Fall/Winter 2007

Class of 1957 supports scholarship fund

"You have to be loyal to your past. I have been lucky in life and want my giving to benefit people who need it."
-John Metz `57

"The luckiest thing I ever did was lock on to Miami. Giving to the university is my way of saying thank you."
-Robert (Kam) Kamerschen `57

"I just love Miami. It truly is the gateway to success. I give to make the world a better place."
-Linda Crumb Bresnan, Class of 1957 Class Agent

"When I left Miami, I was very prepared for my career in education and I am grateful for that."
-Maureen Bryan Dunham `57

These inspiring words were spoken by members of the Class of 1957 in reference to their support of the Class of 1957 Scholarship Fund, which was highlighted during last summer's Reunion Weekend.

This special fundraising program, which started four years ago with the Class of 1955, has grown into one of the hallmarks of reunion giving. Each of the first three 50-year classes to participate has exceeded their fundraising goals, and the Class of `57 was no exception.

Led by a committee of six, classmates were asked by mail, phone, and personal visits to consider commemorating their milestone reunion with a gift to the Class of 1957 Scholarship Fund or a designation of their choice.

The total goal for the reunion campaign was $1 million, with $100,000 dedicated to the class scholarship fund and the remaining $900,000 to an area of each donor's choosing. The class scholarship goal was surpassed by raising $106,000, nearly doubling the scholarship assistance for students receiving Class of 1957 Scholarships. The $900,000 goal also was eclipsed, in large part because of classmate John Metz `57, who honored his Miami experience with a planned gift of $5 million.

Much of the commitment demonstrated by the class was inspired by the desire to support the future leaders who comprise Miami's student body. Kam Kamerschen `57, who made the $10,000 gift that brought the class over its class scholarship goal, believes that all persons with potential deserve a chance at success.

"I came from relatively modest means and understand the struggle to earn an education. I hate to see promising young people miss the opportunity for success due to economic conditions," Kamerschen said. "I want to help them be successful."

Maureen Bryan Dunham `57 not only made a leadership gift to the class scholarship fund, but also has dedicated her life to preparing the next generation of leaders through her work as a teacher and now as a founder of a tutoring program for under-privileged children in State College, Pa.

"I was very prepared for my career when I left Miami, and now in my retirement years I want to continue giving back," Dunham said.

Many members of the Class of 1957 are also making an impact through their leadership gifts to The Miami University Campaign For Love and Honor. To date, the class has committed $46,976,653 to this effort.

Members of the Class of 1957 Class Scholarship Fund Committee are Linda Crumb Bresnan, David Burr, Nancy Perry Burr, Ed Grabill, Sally Risk Grabill, and Tom Swepston.

It's not too late to support the Class of 1957 Scholarship Fund. For more information, contact Joan Schiml at 513-529-9218 or schimljm@muohio.edu.