable 
 accommodations. for their stay in Ithaca. It would not be very 
 difficult for the Alumni Officer to establish and maintain such an 
 agency each year. In this way we might encourage many men 
 to return for the reunions who would not otherwise come. A list 
 of available rooms might be obtained and as applications for accom- 
 modations are made, the applicant and the landlady or house owner 
 might be placed in communication with each other. If we are to 
 
14 
 
 secure the return of a large number of non-fraternity men for 
 Cornell reunions, it will be necessary to make some effort to assist 
 them in obtaining accommodations when they reach Ithaca. 
 
 The general plan for a reunion could be made by this Alumni 
 Officer. A schedule could be prepared by him, thereby avoiding 
 conflicts which are certain to occur unless some definite plan be 
 adopted. If a general University dinner be desired, he could so 
 advertise it that no other ■ events would interfere with it. By 
 proper management, the class reunions might be kept on the 
 campus. It was very evident this year that reunions so held are 
 decidedly more successful from the University's standpoint and 
 every effort should be made to keep the alumni "on the Hill" here- 
 after. To successfully accomplish this, sufficient entertainment must 
 be provided to keep everyone busy during their entire visit ifl 
 Ithaca. A program containing the necessary amount of active 
 and varied entertainment for all could be well arranged if there 
 were some central authority in Ithaca to whom the responsitility for 
 such a schedule could be given. ^ 
 
 The whole character of the reunions might easily be controlled 
 by such an arrangement. Instead of holding a reunion downtown, 
 as so many classes have done in the past, their activities might be 
 concentrated on the campus. The old-time reunion was of no pos- 
 sible benefit to the j University. A well-managed reunion period 
 might be made highly profitable both to the University and to 
 the alumni who attend it. It seems very important that some offi- 
 cer or authority be established who could mould these reunions in 
 such a way that the alumni would have a wholesome and highly 
 enjoyable visit and that the University might profit by their return. 
 
 XI. 
 
 This Alumni Officer Should be the Editor or Co-Editor of 
 THE Ten- Year Book. 
 
 A Ten- Year Book containing the correct addresses of all Cor- 
 ne bans is a most desirable publication. The last one was pub- 
 hshed m 1908. Such a publication fills a very decided need and it 
 might not be inadvisable to publish it at more frequent intervals 
 as for mstance every five years. The University Secretary is in 
 charge of all Umversity publicatfons and will therefore have charge 
 of the compilation and publication of the next edition If this pro- 
 posed Alumai Officer be appointed, he would be the logical co-editor 
 
15 
 
 with the Secretary of the University, because he would have all the 
 correct addresses and biographical data on file in his office. If 
 these records were properly kept up to date, it would very materially 
 diminish the work in publishing a Ten- Year Book. 
 
 XII. 
 
 This Ai^umni Officer Should Act, With the. Secretary of the 
 University^ as a Publicity Bureau for Corneli. 
 
 It is a notorious fact that Cornell obtains less publicity than any 
 other large Eastern University. Often important items of news 
 concerning Cornell are either not reported or are given slight insig- 
 nificant notice. It is believed that this situation might be rem- 
 edied, if we established a Publicity Bureau at Cornell. Many decry 
 the wisdom of publicity for a University but the lack of it at 
 Cornell has often been noticed by Cornell alumni, who feel that 
 their Alma Mater should receive as much comment as any of the 
 other Eastern colleges. It is true that Cornell has grown so rapidly 
 that it is not necessary to advertise to obtain more students. But 
 the publicity campaign will serve other purposes. It would keep 
 the University fresh in the minds of its alumni and would be 
 evidence to them and to the country that Cornell is an up-to-date 
 and energetic institution. It might very conceivably be the means 
 of interesting influential men who are not Cornellians themselves. 
 Some of our best friends, such as Mr. George Boldt and Mr. 
 Schwab," have not been Cornellians. It is worth while to interest 
 men of the right type in Cornell. 
 
 .COMMENTS. 
 
 This Alumni Officer, if established by the Board of Trustees, 
 would soon be invaluable to the University. The effect of his work 
 would be evident in rnany ways, some of which might seem very 
 remote from his actual duties. The alumni would become actively 
 interested in Cornell and would be more anxious to be of service 
 to the various colleges of the University. Cornellians would return 
 to Ithaca more frequently and in ever increasing numbers. They 
 would take greater pride in their relationship to Cornell. They 
 would be impressed with the interest the University takes in them. 
 They might influence prominent men in the University. Our own 
 alumni would become more inclined to support Cornell if they 
 
16 
 
 were kept more closely in touch with the Alma Mater and made 
 to feel that they were continuously a part of the University family. 
 The collections by the Cornellian Council should respond to the 
 work of this Alumni Officer. Too many of our alumni forget 
 Cornell after they graduate. It is worth while to foster and main- 
 tain their affection after they enter the commercial and professional 
 Efe of the nation. A revived and encouraged love for Cornell in 
 the hearts of its alumni will not only result in a sentimental aflfec- 
 tion, but it will also lead to gifts and bequests that will be of 
 material assistance to Cornell University in the years to come. 
 
