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70
Impresario JERRY GOLDSTEIN established new ‘54 high marks in his preparation and presentation of the Class communal 70th birthday September 18-21. The highlight was the opening dinner at the Goldstein farm/estate in Mount Kisco, NY. The septuagenarians were impressed from the very beginning as they de-bussed in a well-combed field and were immediately presented with a packet of nametags, schedules, personal greetings, etc. The Muskrat Dixieland band then led us up a sylvan lane where we noticed the careful threading of lights in the trees for the return walk. Not being frisked for weapons at the gates was a pleasant reprieve from the New York area paranoia. Memories were spiked as we were greeted by signs pointing to Mount Moosilauke and Occum Pond. Two exquisite swans paddled around a pond, seemingly oblivious to the joy of the gathering. With a nose-thumb at political correctness, the bartenders sported feathers in their Dartmouth hats (probably gleaned from some of Jerry’s exotic birds). For some unexplained reason, they also seemed to have Scottish accents.
Sixty classmates showed up for dinner - over 10% of the Class. Ron Lazar ‘53 and his wife joined us - an old high school chum of Jerry’s. Cocktail hour was the time to refamiliarize with friends and to join a tour of the Goldstein collection of rare fauna guided by daughter Bettina ‘92.
Nametags were presented as "credentials" each with photographs from seminal points in our lives. The dinner tent would have sufficed for a caliph’s betrothal. We seated ourselves in anticipation of a continuation of the quality of food put forth as hors d’oeuvres and were not disappointed. Each guest found a ‘54-embossed cocktail glass at their place, supporting a Goldstein apple. But first ..... Jerry was not to be denied the satisfaction of presenting a lengthy program of memories, foolishness, surprises and awards.
Hostess DOROTHY drew appreciative guffaws when she thanked us for the "six months of pleasure and excitement" that had preceded the evening, consuming major chunks of time, including running the dog through a Dartmouthizing process that turned it a faint shade of Green. To the formidable 120 gathered, she asked us to "turn the clock back and our hearts forward."
The host retook the podium and lavished well-deserved praise on his assistant, Susan and the property manager, Cezar for preparatory work before which the building of the pyramids would have paled.
Each table had a tall, ornate metal centerpiece which contained vintage photographs of the College. JOHN HESTON had obviously enjoyed himself, chumming it up with the berobed keepers of the archives in the basements of Rauner (nee Webster Hall). He promised an extension of these efforts for our 50th reunion two years hence.
Highlighting the more than extraordinary youthfulness of those assembled, Jerry brought DICK LEWIS forward for initiation into the "Presidents’ Club". Incredibly, the certificate presented was endorsed by the signatures of every Class president since JAY CHANDLER barely beat out a janitor in 1950! In that most of the signatures had been lifted from mailed-in checks, an FBI investigation may be pending. Capping the ceremony was a parade of those presidents to the fore (except for absentees GARY MCKEE and DICK BARKER) for an historic photo. DAVID MCLAUGHLIN was spotlighted for being the only alumnus to have served in both the Wheelock and Chandler successions.
Statistics: there were six Phi Betes, eight doctors, seven lawyers and three architects with the group. The CPAs asked not to be counted nor identified.
Thankfully, RIP COFFIN rose and blessed us into the dining phase of the affair.
Post-prandially, SARAH and BEN GILSON, LO-YI CHAN, Jay Chandler, BILL MURANE and PHYLLIS ROBERTS intoned the paean to the founder, Eleazer Wheelock (who wasn’t in the Chandler succession). A game rent-a-cop , playing the role of Cap Gaudreau, interrupted the proceedings to haul in Eleazar (played by a good-natured trumpet player) on charges of buying rum without proper ID. A large silver cup was filled with very strong New England rum and was sampled by a sufficiency of ‘54s to drain it.
Class Awards Chair BOB ADNOPOZ mused momentarily about the "Jet Green" classmates present and then presented "Round the Girdled Earth" awards to distance spanners PETE and LYNDA SCHENCK (Santa Barbara, CA) and DON and SHEILA BELCHER (Seattle, WA). The also-rans ranged through Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Nevada and Illinois - truly in the scope of a major reunion! Following the awards, Bob was loudly interrupted by the flopping in of Big Bird (of Sesame Street fame) who, after trying to molest Dorothy, chirped greetings to the crowd and claimed to be a ‘54. The avian appearance was a surprise to Jerry and, on one of his many forays into the house, he almost had the not-yet-in-costume actor thrown off the property. Two ‘54 wives, preparing for their own entrance, came to BB’s rescue.
