Dear 1955 Classmates,

It seems like a good time to sit down on a snowy day and begin this letter.  Hopefully, by the time you receive it we will all be enjoying an early spring.

There is some good news to share concerning our class giving to Luther.  For the first seven months of this fiscal year (May - December 2009) 36 percent of class members contributed to All Funds (i.e., one or more funds) at Luther; 33 percent contributed to the Annual Fund.  This is nicely ahead of the same period the prior year when these numbers were 30 percent and 28.6 percent, respectively.  At the end of the fiscal year last May, as you might recall, our class finished at 46 percent and 42 percent, respectively, which ranked us fifth in giving to All Funds and fourth in giving to the Annual Fund.  Since this year we are well ahead of last year at this stage, I think we are in a good position to reach an even higher level in participation and in ranking.  So, thanks to each of you who have given to date, and I invite and urge all others to make a deliberate effort to send a gift before May 31.  And remember, it is not the size of the gift but the act of giving that is important.  You may give online at givenow.luther.edu.