ALUMNI NEWS
GENE CONSOLO ELECTED CLASS PRESIDENTApril 19, 2007. Alumni have taken the first step in creating an official structure for the AHS Class of 1955 by electing Gene Consolo Class President. At the same time, the late Cliff Borland was named Class President Emeritus.
Carolyn McQuaid Thomas, Chair, Nominating Committee, reported the results of the election, stating: "As Chair of the AHS Class of 1955 Nominating Committee and with no dissenting votes, I declare Eugene C. Consolo President of the Aspinwall High School Class of 1955 by acclamation. As an indication of the respect and affection of 52 years, afforded him by his classmates, the late Clifford R. Borland is declared, posthumously and by acclamation, President Emeritus of the Aspinwall High School Class of 1955. This action taken on 19 April 2007."
In Addition to Carolyn, the nominating committee was composed of the five remaining members of the 50th reunion committee -- Shirley Ann Brusco, Sally Bollinger Greulich, Margie Morcom Hartsock, and Salli Hamre Lodge -- as well as Bob Grimes, and Barry Montgomery. Barry made the nomination, which was seconded by Carolyn.
Don Swaim, Class Webmaster, who helped form the nominating committee, said, "The obvious choice for Class President following the untimely death of Cliff Borland is Gene Consolo, the class's key alumni leader. His election will help to ensure his continued involvement and will formalize the class's appreciation for all he's done. While Gene lives in Michigan he rarely misses an Aspinwall alumni function."
Barry Montgomery's nomination reads: "First, I would like to nominate posthumously our dear friend and classmate [the late] Cliff Borland as President Emeritus of the AHS Class of 1955, As Gene so aptly said: 'Cliff will always be the Class President.' And so it should be. Second, with great pride and thanks for all he has done to keep our Class together all these years, I nominate Eugene Consolo as our new AHS Class of 1955 President. While many of you and others have given their time and energy for the benefit of our Class, Gene has demonstrated time and again that he is the 'heart and soul of our Class.' I therefore move that Gene's name be submitted to our Class members for approval as our new President of the AHS Class of 1955."
In Gene's words: "I would never say No [to the nomination] to our very special Class of 55. The work our Team of Volunteers did for the 50th Reunion never seemed like work. It was an adventure in bringing our Class back together after 50 years. Each time we found another member of our Class, it was like another step toward the success of our Reunion. The whole project was an extended Reunion for our Team of Volunteers and has established warm friendships today that we didn't have while in school. I still enjoy the continuing communication and occasional visits with Classmates. Cliff will always be 'The Class President,' but I would be happy to act in his behalf for our CLASS OF 55."
Email and regular mail were sent to the entire alumni body about Cliff's nomination as President Emeritus and Gene's nomination as President. The elections became official after a 30-day period of discussion.
Comments may be emailed to Don at for posting on the AHS Alumni News webpage.
