Alfred M. Schmidt Jr. ’51

Alfred M. Schmidt Jr. ’51, a pioneer in the field of direct marketing, died in Hoboken, New Jersey, on March 27. Al’s career included stints as vice president of marketing at Brooks Brothers (he was always the best-dressed person at class of ’51 gatherings), Bergdorf Goodman, and the Franklin Mint. In 1990 he started a catalog consulting firm, the Schmidt Group International, serving clients in the United States, Europe, and Asia. As a member of the Direct Marketing Association he was honored with the prestigious Henry Hoke Award and the DMH Echo Leader Award. He continued his consulting practice until shortly before his death. Al lived life to the fullest. He and his wife, Joan, and their three children were regulars at the Jersey shore, where they enjoyed tennis, swimming, and croquet. He was an avid golfer and skier. Later he and Joan moved to Vero Beach, Florida, where they continued to enjoy the outdoors. After Joan’s death in 2011, Al met and married Mary June Wilkinson. She and a combined household of eight children, 16 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren survive him. At Dartmouth Al was a member of Phi Delta Theta.