DARTMOUTH ALUMNI MAGAZINE CLASS NOTES January

1954 Once again classmates were treated to a Homecoming Weekend that featured abundant sunshine and tepid temperatures, just like last year. The big difference was that we can't report a winning football team, since the Big Green lost to Holy Cross, 44-26. In his last year as mini reunion chair John Fenn, per usual, put together well-planned events that allowed classmates and spouses to connect, catch up and have fun. The annual Executive Committee/Class meeting kicked off the weekend with a two-and-a-half-hour session led by outgoing president Jay Davis. Jay advised the attendees that the class had received from the College a 2008 Special Recognition Award, recognizing "with deep appreciation the extraordinary achievements of the Class of 1954." Following the meeting classmates repaired to the Hayward Lounge in the Hanover Inn and were joined by spouses and guests to socialize and enjoy cocktails and pre-parade nourishment. The usual Saturday night banquet was terrific and highlighted by a very surprised and certainly well-deserving John Fenn, who received the annual 1954 Class Award. Seen at one or more of the weekend's events were Jean and Bob Adnopoz, Barbara and Dick Barker, Barbara and Don Berlin, Fay and Bob Berry, Fleur and Jay Chandler, Mary Anne Cox (Barry, who died in 2006), Martha and Jay Davis, Kit and Bob Dean, Natalie and John Fenn, Judy and Mort Galper, John Gillespie, Sarah and Ben Gilson, Mary and Alec Gray, Bill Grover, Anne and Rick Hartman, Betty and John Heston, Carol and Ron Jabara, Sonja Rand and Tony Kane, Jill and Peter Kenyon, Anne and Dana Low, Rosemary and Dave Mandelbaum, Steve Mullins, Debby and Hugh Nolin, Patty and Bob Osmond, Jane and Dick Page, Louise and Dave Ransom, Carol and Harry Robinson, Lynda and Pete Schenck, Joan and Jim Tofias, Marge and Dick Trowbridge, Shelia and Wayne Weil, Elisabeth and Shelly Woolf and Cynthia Sunderland and Gary Zwart.

It's important to note that the Executive Committee voted unanimously to continue the Class's special project of funding three international and one domestic intern at a total annual expense of $12,000, as well as providing an athletic recruiting stipend of $1,000. Those of us who were privileged to hear the outstanding presentations of '54's interns and learn about their invaluable experiences and contributions in their respective assignments want to share our pride with the entire class and urge all classmates to be aware of this worthwhile program when they fill in the amount next to "Add to Internship" on the their dues statements.

How saddened we were to learn of the death of Rip Coffin on September 10 (click to see obit.). John Heyn writes: " Our classmate Rip Coffin was honored at his funeral in Washington, D.C. this past Saturday (Sept. 20th) by the Episcopal Bishop of Washington. The church was completely filled as family and ministers spoke of Rip's good works. The service started with the playing of "Dartmouth Undying." Representing the Class of 1954 at the service were Bob Dean, John Heyn and Steve Mullins, who flew in from Chicago for the service. Rip will be missed by all." How true. To hear the lovely sermon delivered at Rip's funeral, visit: http://www.columba.org/listen/sermon/sermon2008-09-20JVau.mp3

Please note that the following represents expanded online addenda to the Class Notes column that will be appearing in the Jan/Feb 2009 issue of the Dartmouth Alumni Magazine. The print column is now limited to 500 words (to be reduced to 350 words, starting with the Sept/Oct 2009 issue). From time-to-time, there are additional items or comments that are deemed important enough to report without undue delay: this is one of those times.

Sad to report the death of Paul Mackey on October 4. Paul was ill for some time and had been on dialysis treatment for the last three years of his life. An obituary will appear in the March/April edition of the DAM (online in early January) and in the "In Memoriam" column on the '54 Website sooner than that. Carol sends special regards to the Class - especially to all the Dekes. (Carol Mackey, 28 River Terrace, Holyoke, MA 01040, 413-532-7177).

Victor Mahler continues to make good progress following a serious stroke he suffered in early September. Until at least early December, he can be reached at Mary Manning Walsh Nursing Home, Room 421, 1339 York Ave., New York, NY 10021. Vic has been cheered by the many cards and notes - and visits - received from classmates.

Bob Jeffrey reports recently passing through Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He writes "as a good tourist and son of Dartmouth climbed on a stool at the Snake River Brewery." While sipping a beer and engaging in conversation with a "new friend," Jeff asked if the man knew of Bill Briggs and was promptly handed the October 22 edition of JACKSON HOLE NEWS & GUIDE, with the lead article, "Briggs Gets Spot in Ski Hall of Fame." Bill is generally regarded as the "father of what has grown to be known as 'extreme skiing' in the U.S. He revolutionized the sport when he climbed the 13,770-foot Grand Teton on June 16, 1971 and then skied down the mountain…the first person to achieve that feat." Congratulations to Bill, who will be inducted into the Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame in Park City, Utah, on April 4, 2009.

