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1954 Thanks to Shel Woolf's creative marketing skills, Dartmouth College can now add a unique fundraising tool to its already extensive array of successful techniques. Beginning his first year as 1954 head agent, Shel was struck by the fact that he had contributed to the Dartmouth College Fund 52 out of the 55 years since our class graduated. Coming up with a set of parameters, and convincing the powers-that-be that it could work, Shel conceived the Set the Record Straight (STRS) program, designed to enable those classmates who wanted to receive credit for 100 percent participation, i.e., a 55-year consistent giving record, to make a special, one-time contribution. Starting with himself and yours truly, Shel convinced a total of 64 class of '54 "Exemplars" to join the STRS effort. Here's how it played out: The Class of 1954 set a non-reunion-year participation record of 88 percent, raising more than $340,000 and thereby establishing itself as the all-time years-out contributing leader, exceeding 1942's 84 percent. For his terrific achievement Shel has received the Andrew J. Scarlet '10 Award for outstanding class leadership for classes more than 50 years out. Congratulations, Shel! Oh yes, the DCF will be happy to share details of the STRS program with other interested classes.
Questions have been raised regarding the discontinuance of printed obituaries in the DAM. In line with last fall's announced budgetary cuts at the College, the Alumni Magazine was forced to make some hard decisions with regard to its mandated expense reductions. One of the areas that represented a possible cost-savings was the section including obituaries of deceased alumni, whose deaths had been reported since the most recent edition. It was decided that the printed obituary section would be eliminated and that starting with the January-February 2010 issue obituaries would be run online only. At the same time, the word limit for obituaries was increased from 150 to 250 and, as announced, "there is now the opportunity to post additional remembrances and memorial information on the website." Sadly, since our last Class Notes column we have learned of the deaths of seven classmates: Joseph Thomas Murphy III, January 29; Robert Edward Gilman, February 2; Perry Cotton Weston, July 20; Michael Hurley Biggs, July 31; Richard Lee Buffington, August 1; Clark Spaulding Davis, August 7; and Robert Clements, September 4. The Class sends its condolences to the families of our recently departed classmates, and five of their obituaries can be read online in this issue at: http://dartmouthalumnimagazine.com/obituaries/ Additionally, "Celebrations" of their lives appear in the Fall Newsletter.
(Editor's note: Obituaries of Dick Buffington and Bob Clements will appear in the January/February issue of the DAM and in the Winter Newsletter) However, click here to view the the Clements obituary now.
For 25 years, Dick served Dartmouth College as Director, Buildings and Grounds.
Here's a connection to Dick Plummer's funeral arrangements, scheduled for Friday, September 24 in Plainfield, NH: http://www.knightfuneralhomes.com/index.cfm. Our ability to communicate with classmates has increased exponentially, and we'd be interested to know how you feel about our getting information to you so rapidly. This will be a subject to be discussed at our upcoming Class and Executive Committee meeting on October 8, and we would welcome your comments in advance of that date. (September 23)
Sad to report the death of Ronald Stillman on September 6. It has been confirmed that Ron had moved from New York City to Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, where he died. Obituary to follow. (October 11)
Word has been received from Jim Doig that Howard (Mickey) Sloane died on October 2, having suffered a heart attack the day before. Condolence notes can be sent to Mickey's wife, Judith (Judy) Crandall-Sloane [mailto:judith.crandall@att.net]. Obituary to follow. (October 16)
Just received the sad news from Phyllis Roberts that Hugh passed away yesterday, November 2, after a long bout with lung cancer. Notes of condolence can be sent to Phyllis at 3604 N. Campbell Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89129. Obituary to follow. (November 3)
Alumni Relations has just notified of the death of Norman L. Kasparson on October 13th in Massachusetts. The cause of death is not known, but Norm is known to have suffered from non-Hodgkins lymphoma for some time. Condolences can be sent to Norm’s wife Anja Kasparson, 43 Brattle Street, Holden, MA 01520-2007. Obituary to follow. (November 5)
Anthony Kane, 650 Park Ave., #18A, New York, NY 10065; (212) 628-2147; akane32@nyc.rr.com