Straying from the agenda, Jerry brought to memory the annual fraternity hum competitions on campus, then designated the Hum Award for the best-represented house at the party. Pi Lam won handily and DICK RUBIN accepted the award for his house’s nine brothers present. PETE GUTLON grabbed second place for Zeta Psi’s six. Due to faulty nose-counting by the newsletter editor, Gamma Delt’s six went unrecognized.
The birthday ceremony began with the appearance of the cake - big enough for the assemblage and topped with a confectionery replica of The Alpdoodler. A Bob Dylan - inspired birthday wish was laid on us by Bettina Goldstein Decker ‘92. She then alluded to the successful and continuing link the Class was maintaining with the Class of 2004 and introduced two coeds of ‘04 to entertain. Clad in only ‘54 hats, ‘54 sweaters and black stockings (plus pom poms) GAIL BARKER and BARBARA LEVINE wiggled, bumped and ground, trying to sing the feminized words to our raunchy lyrics to Dartmouth’s In Town Again. The hoots and hollers of the crowd drowned out the words and the entire spectacle reminded one of the opening act at the Old Howard in Boston. The words were distributed to every table and the wives sang them to their husbands:
"Dartmouth’s in town again,
Run boys, run!
Down from the hills we come,
Fun boys, fun!
Our pants are steaming hot,
We’ll give you all we’ve got,
Old guys are just our meat.
And while you guys are out playing golf,
We’re spending your IRAs
We have the biologic urge,
Dartmouth’s in town today!"
(Copyright Goldstein & Barker)
Three birthdays were acknowledged, ART RAUCH, the youngest ‘54 present, turning a hale 69, LYNN RAUCH, obviously a few decades younger than Art, and TONY KANE, aged 70 - the poster boy for the event. Vice President JAY DAVIS and MARTHA were given the honor of cutting the cake. Jay hitch-hiked on the moment to report special recognition of the Class at the Class Officers meeting in Hanover, for excellence in organizing, promoting and actuating gatherings of classmates. The triad of Goldstein, Page and Gillespie was cited for the momentum which keeps us at the top of the heap.
President DICK LEWIS rose to cap the evening with plaudits for the Goldsteins and for the Class for being superior to any other group in the entire solar system. The "Connected" theme was emphasized and the evidence of more and more ‘54s joining in added support to the thesis that we are on a positive track.
Under the musical direction of conductor Lo-Yi Chan, the "54 Sexy Sextet" (FAY BERRY, SANDY GILLESPIE, JUDY MCLAUGHLIN, JANE PAGE, ROSEMARY MANDELBAUM, and CAROL MULLINS) sang an inspiring version of Dartmouth Undying.
To plant the last nostalgia dagger, Men of Dartmouth was led by John Heston and Jay Chandler, exercising the 70-year-old privilege of singing the original words.
The following day was spent in the area of Hyde Park, NY, exploring the digs of the Roosevelts. One cannot find more succulent fare than that offered at the Culinary Institute of America - training ground for world-class chefs. The "anxious-to-please" escoffiers-in-training provided a choice of luncheon victuals that left not a one taste bud wanting. After touring FDR’s and Eleanor’s early homesites, the group was welcomed at the home of the president of the Roosevelt Institute, Dr. Christopher Breiseth, for more than enough canapés and cocktails. DANA LOW (cousin of the good doctor) introduced him to the well-behaved ‘54s. Jerry is a member of the board of the Institute. "Connecting" is certainly a positive thing, but "Connections" can put the cream on top.
Friday morning took the group, half of whom were vets, to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Lunch at the Hotel Thayer was chaired by Jay Davis and DOUG HOSKINS rose to prominence by providing an unending supply of Hershey’s Kisses.
The affair was to be capped by a supportive group attendance at the first preview of Amour, a Broadway musical with JOHN CUNNINGHAM in three diverse roles. Unfortunately, technical problems canceled the preview, so five of the couples opted for the frontal nudity of The Graduate.