Congratulations to Peter Geithner on the news that his son, Tim '83, is to be named the new Secretary of the Treasury. Peter moved the basketball with considerable skill, so let's cheer Tim on as he strives to move the financial markets and economy in a positive direction. People have commented on the fact that current Secretary Hank Paulson '67 bears a striking resemblance to Steve Mullins - well, take a look at a picture of Tim (you'll be seeing plenty of them) and then remember what Peter looks like -- or see them both in More Reflections.

"At the Class meeting last October, I thanked the officers for the superb job they have done during my term as president, and I will do so again tomorrow in New York at our Holiday Luncheon. But there is one particular officer who deserves to be singled out for a very special level of thanks, and that, sir, is you. According to my calculations, during my term to date, you have produced 20 Newsletters or about 220 pages of news about our classmates rarely, if ever, mentioning your own singular achievements. In those 220 pages, I estimate some 1500 names are referenced and printed in bold caps at first mention for our convenience. Indeed, no one has greater knowledge of our classmates than you. But the most amazing fact of all is that what I have just described covers only my term starting in 2004, not from the time you became our Newsletter Editor in 1994! So one might triple all the above numbers, for example, to arrive at the actual total. Could it be over 60 Newsletters, over 660 pages of news, over 4,500 name mentions? It boggles the mind.

So with the full approval of your classmates, I hereby declare you to be the 'Bard of '54' and present you with this token of our great appreciation. May you look upon it and be inspired to continue writing the one publication that helps to keep this class connected as we approach 55 years since the day we departed from the Hanover Plain. Sincerely, Jay"

Unfortunately, Pete was absent from the luncheon and did not witness the standing ovation he received from the following classmates in attendance when Jay read the citation: Bob Adnopoz, Howie Aronson, Jerry Barton, Don Berlin, Bob Berry, Lon Chaikin, Lo-Yi Chan, Jay Chandler, Bruce Classon, Bob Clements, John Cunningham, Dick Davidoff, Perry Davis, John Fenn, Jerry Goldstein, Tony Kane, Peter Kenyon, David Levine, Dana Low, David Mandelbaum, Steve Mullins, Barry Nova, Dick Page, Dick Pearl, Art Rauch, Harry Robinson, Dick Steinberg and Ed Winnick. Accompanying the citation was a beautiful character jug of the original Bard, purchased on the Internet on behalf of the Class by one of the world's renowned Toby Jug collectors, our own Steve Mullins. (posted 12/8/08)

Dick Gorsey organized the annual Boston-area holiday luncheon on December 9 at the Newton, MA, Marriott. Seventeen classmates attended, five of whom were accompanied by their lovely wives, as follows: Dick Barker, Dick Brace, Jane and Bob Buchanan, Jim Clark, Phil Cooke, Peter Dwight, Ellie and Dick Gorsey, George Graboys, Peter Kenyon, Dick Leary, Dick Lewis, Patty and Bob Osmond, Jinny and John Pope, Carol and Harry Robinson, Jim Tofias, Gary Zwart and Shelly Woolf. Everyone was treated to a post-luncheon presentation by retired Citizens Banks (Providence, RI) CEO, George Graboys. According to Dick Barker, it was a "Great Issues lecture on the state of the economy, which had the undivided attention of all attendees." Peter Kenyon thought George possessed an excellent "insider's view" and entitled his talk "Up Close and Chaotic." Well, better after lunch than before. (posted 12/11/08)

John Heston is comfortably ensconced in the Alzheimer's unit in Kendal at Hanover, according to John's wife, Betty, who writes: "It seems hard to believe that John has been in Kendal for almost two months….I am so glad he is there getting all the help he needs." We're sure John would welcome receiving cheery cards or notes from classmates. Address: John Heston, c/o Whittier, Kendal at Hanover, 80 Lyme Road, Hanover, NH 03755.(posted 12/16/08)

Hugh Roberts continues to battle lung cancer and is currently experiencing a setback. Phyllis thinks that an e-mail (dart54law56@cox.net) or card/note from friends and classmates would give Hugh a real lift: 3604 North Campbell Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89129 (posted Dec. 28, 2008)

Anthony Kane, 650 Park Ave., 18A, New York, NY 10065 (212)628-2147, akane32@nyc.rr.com