Dear Alumni,
So much has happened since our last Old Boy weekend and the celebration of the school’s 175th Anniversary! After our very successful event, your KMS Association was in HIGH gear getting the new Museum prepared for our first work weekend when the global pandemic (COVID 19) arrived in the United States.
As a result, the Board of Directors decided that tabling all work weekends and stopping the 1844 Society campaign was in the best interest of the Alumni to adhere to stay at home orders, as well as CDC guidelines for practicing social distancing and personal safety. After late July when the CDC and the President relaxed the stay at home orders and opened back up the country at 25% capacity, your KMS Association began opening back up the Museum and allowing contractors to get back to updating and construction.
As of today, all the subflooring (8-9 piers) has been installed and the floors throughout the first level have been replaced. The third level has new subflooring and the landing is in working order. Currently, we are working hard with our general contractor to update and repair the wall in the alley and redo tuck pointing on the side of the building as there is separation and the building is at risk for further damage.
Now that the economy is back to a 50% threshold the Board of Directors approved at our meeting earlier this month, to go ahead and reengage the Alumni on the 1844 Society campaign. Your 1844 Society needs your support so the Museum can house all of the archives and Kemper memorabilia we have in storage and in Alumni’s homes and estates. Please join the 1844 Society and become a supporting member of the Association! https://www.kmsmuseum.org/donate
Since the economy is still at 50% and with the changes in how business address large events and public gatherings the Board of Directors voted to cancel our traditional Fall Old Boy weekend and replace it with a work weekend November 5-8, 2020. This will be our first official gathering since last year’s meeting and we hope that some Old Boys can join us in the KMS Museum to move archives from our storage area. More information will be posted on social media.
In closing, the KMS Association understands the changes and sacrifices families are making in dealing with this global pandemic. If it does not work for you to travel or you just don’t feel up to it yet, then we will see you at the next event. For those Alumni who want to join the association will provide proper PPE equipment and social distancing will be enforced. Look forward to seeing you and please stay safe!
Go Yellow Jackets!
James Hallam
President