It was an extraordinary event for The Class of 1954 and a vivid demonstration of the satisfactions of reconnecting with old friends and connecting with old new friends. As a grace note, each attending ‘54 received a tape of the dinner presentations (a copy can be had by contacting the newsletter editor.) We certainly had the right man running the celebration of our 70th birthday.
Coming Up
- Holiday luncheons
Dick Page inaugurated these gatherings in his corporate dining room a few decades ago and they have migrated through an interesting series of eateries. New faces appear each year, but it still is puzzling that there are a number of New York and Boston "locals" that miss the action. Now that we’re 70, it’s time to join in and smell the martinis. Expect a phone call or two to improve the momentum.
-Boston: Tuesday, December 10, 12 Noon
Weston Country Club
-New York
Thursday, December 12, 12 Noon
Yale Club
Each event is $48, plus a cash bar
Send check (Dartmouth ‘54) to John Gillespie,
102 Emery Lane, Boothbay Harbor, ME04538
jlg54@gwi.net
CALL a friend, brother, dorm mate, etc.
Chair RICK HARTMAN declares: "Time to make your reservations at the Plantation Inn and Golf Resort in Crystal River, FL. Dates are Sun. afternoon, Feb 23rd through Thurs. morning, Feb 27. Call the Plantation Inn at 1-800-632-6262 for the special price of $91 per night, single or double. More spacious rooms are available at $101. Our rooms are blocked under ‘Dartmouth Class of 1954.’
The welcome cocktail hour (BYOB) begins in the presidential Suite Sun. afternoon after 4pm. Dinner Sun. and Mon. evenings at 6:30 will be at the Plantation Inn. As an attractive alternative to the dining room, we have reserved a private room for both evenings with a delicious buffet dinner by ourselves. For Tues. dinner, we will return to the excellent Izaak Walton Restaurant in nearby Yankeetown. Wed. evening, our farewell dinner will be at KC Krumps in Homosassa.
TOM KELSEY will be doing the honors for golf. He has been researching all kinds of opportunities that may or may not include return visits to old haunts. I suspect Twisted Oaks will not be among them. We typically kick in $20 per golfer for all those grand prizes we hope to win.
For non-golfers, we will initiate the First Annual ‘54 Croquet Classic. The Inn has a beautiful croquet course for those who dare to take up a new sport. Go to the Internet for the rules. HARRY ROCKEFELLER will umpire. Other events include such staples as cruising the mangroves, exploring the Gulf Coast, antiquing and swimming with manatees.
Lest the old traditions fail, the 4th Annual ‘54 Tennis Classic will go forward Thurs. morning under the direction of ALEC GRAY and BOB OSMOND. This event is designed as a showcase for classmates to prove their staying power after 3 days of grueling golf.
The Plantation Inn is located 70 miles north of Tampa and 90 miles northwest of Orlando. Green fees are reasonable - last year, $42 for 18 holes with cart at the Inn - and the fellowship is superb." This is truly a premier ‘54 gathering! Rick is at Fchagh@aol.com.
-Skiing
Mogul JAY DAVIS posits: "Our new season is hopefully only a few months away. Here’s the status of planned minis: (1) the Vermont warm-up be again be at Mt. Snow, arriving Sun., Jan 12 for 2 days of great skiing and apres-skiing together. I’ll be staying at the Gray Ghost Inn (802-464-2474); (2) the Aspen week begins Mon., Mar 3rd. Since we plan on moving down to Vail on Sat., Mar 8th, some may choose to arrive in Aspen mid-week. We’ll then ski Vail starting Sun. Mar 9-11th, departing Mar 12th. TOM TYLER and I will be staying at the fashionable Christmas Inn ‘where time (and everything else) stands still’. This plan provides some variety in areas that we know well. A new recruit, BILL MURANE, lives in Denver and may be able to help with Vail accommodations. A house or group of condos would be ideal. Any thoughts, please pass them on. Jay is at jdmd@valley.net.
