Under the leadership of Roger Yanow, the Class of 1954 has set multiple dollar and participation records. Yanow, who serves as fundraising chair for the class, says there is no magic formula for 1954's success. “I depend on my fundraising agents. These guys are not afraid to pick up the phone,” he says. And, as the 10 records that the class holds show, the classmates on the other end answer the call.

Yanow believes the class's special bond is the result of his classmates' common experiences—growing up during the Depression, attending HBS between two wars—as well as the camaraderie that grew out of their time at Soldiers Field. “As we get older, we enjoy our reunions even more,” he observes.

Sandy Sacks and Alan Ferris, the cochairs for the MBA Class of 1966, believe that their fundraising success—currently the class holds 16 participation records—can be attributed to their time at HBS.

"My HBS experience was very meaningful, and staying in touch with classmates as a fund agent has been an excellent way to continue friendships," says Sacks, emphasizing that the other five section reps play a key role. Cochair Ferris agrees. "I have an annual excuse to get in touch with every person in my section," he says. "It is a genuine joy to call these folks."

Even before receiving their diplomas, members of the Class of 2010 began giving back. With 86% of the class making a gift, they supported a fellowship for a future HBS student, setting a new participation record for a graduating class. "The alumni reps did a great job reaching out to their sections and working with their classmates to increase participation," said Nate Kempner. That effort was very successful: Sections B, C, E, and J all achieved 100% participation.

Referencing former HBS Fund Chair Michael Cronin's offer to match the class gift, Kempner noted that "the fact that another graduate was willing to match our gift really helped to inspire people." Kempner, who works at Taconic Capital, a hedge fund in New York, is excited to continue to serve as an HBS volunteer. He is now Class Fund Cochair with James Corcoran. "It's a great way to stay in touch with the School and be connected with my classmates," he says.

Helmy El-Sherif is a long-serving Class Fund Chair and a former member of the Alumni Board. He is a very successful fundraiser. Working tirelessly behind the scenes, he calls everyone in his section—and sends Christmas cards—lifting his section to a best-in-class participation rate of 69% during the class's 30th Reunion Campaign. As follow-through, he sends thank-you notes to all major donors, sectionmate donors, and everyone on his fundraising team. The driving force behind the new 30th Reunion dollar record of $17.3 million, he also guided the MBA Class of 1980 to the School's third best 30th Reunion participation result of 51% (what El-Sherif likes to call "the bronze").