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Cass Tech HS Alumni Association Newsletter
JANUARY 2008 
In This Issue
Chairman of the Board Report
President Patrick Reports on Atlanta Round-up
A Message from the VP of Fundraising
A Message from the VP of Membership
New SNAP Leadership
CTAA 22nd Annual Pancake Breakfast
CTAA Announcements

ALUMNI MAKES THE HOLIDAY SEASON MORE TEACHABLE!
 ctelectron

A $1500 electronic computer aided answer and question taking system between student and teacher is received with smiles and thanks by CT Assistant Principals Grange (L) and Snow (R).
 
CT alums of 55,56,67 donated the money to gift Technicians this great teaching tool.. Reunions can generate dollars beyond the cost of their get togethers and when they do they provide great things for CT students.
 
 
Cass Tech Development and Preservation Society
ctsociety
For information on the Original Cass Tech Building, visit  http://casstechhistoric.org/ .
 
***Be sure to check out the announcement section for more valuable information!***
 
Csss Technically Yours,
Chairman
Ray Litt
CTAA Chairman
Larry Patrick
President Patrick Reports on Atlanta Round-up
 
 
Between 25-30 Cass Tech Alumni showed up at a local downtown Atlanta restaurant Friday evening in the area's first every "Round UP". Most of them from the decade of the '70's, but also some from the 80's and 90's, they exchanged greetings and information about themselves, and reminisced about their memories at Cass Tech.

The group assembled was impressive, consisting of lawyers, physicians, CEO's and business owners. Some had lived in the Atlanta area for more than 30 years, while a couple had just moved their from Detroit only 4 months ago.

I took advantage of the opportunity to greet and speak personally with each alumnus in attendance. Most of them had learned about the event from the CTAA Green Scene. The absence of alumni from the 50's and 60's might suggest that a snail mail mailing from time to time remains an important way to reach as many alumni as possible.

During the event, I was invited to address the assembled group. I used the opportunity to thank Charlette Wynn, Al Wiseman and Kathy Davis as the alumni who had spearheaded the event. I brought greetings from the CTAA Board and reported on the recent Centennial Celebration, the Hoodie Awards, our travel program, the Marching Band being selected to perform in the Orange Bowl, the new SNAP Committee and the upcoming Pancake Breakfast. I solicited memberships and contributions. I brought my laptop and was able to connect to the CTAA website for those wanting to join or purchase merchandise.

I then took questions from those in attendance. They wanted to know how the school was doing academically, and how it compared to Renaissance. They asked about the racial makeup of the student body. They wanted reunion information, and information about when the next alumni directory would be out. They also had questions about making the website more current.

Most of the alumni stayed beyond the 2 hours that had been scheduled for the event. Their comments were all positive about the event. They wanted to know how soon we would have another round up in Atlanta. They all agreed to be willing to help with the work and planning, and spreading of the word. Many photographs were taken that will be shared with the CTAA for inclusion in an upcoming Green Scene. Contact information of those in attendance was also
collected.

My thinking is that CTAA has an excellent opportunity to create events in many major cities that will further our mission. If we don't continue with the lead on these round ups, they will occur and become fun networking events that might not necessarily give the CTAA an opportunity to help guide their purpose.

Larry Patrick
CTAA President
 
 
ATTENTION CHICAGO:
The CTAA is looking to head a ROUND-UP in the "windy city". If you are interested in participating in this event, please contact the CTAA Chairman of the Board, Ray Litt, at rlitt@casstechalumni.org .
Latonja
A Message from the VP of Fundraising
 

Happy New Year Fellow Alumni!

 

On behalf of Cass Technical High School students, faculty, staff, and alumni, I wish to thank you for your support of the Annual Fund.  Your generous donations will help ensure the continued success of one of Detroit's crown jewels - Cass Tech!  The quality and caliber of students turned out by this fine school is internationally recognized.  Serving these students is our principal reason for existence. 

Yearly participation in the Cass Tech Alumni Association (CTAA) Annual Fund through unrestricted and restricted gifts provides us with the resources necessary aid and assist Cass Tech students in numerous ways.  Some of the initiatives of the CTAA this year include: 

  1. SNAP (Students in Need of Assistance Program);
  2. Ongoing financial support for the Cass Tech Marching Band as they participate as the only high school in the country invited to perform in the 2008 Orange Bowl;
  3. The Spirit Awards - $500 awards presented to graduating students at commencement for outstanding achievement, community service, and school spirit; 
  4. Aid and assistance to school sanctioned organizations, and
  5. The athletic department.
 

The Annual Fund operates on a "strength in numbers" principle, which means that every gift, no matter the amount, is critically important to Cass' continued success. 