 It is therefore recommended by the Publicity Manager, from the 
 experience of his work in the campaign for the Semi-Centennial 
 Celebration, that 
 
 1. General Cornell reunions of all classes be held regularly at 
 either four or six year intervals; and 
 
 2. That a new office at Cornell be created for the purpose of 
 improving and fostering the relations between Cornell University 
 and its alumni and former students. 
 
 Respectfully submitted, 
 
 ANDREW J. WHINERY, 
 
 Publicity Manager for the Semi-Centennial Celebration 
 
 of Cornell University, June 20-23, 1919. 
 
17 
 
 PARTIAL LIST OF ACTIVITIES 
 
 1. Prepared a class address list for 1875, 188S, 1899, 1902, 1905, 
 
 1909, 1911 and 1914.. 
 
 2. Checked up the address lists of several other classes. 
 
 3. Prepared and mailed form letters to State and local chairmen 
 
 asking for report of progress and giving instructions. 
 
 4. Prepared and mailed letters to class secretaries relative to 
 
 publicity work in their respective classes. 
 
 5. Investigated lost addresses for class secretaries, fraterni- 
 
 ties, etc. 
 
 6. Prepared lists of members of several classes who expected to 
 
 attend celebration for use in class letters. 
 
 7. Sent lists of same sort to State Chairmen for use in State 
 
 Campaigns. 
 
 8. Attended to printing and mailing of class literature for classes 
 
 of 1910, 1911, 1914, 1916 and 1894. 
 
 9. Interviewed editors of various Cornell publications and asked 
 
 them to publish items relative to the Celebration, which was 
 done. 
 
 10. Furnished news items for the Cornell Daily Sun and the 
 
 Alumni News. 
 
 11. Prepared' and sent to State and local chairmen cards con- 
 
 taining names of all Cornellians in their particular district. 
 
 12. Selection of men to serve as State and city chairmen. Writing 
 
 letters to each one appointed, giving directions for cam- 
 paign, etc. 
 
 13. Addressing meeting of fraternity men and urging them to 
 
 circularize their Alumni. Conferences with fraternity rep- 
 resentatives concerning work. 
 
 14. Checked up address of Medical College in Ithaca and assisted 
 
 in preparation of its letters to Alumni. Attended to print- 
 ing of said letters. 
 
 15. Attended to printing of letters for Veterinary College con- 
 
 cerning the conferences. 
 
 16. Filing returns by, geographical location and also by classes. 
 
-^'18 
 
 17. Drafted letters to be used by clubs and societies to urge 
 
 Alumni to return. 
 
 18. Prepared news articles for various, publications. 
 
 19. Conferences with class secretaries relative to their returns and 
 
 the method of work. 
 
 20. Addressing envelopes and wrappers. for letters mailed by the 
 
 committee of the Associate Alumni. 
 
 21. Preparation of advertisements published in the Alumni News. 
 
 22. Forwarding up-to-date information to various Cornell 
 
 Smokers and dinners. 
 
 23. Assisted Professor Dann in mailing letters and cards to all 
 
 former Glee Club members; attended to printing of this 
 letter. ' ^ • 
 
 24. Preparation of address list for former athletes. 
 
 25. Assistance in correction of University address list. 
 
 26. Assistance in compilation of the war records* of the Uni- 
 
 versity. ; 
 
 27. Prepared letter dodger and enclosed same in University pub- 
 
 lication known as "Report of the Associate Alumni". 
 
 28. Preparation of chain letter, having same printed, addressing 
 
 envelopes, etc. 
 
 29. Rendered assistance to the Committee of Housing. 
 
 30. Answered numerous letters of one sort or another pertaining 
 
 to the Celebration. 
 
 31. Addressing envelopes for and mailing, of, Bulletin of Infor- 
 
 mation. 
 
 32. Assisted in arrangenient and management of Semi-Centennial 
 
 Committee in Old Armory. 
 
 33. Prepared and posted lists showing registration. 
 
 34. Conferences with representatives of various colleges re pub- 
 
 licity for conferences. 
 
19 
 
 REGISTRATION BY CLASSES. 
 
 1869 4 1887 23 1905 119 
 
 1870 1888 41 1906 96 
 
 1871 ;. 8 1889 46 1907 113 
 
 1872 24 1890 SO 1908 95 
 
 1873 18 1891 53 1909 145 
 
 1874 26 1892 65 1910 123 
 
 1875 17 1893 67 1911.... 135 
 
 1876 8 1894 98 1912... a70 
 
 1877 19 1895 59 1913 165 
 
 1878 15 1896 46 1914 202 
 
 1879 23 1897 75 1915 203 
 
 1880 16 1898 64 1916 265 
 
 1881 26 1899 65 1917 278 
 
 1882 18 1900 75 1918 318 
 
 1883 17 1901 62 1919 373 
 
 1884 31 1902 76 4,241 
 
 1885 16 1903 85 Guests.... 1,020 
 
 1886 26 1904 89 Total 5,261