Ada, Oklahoma

• SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Kyle Perrin was editor of the annual and had quite a collection of pictures.  In the mid-eighties, he suggested that the class auction these pictures to start a scholarship fund. In 1990 at our fortieth reunion the class overwhelmingly approved establishing it.  There was a lot of discussion about the fund name, but “The Class of 1950 Scholarship Fund” was selected.   

A raffle for the Class Quilt, auction of the pictures and other keepsakes, and donations raised over $5,000 that year.  An oversight committee invested the funds and developed some guidelines for the fund.  It was proposed that scholarships would only be paid from interest, and that the student who ranked #50 in the Ada High School Senior class would receive an award of $250/semester.  This latter rule eliminates any political or family influence on the selection.  It also gives a person who is not near the top of the class a chance to get some help with college.  The committee contacted Ada High School about administering the fund.  The school wanted to give the money to teachers, but was not interested in other use of the money.  The East Central University Foundation indicated they were interested in managing this fund for the class.

 At our forty-fifth reunion in 1995, the class raised enough money through donations to get the principal above $10,000, approved the proposed rules, and selected the ECU Foundation to be the administrator for our fund.

Dr. Thomas, a dentist that most of you will remember, is currently in charge of the Foundation Office and is really enthusiastic about our fund.  There is also a plaque in the Foundation Office that recognizes the “Class of 1950 Scholarship Fund” because it was over $10,000.  The office is in a new building just south of the old president’s house if you would like to see the plaque or visit with Dr. Thomas when you are in Ada.  Bob Stroud is our class-contact with Dr. Thomas and will present the latest status of the fund at the reunion.  Also here is a message from Kyle about what we have been doing:

     Dear Classmates,

Last year we encouraged all classmates to give regularly to the “Class of ’50 Scholarship Fund.”  We suggested that each person give $50 to $100 each May in hope of reaching a $25,000 endowment within three years.  Here are the results for the last two years by AHS classes. 

 Graduating Class à         1948            1950             1951

 Balance 2/2003                 $15,975       $13,206        $13,249

 Balance 4/2002                   12,100          12,050          12,125

 Increase in one year         $ 3,875        $ 1,156          $ 1,124

Only interest on the fund goes for scholarships – the principal remaining invested.  With tuition over 1,000 per semester, these scholarships are low.  Some of us on fixed incomes with annuities from stocks at low ebb may have difficulty sending a check.  Others may wish to send $100 to help those who can’t give at present.  The ECU foundation manages all funds.  Contributions are tax deductible.

I’m proud of our class. We’re better that any other Ahs class.  We should have a better scholarship than others who imitated our project.  You can mail you check to the Foundation or to Henry Katz, who will forward all checks to the Foundation.  Addresses appear below.

Kyle  (JKPERRIN@aol.com)

Donations are tax deductible and may be sent to:

Henry Katz              East Central University Foundation

P.O. Box 176                          Dr. James Thomas, Sr.

Ada, OK 74821                         1000 East 12th Street

                                        Ada Oklahoma 74820