-Fishing
JIM ADAMS, the "High Desert Angler" has reported MISSION ACCOMPLISHED in what appears to be a fully subscribed outing for the ‘54 Fly Fishing Team: "For 5 nights starting Jul 7, The Rainbow Lodge in Navajo Dam, NM will be filled to capacity with old, but active anglers from the Great Class of 1954. Deposits are in from 12 classmates for the largest turnout in the short but rich history of the team - the 10 ‘old’ members plus new recruits SKIP GRINTON and the ever-present Bill Murane." To get on a waiting list, Jim is at Jjadams2@aol.com
-Homecoming ‘03
Versus Columbia, Oct 24-25. The bad news is that a "no-nonsense" lottery for the post-game festivities was held and our miraculous luck of some 25 years ran out - no faculty lounge. The really good news is that we won the Outing Club for post-game drinks and for dinner! The Gillespie charm has held again.
The reason for the College’s recognition of the Class for its outstanding success in reaping the positive aspects classmate gatherings is obvious in the above. Any new ideas?
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The request for information about classmates RICHARD DOLAN and KARL ZIMMERMAN brought forth an unexpected number of replies. First, on Karl, he was a ‘53 who had lost a year due to an auto accident. He died of a heart attack in 1991. BOB BOYD supplied a photo of him from the Marine Corps basic school yearbook - they both flew for the Corps, but were at opposite ends of the alphabet. CHARLIE REED remembered him from New Hampshire Hall and the Orange County Club in California. And Don Goss ‘53 was nice enough to supply a copy of Karl’s obit. The mail on Dick Dolan was more voluminous. JACK DONAHUE, JOHN POPE, and DICK PLUMMER all remember him from KUA. Again, Don Goss came to the fore with a story which involved him in a personal way. Sidney Flanigan ‘23, took his nephew, Dick, under his wing following separation from the military in 1948. Two years at KUA finally got him to an academic level satisfactory to the College. Mr. Flanigan enlisted Don to tutor Dick, but to little avail, and he was separated from the College. The many downsides and disappointments in his life took a tremendous emotional toll and Dick took his own life in 1958. A man who gave it his all and will always be carried as a member of the Class of 1954.
The "check in with your email address" effort produced a bunch of news, along with a bundle of Greencards:
-DON and MARGE KENNEDY have traded the warmth of Florida for the sun of Phoenix to be with a single-parent daughter with three kids. Marge is reveling in the task of helping raise a second family. Don is exploring the intricacies of dealing with a few leaky heart valves. 2xscull@cox.net.
-JIM LOVE reported an annoying computer virus problem similar to that described in the last newsletter - got it from a professor buddy at UNC Greensboro. The Loves have moved to Virginia (13780 Charismatic Way, Gainesville, VA 20155-3122; 703-743-1300; JLoveHH@aol.com). "One of the great things about our new home is that we are only a pitch and a putt away from TONY and MARY LOU LUKEMAN. Quite by chance, SANDY and I met the Lukemans at the local club last fall. Tony, among his many involvements, heads up one of the teams of golfers that competes with other retirees at clubs throughout northern Virginia. Their son, Jim, is following in his dad’s footsteps and was recently promoted to Marine bird colonel. Talked with JIM RILL recently. He switched law firms a year or so ago in order to create what will probably become the world’s preeminent international intellectual property practice. Quite a challenge for a guy who already has an enormous stack of laurels to rest upon. Jim is working his buns off, traveling the world as ambassador, recruiter, rainmaker, organizer and practicing attorney. But - more importantly, he is thoroughly enjoying himself."
-GEORGE HASKINS echoed the receipt of the ‘54 virus - from PETE GEITHNER’s email address.
-DON and LORI MILLER have done a reverse SCHENCK move and have abandoned California for Florida - 13818 Stoneridge Drive, Hudson, FL 34669-1890; DonLoriFLA@aol.com
-Speaking of the Schencks: "Had a ball on our trip East where we visited old neighbors in Tampa and Lynda’s relatives in Georgia. Next, it was off to Parris Island for my oldest grandson’s graduation from USMC Boot Camp. He graduated almost 50 years to the day that I first stepped onto the island. Then to Newport News to see #3 daughter and her newly-promoted Chief Petty officer in the Coast Guard along with two grandkids and then to DC to see a lot of the memorials. After that, the 70th at Jerry Goldstein’s - an extraordinary blast! Visited with a 50-years ago high school/Marine Corps buddy in Tarrytown. Got back to the West Coast in time to host DON and SALLY AUSTERMANN for a few days. Then back to work."
-After an eleven year partnership, the RATTRAYs have regained total control of The East Hampton Star and publisher HELEN proudly announced that David E. Rattray ‘85 has followed his late father, EV, into the editor’s chair. Worthy of a Rouse!
