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Duke ’ s Men of Yale Alumni Association, Inc. (DMAA). A Brief History October 20, 2013. DMAA Pre-History. 1993: 40 th Reunion. Matt Goldin recruits large contingent of alums for exceptional Sprague Hall Jam
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Duke’s Men of Yale Alumni Association, Inc. (DMAA) A Brief History October 20, 2013
DMAA Pre-History • 1993: 40th Reunion. Matt Goldin recruits large contingent of alums for exceptional Sprague Hall Jam • 1998: 45th Reunion. Mike Fishback entices Founder Paul Thompson to return and revive “Too Beautiful” solo at Jam • 2003: 50th Reunion. Lindsay Elliott, Jamie Conniff, Matt Morello invite multiple alum cohorts to speak at dinner and perform at Jam • Tom Bulleit and David Lefkowith reunite after 25 years • Bulleit and Lefkowith meet Jeff Freeman and Parker Towle
DMAA Pre-History (cont’d) • 2007: Bulleit obtains 50th Anniversary recording from Jim Casey • Conceives crazy idea of 50th anniversary CD and 55th reunion • With Lefkowith, Freeman and others, plans 55th reunion • 2008: 55th Reunion: A Tribute to the Founders and First Followers • At first all-alumni business meeting, assembled alumni appoint Bulleit and Lefkowith to establish a Duke’s Men Alumni Association
DMAA Infancy • 2009: DMAA formed as a Connecticut non-stock, non-profit corporation (thanks to Jon Eliot ’77). • Founding Board of Directors: Bulleit, Lefkowith, Freeman, Elliott, Ken Goldman c.’89 • www.dadoox.org opened as website • Board adopts first 5-year plan • 2010: DMAA obtains 501(c)(3) status from IRS as tax-exempt educational/charitable org. • Works to refine and update contact list • 2009-2011: DMAA stages mini-reunions in NYC, San Francisco, Boston • Begins collecting arrangements and recordings for archive
DMAA Adolescence • 2012: DMAA Board expands • adds Carl Kaestle ‘62, Tom Metzloff ‘77, Michael Hrycelak ’97, Elliot Watts ‘09 • Planning for 60th Reunion begins • 2013: 60th Reunion planning and execution • Completion of 55th Reunion Box set: CD (gala concert) and DVD (rehearsals and historic panels) • Establishment of on-line archive of most da doox arrangements and recordings Conversion of hand-scored arrangements to digital form • Creation of common repertoire songbook
DMAA Future • 2014: Leadership • Board: • Bulleit, Elliott, Freeman, Goldman, Hrycelak, Kaestle, Lefkowith, Metzloff, Jon Rubin ’81, Watts • Officers: • President: Bulleit • Vice President: Hrycelak • Secretary: Elliott • Treasurer: Rubin
DMAA Future (cont’d) • 2014 and beyond • Maintain and improve website to be both historic and current • Locate permanent home for Duke’s Men physical object archives • Maintain and expand archives to leave no arrangement or recording behind • Maintain, expand and update contact list to leave no alum behind • Support regional mini-reunions • Coordinate closely with undergraduates to publicize concert schedules and travel, provide other assistance as needed • What else?
Great Progress, with More to Come • Good News • More polish on each major reunion • Greater participation in regional and major events • A lot of volunteer effort building DMAA resources • Many more assets available to each of us • Strengthened connections among all of us • Reasonable reunion pricing to keep barriers low • Bad News • All this doesn’t happen for free
DMAA Finances • Minimal working capital • Major events – 5th year Anniversary Reunions – funded from event fees • Reunions made possible thanks to upfront funding advanced by a few • No $$ available to support undergrads, comp them for reunions, provide scholarships needed • But so what? DMAA has limited need for funds
Desired Goal: Financial Equilibrium • Provided all accept the need – many can share (with little pain) in getting DMAA on more solid financial footing • Voluntary* dues & extra donations, solicited yearly • Modest levels, with suggested amounts varying by year since graduation, e.g., • Five or fewer years: $0 • Six through 10 years: $36 • 11 or more years: $60 • Pay online or via check, at one time or auto-pay monthly • Preferable for all to share the load? • What do you think? * Voluntary contributions to DMAA in support of our educational and charitable mission are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.