The Crandall Challenge to WGES Members

The Crandall Challenge Committee is committed to the principle of active involvement by WGES members in business and community affairs at whatever level to effect change where change is needed and to support the next generation of leaders where such support is needed to keep our institutions strong and viable.

We believe that active involvement is good for each WGES member; it is good for the Wharton School community; it is good for our country and it is good for the international community.

Our message is clear: Stay involved!

After collecting input from all members of the Steering Committee, The Crandall Challenge Committee will develop a set of action steps to encourage all WGES members to spread our message of active involvement.

Co-Chairs:
McClain Gordon, WG’73
John Hendricks, WG’66

Crandall Challenge 2025

The Wharton Graduate Emeritus Society will present the 2025 Crandall Challenge Citations at a special luncheon held in Huntsman Hall on Saturday May 17 during Reunion 2025 weekend.

Receiving Crandall Challenge Citations in 2025 at this ceremony are:

• Carl Shaifer WG’57
• James Wilbur WG’67
• Howard Kroplick WG’73

Attending from Wharton are Shannon Connelly, Executive Director of Alumni Relations;  Helen Formanes, Associate Director of Alumni Affairs; and Jamie Lemisch, Senior Associate Director at the Wharton Fund.

Attending from the Emeritus Society are Tom Hadlock, Chair of the Emeritus Society;  McClain Gordon, Chair of the Crandall Challenge Citation program;  members of the Emeritus Society Leadership Committee;  members of the Class of 1980 and Class of 1975 Wharton MBA Reunion classes, and members of all other Emeritus MBA classes.

How to Get Started Helping Others

Thinking about volunteering but haven’t made up your mind exactly as to what or where? Maybe we can help. Several simple steps can make the path clearer, easier, and more specific to your needs and interests. Here are some of them:

• Narrow the field: What areas of human endeavor interest you most? From aardvarks to zymurgy, many things happening in life need attention, help and betterment. Whether it’s tennis, math, cooking, plant life, poetry – or anything else – volunteer groups most everywhere will welcome your help. Go where your heart and head may lead you.
• Consider time: Estimate the hours you’d be willing to donate to volunteer activity in a month. Even an amount not likely to change your lifestyle still affects your schedule. Whether two or twenty, it should be a committed period you enjoy, so you and your working partners get the greatest benefit. Also include necessary travel time.
• Get help: There are multiple sources ready to supply future direction. If you have a computer, several national websites offer help. Several states also have websites devoted to helping you reach volunteer organizations in your region and city.

Here are three national websites and two state websites devoted to helping citizens find the right place to lend a hand: