Dear Classmates,

Congratulations! It's our 30th reunion year! Before we return to campus to gather with friends and to share memories this May, I wanted to update you on what has been happening at Penn.

Penn is as popular as ever and applications are up 8 percent from last year. This year, more than 20,000 applicants have applied to the University. For more information, please read this January's Daily Pennsylvanian article. Also, I'm going to be following our Fighting Quakers in basketball to see if they make it to the Sweet Sixteen!

As you know, January 17, 2006, marked Ben Franklin's 300th birthday. Franklin outlined a vision for a progressive college that would offer practical as well as classical instruction. His dream and projects still resonate throughout Philadelphia and the nation, and Franklin's spirit of free inquiry and learning continues to guide the University today. This is definitely a theme that will resonate through our 30th reunion.

As our reunion approaches, I would like to encourage you to go to the Penn Alumni online community and share your News Notes with the class. (If you are not a member, click "Registration" and follow the directions.)

Alumni Weekend, May 12-14, 2006 and commencement on Monday, May 15 are shaping up to be a very memorable time on campus. Please join us at Penn to celebrate our reunion and enjoy the many exciting events planned, including:

· James Brister 125th Anniversary Panel and Reception;
· Penn Alumni Careers in the Spirit of Benjamin Franklin;
· Alumni Day Picnic & Parade of Classes;
· Media, Entertainment and Sports Panel; and
· 30th Reunion Cocktail Party

For more information about our reunion, go to www.alumni.upenn.edu/class/1976/onlinereunion.html. Check back often, as we will be updating this site frequently prior to May, and please look for your reunion invitation by mail in March.

As many of us have high school and college age children, there are two new programs that I'd like to tell you about. The Linking Legacies program puts your high school student in contact with current legacy students via email for answers and advice on the college experience. If your kids are at Penn, the College House Alumni Ambassadors program was established to facilitate meaningful interaction between students and Penn Alumni to enhance both the undergraduate and alumni volunteer experiences. Regardless of whether your child is currently living in a College House, he or she is eligible to participate in supporting Alumni Weekend and sharing in your reunion celebration.

I hope to see you on campus this May. However, if you cannot return to Philadelphia, visit www.alumni.upenn.edu/club. Alumni Relations' Global Alumni Network works with local alumni clubs to hold events across the nation and the world. Cheer the Red and Blue wherever you are in the world!

Sincerely,
George E. Doty, Jr., W'76