Please continue your support of the Annual Fund by making a tax deductible donation online at www.casstechalumni.org or by check or money order, payable to Cass Tech Alumni Association (CTAA) to: 

Cass Technical High School

Alumni Office

2501 Second Avenue

Detroit, MI 48201 

If you have any questions regarding your specific gift or the Annual Fund, in general, please call (313)963-9988. 

Thank you for your support of Cass Technical High School. 

Sincerely, 
 

LaTonja Walker Muhammad ('84)

Vice President - Fund Development

Ada
A Messge from  the VP of Membership
Ada N. Smith (CT'94)

Articles
  • Reunions
  • Merchandise
  • Membership/Alumni Giving
  • DC Round Up
  • CTAA Alumni Directory 100th Anniversary Edition
  • CT Marching Band
 

Where Have You Been for the Last 10 Years?

This listing may not contain information on all reunions. If you are planning a reunion in 2008 please contact the Cass Tech Reunion Committee immediately so that we can share information with your classmates. Currently we do not have information on any class reunions scheduled for this year. Send reunion details and contact information to reunion@casstechalumni.org. 
 

What do your clothes say about you?  

We will tell you what they should say- Cass Tech Alumni. Be sure to stop order your merchandise today.  

You can shop and have your products delivered directly to your doorstep! Limited quantities are available, and these items will NOT be restocked following the winter season! 

Be sure to visit our Online Technician Store and order your CTAA gear TODAY. 

   
 

New Members: Welcome to the CTAA!

The CTAA would like to welcome all of its new members and supporters of the alumni giving campaign!  It is not too late to make your charitable donation to the CTAA. Please support the CTAA today. 

NEW MEMBERS

  • Alycia Giles- 1989
  • Andante Valentine Burton- 1995
  • Anthony Stremiecki- 1955
  • Barbara Tongring- Wilson
  • Betty Moy Ong- 1968
  • Crystal Wilson
  • David Gordon
  • Don Roman
  • Dorothy Norton
  • Dr. Barbara Griggs Harris
  • Elontra Hall- 1999
  • Eric Chism
  • Gerald Jerome
  • Hortense Drakeward Fields- 1968
  • Iroznell Pruitt
  • Jennifer Strate
  • Joanne Buchin Kibodeaux
  • Karen Liddell-Love
  • Katherine Dukhan
  • Katherine Lesney Kirsh- 1943
  • Michael Eichenhorn
  • Monica Brown Nelson- 1994
  • Patricia Woodell Gilliam- 1970
  • Raphael Johnson- 1993
  • Richard Guzzi- 1960
  • Roosevelt Dilliard, Sr
  • Roscoe McKnight- 1958
  • Sonia Harris Woods- 1977
  • Vincent Fields- 1968

ALUMNI GIVING SUPPORTERS

  • Gretchen Selle Pugsley- 1952

We appreciate your support for our organization and our efforts to uplift our alma mater.  We encourage you to get involved by volunteering to help at different events or joining one of our subcommittees. This is a great way for you to familiarize yourself with our upcoming plans and activities, as well as support Cass Tech High School. 

For those who have been waiting membership cards will be coming in the new year. In the meantime, please take advantage of the CTAA benefits program, which offers you discounts and special rates with businesses and other organizations, such as Rock Financial, Marriott Hotels, Hertz Car Rentals and Black Enterprise Magazine. Should you have any questions regarding membership or alumni giving please email membership@casstechalumni.org.

Welcome again! We look forward to working with you! 
 

CT Alumni DC Area Round Up

On the heels of a very successful alumni round up in Atlanta, grads in DC are excited about gathering in the name of Cass Tech. 

Calling ALL alumni in the Washington DC Metro area- We want you! It's time for us to gather in the name of CT. Please join other CT grads at this inaugural networking event on Friday March 14, 2008 from 5-9 PM. Location: TBD. More information to follow. If you are interested in helping to plan this event please contact Goldie Patrick- goldie.patrick@gmail.com. Please use the subject CTAA Round Up. 

If you are interested in planning a round up in your city, please contact membership@casstechalumni.org 

 

 

100th Anniversary Edition of the Cass Technical HS Alumni Directory

Do not miss your opportunity to be listed in the Cass Technical High School Alumni Directory. The CTAA along with Harris Publishing will once again produce this phenomenal networking piece of history. Were you left out of the last edition? Don't be left out this time! The book will be released in late 2008. 

The data collection process will begin shortly with mailers and phone calls directly from Harris Publishing Co. If for any reason you do not wish to be contacted you may opt out by sending an email to membership@casstechalumni.org.  In addition, we are seeking 1 individual per class year to serve as the liaison for their class. Should you be interested in serving as your class liaison, please contact us.  

 

Experience the Growth!  Advertise with Us!

