Dear Members of the Class of 1988,

Can you believe we are only six months away from our 20th Reunion, which is scheduled for September 25-28, 2008?  Here is a quick update for you.

GET INVOLVED!
If you would like to contact classmates, if you have any ideas for additional Reunion events, or if you would like to get involved in any other way, please contact Andrew Kaufteil, Senior Director of Alumni Relations, at kaufteil@gwu.edu or at (202) 994-6596.

REUNION EVENTS

We have some great activities in store for Alumni Weekend 2008, including the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Awards, the All-Alumni Kickoff Party on University Yard, tours of campus and DC, a family barbeque/carnival, Classes without Quizzes, "Back to Thurston" tours, an open house at President Knapp's new residence, The Kalb Report, Politics and Pita, book signings, an Orioles game, your class party, and more!

SAVE-THE-DATE POSTCARDS
Save-the-Date postcards are being sent out now, so check your mailbox!

MISSING CLASSMATES
Please take a minute to visit the Class of 1988 Lost Alumni Page.  If you are in touch with any of the individuals listed, please let us know by entering their contact information online.

PLEASE JOIN US

We will be hosting our next reunion committee meeting on Thurdsay, April 3, at 5:30 pm EST, and all 2003 alumni are invited. The meetings usually last 20-30 minutes and we start right on time. You can participate in person or via teleconference.  To participate via teleconference, dial: (888)622-5357, participant code: 867541.

1988 FACTS:

Federal spending: $1064.14 billion
Federal debt: $2601.3 billion
Median Household Income (current dollars): $27,225
Cost of a first-class stamp: $0.22 ($0.25 as of 4/3/88)

Popular Movies: Rain Man, Mississippi Burning, A Fish Called Wanda, Bull Durham

Record of the Year: "Graceland," Paul Simon
Album of the Year: Joshua Tree, U2

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS
Every issue of your 20th Reunion newsletter will include profiles of fellow 1988 graduates.  E-mail us at reunion@gwu.edu to suggest classmates to profile.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Jon and Stephanie Wolfson
Jon and Stephanie Wolfson both graduated from GW in 1988. Jon earned a BA in political science at GW, a master's degree in political science from Boston College, then a JD from GW Law School. Stephanie earned her BA in elementary education at GW, then received a master's degree from Brandeis University in Jewish community service work.

The two married and are currently living in Calabasas, CA.  They have four children: Sarah, almost 17; Josh, 14; Eli, 9; and Eddie, 7.

Jon is an in-house council and partner for a property management/development company.  He is also a councilperson for the city of Calabasas, CA. "The most rewarding part of being a councilperson," he says, "is being able to effect change and make life better for the citizens of our community."  Jon's background in both political science and law has given him a wonderful foundation for both his full time job and his work on the City Council. 

Stephanie is currently a stay-at-home mother and volunteer. She is a board member of Love & Care & Help the Babies Foundation, a non-profit organization that serves underprivileged mothers and newborns in the LA area. She is active in the parent association for her children's school. Stephanie says she uses the skills she learned at GW in working for the non-profit and in assisting the school staff as a volunteer. "Having a background in elementary education has been a great asset for me professionally, before having kids," Stephanie says.

"Jon and I share many fond memories of being at school with friends in the Marvin Center or on the steps of building C," Stephanie says.  Stephanie also has many Thurston Hall memories, especially of the fire alarm ringing at all times of the night!  Jon remembers many great times at the AEPi Fraternity house.

Stephanie and Jon say they are definitely planning on attending their reunion.  "We are looking forward to spending time with old friends and to share our experiences with our college-bound high schooler!"

POST A CLASS NOTE!
Check out your reunion website!  On the website, you can view yearbook photos, post a class note, and see who's attending.  Also available are hotel discounts and child care options. 

TRUSTEE CHALLENGE MATCH
To mark this exciting time at GW and to welcome President Knapp to the University, the Board of Trustees has introduced a special alumni annual giving challenge.  If you have not been a recent donor, there is no better time than right now to contribute to GW.  If you join your classmates in making a statement of support with a contribution, the Board will double the impact of your gift up to $1,000 (e.g., your $500 gift will become a $1,000 gift)! 

Please join fellow Colonials and welcome President Steven Knapp to The George Washington University; please make your gift today! Visit: www.gwu.edu/give2gw.

JOIN THE LUTHER RICE SOCIETY!

GW's oldest giving society has been re-launched with new benefits and energy!  Luther Rice Society members enjoy the ability to connect to GW year-round through exclusive access and select networking events around the world that bring them face to face with University leaders and prominent alumni.  For example, members are invited to join President Knapp for an invitation-only reception during Alumni Weekend 2008.  The Society recognizes individuals who contribute between $1,000 and $24,999 ($250+ for recent graduates) annually.  Contact a staff person from the Leadership Annual Giving team for more information on the Society and to learn about its many benefits at (202) 994-5228 or LRS@gwu.edu.  To join today, simply make your gift online! www.gwu.edu/give2gw. 

We look forward to seeing you in September!

The 20th Reunion Committee: