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

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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

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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

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DMAA Five-Year Plan

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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

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DMAA Music Archives

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DMAA Merchandise

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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

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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?

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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

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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

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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.