Reach thousands of Cass Tech alumni in Detroit and around the world.  Advertise your business, promote your special project or event, or market your book or service. 

 
 

CTMB (Cass Tech Marching Band)

The CTAA would like to say CONGRATULATIONS to the Cass Tech Marching Band- "Second to None, Best Band in the Land" on their stellar performance at the Fed Ex Orange. Bowl. The CTMB placed second overall with first place honors in auxiliary in both the show competition and the parade. Special thanks to Band Directress Sharon Allen and Band Parent Association president, Carla Butler for their hardwork and dedication. To all the alumni who supported the band with your donations- THANKS, this is what being an alumnus is all about. You can still send in donations to help the band recoup some of their expenses. Mail your donations directly to the CTAA or visit www.ctmb1990.com.

wanzo

New SNAP Leadership

     
By a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors of the Cass Tech Alumni Association, Carolyn (Purifoy) Wanzo ('63) was selected to chair the association's Students Needing Assistance Program ("SNAP").  Carolyn has a remarkable record of service to her community in general, and youth in particular.  In addition to being active with numerous civic and charitable organizations including Optimists International, she and her late husband Mel Wanzo established the Wanzo Foundation which has endowed a scholarship for a deserving student each year at Wayne State University.  Most recently, Carolyn established a fund at Wayne State University to provide assistance to deserving students pursuing a degree from its School of Social Work.

     Under Carolyn's leadership, the SNAP Committee will raise funds and resources to provide assistance to Cass Tech students who are identified by their counselors as being in financial need.  Such assistance will take the form of clothes, books and even dollars when necessary to help deserving Cass Tech students in need.

      In explaining her willingness to take on this responsibility, Carolyn explains that,

       "When I was a student at Cass Tech, I knew other students who were bright  and dedicated to excelling academically.  But sometimes, these students  came from families that simply did not have the financial resources to help  the student really make the most of their Cass Tech experience".

      She went on to say,

      " Our committee wants to make certain that Cass Tech students who are in  need of winter clothes or books or even bus fare, will be able to look to us  alumni for assistance',

      In thanking Carolyn for her willingness to spearhead this important program, CTAA Board Chairman Ray Litt applauded Carolyn in advance for her leadership and assured her that she would receive the active support of the entire CTAA Board.  If you are interested in serving on the SNAP Committee or want to contact Carolyn to offer assistance or make a contribution, you leave a message for her at the CTAA Office (313- 963-9988) or writing her at CTAA, 2501 Second Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201.

CLICK THE FLYER TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS ONLINE!!!
 

Calling All 47, 48, and 49 Alums!!!

2008 is the 60th year for our group!

Our group need a reunion committee of committed survivors.  Contact me, Ray Litt, at RLITT@casstechalumni.org to get the reunion mission started for a first get together.

 
 
Cass Tech Alumni Association NEW GEAR Is Here!
  • Want to show your CT Alumni pride at the upcoming 22nd Pancake Breakfast?
  • Want to show your CTAA Pride at the 60th year reunion?
  • Want to give a special gift to a family member, friend, or even yourself who graduated from CT?
  • Want some NEW CTAA gear?
 
Well the wait is over!
Check out the CTAA store and order today!!!
 
CLICK HERE!!!
 
UMBRELLA    
    
 
Steve Harvey Hoodie Awards
From left to right: Senior 2008 Class President (Mackenzie Moss), CT Principal Ashford, and CT Alumnus Judge Strong.

hoodie

Accepting the Award for the best High School at the 2007 Steve Harvey Hoodie Awards.

Also, congratulations to Rapheal B. Johnson (CT'93) who came in 2nd place for the Best Community Leader!

 

THE CTAA NEEDS YOU!!!

cassYour Involvement Is Requested!

The CTAA is only as successful as the people who take the time to make it successful.  This great organization has alot of growth potential, and can be realized with you being apart of the team!

The CTAA committees that help carry out the organization goals and objectives are:

  • Pancake Breakfast (SAVE THE DATE: FEBRUARY 9, 2008)
  • Golf-Outing
  • Website Maintenance
  • Fundraising for Needy Students
  • Alumni Newsletter (GreenScene)
  • All Years Picnic
  • PROACT
  • Ford Field/Comerica Park Concessions
If you are interested in participating in any of the committees and being involved with the growth of the CTAA, please contact us via e-mail at info@casstechalumni.org or by phone at (313) 963-9988 or (313) 263-2101.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.
If you have some news you want to share, questions, or comments, please let us know by e-mailing news@casstechalumni.org .
 
Always keeping you Cass Technically Informed,
 
        Email
LaShawnda Wrice (CT'92)
VP of Communications
Cass Tech Alumni Association