-If you look intensely at the most recent Lindblad brochure for their Baja California Whale Watching, you’ll spot BETTY and JOHN HESTON in the bow of a Zodiac, going eye-to-eye with the leviathans of the deep.
-In a recent issue of ‘53 Out!, Don Goss was thumping his class’s collective chest over carrying the Class of 1954 by virtue of Bernie Sudikoff representing both our classes on the Alumni Council. That inequity has just been corrected with BOB BERRY taking on the dual task for both classes in December. Don also lowered himself to actually mention a ‘54 by name - MIKE BIGGS. Mike had invited Jim Wheaton ‘53 to a Bohemian Club performance and the two of them recreated some of the musical sounds they had made back in the 50s.
-SKIP WEYMOUTH passed along an erudite article that revealed that musicians have bigger and more sensitive brains than those who don’t play instruments. Yeah! Former Barbary Coasters, Sultans and even members of the marching band are kvelling! While the technical language of the Heidelberg researchers regarding the Heschl’s gyrus will not be quoted, it is interesting to ponder the chicken/egg question of whether exposure to music enlarges the brain, or does a larger brain lead one into music? From Skip: "My ‘Musical Memories’ sing-along program continues to flourish ... hard to believe I have been doing it for 6 years! Have been doing more and more background music. While I have become more confident - especially this year - of my ability to entertain old farts, I am yearning for a ‘roadie’ because the setting up and knocking down process has become a pain. But I must say that marketing myself in my dotage has been a blast!"
-From RED GRUNDMAN: "Regarding child brides and 50th wedding anniversaries, these days, anything over 10 years is great. MARY ELLEN and I celebrated our 40th this last spring with a grand bash. No other ‘54s out in the bush of East Texas. Still enjoying non-retirement: law, lakefront development and homebuilding. M.E. and I would have made the 70th, but for starting 2 houses that week - had to turn down a week at Nags Head, dodging hurricanes, for the same reason. Not neglecting the other side - still playing tennis, mostly with a guy 18 years younger, who has his own court. Keeping suitable toys - a new golf cart and a shotgun that really fits. The whole family is now in Texas - Rick and family in Austin and Holly and family in San Antonio.
-Last August, a project into which AL "LEFTY" TERRILL had put major efforts came to fruition in Boise, Idaho - the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial. The facility is the first permanent memorial to Anne Frank in the nation. It will function as a classroom, a place of contemplation, a tourist attraction, a gathering place and a monument.. Truly a magnificent achievement for the state and a source of pride to Al. He serves on the board and executive committee of the Idaho Human Rights Education Center and was their representative working with the construction manager/designer. Congratulations!
-TOM SAYLES underwent surgery for a brain tumor a few months ago. BILL WHITE played golf with him and TOM KELSEY recently and said that an annoying (to Tom) loss of memory and recall was the prime remaining symptom. The Class’s prayers are with him. In August, Tom and BOB BERRY were recognized at the Golf Course Renovation dedication in Hanover. Tom had chaired the fund-raising effort that added four holes to the course and fixed up the rest of it. President Jim Wright laid a nice gift from the College on Tom for his good work.
-In a Wall Street Journal article, "Recruiters Are Hit Hard", Higbee Associates, Inc. was highlighted as a small recruiting firm that has had to down-size and to broaden its horizons. President BOB HIGBEE is working off his dining room table and communicates with his remaining staff by email at their homes. His practice of placing consultants and corporate finance folk now includes non-profits and "smaller firms without HR departments." Cleverly, Bob is also peddling downloadable software, "YourJobSearcher", for use by individuals.
-A fine trivia question from PERRY WESTON - "Early in our freshman year, we all took an agility test - standing broad jump, rope climb, swim and some running event. I believe there were 7 or 8 in our Class who got an ‘A’ for what we did (I was one of them). Who were the others? Just curious." Check your 52-year-old memories.
-Vintner JOE MESICS, exhausted with photos and mentions of the Greek cruise, asks for a "Most Beautiful Mistress" contest. Wants some commentary on the art of aging polygamy or at least some vicarious tales from ‘54’s bachelors. Lastly, "Where is ALBIE DIXON?" The College directory shows only his name and an MD. The newsletter editor’s archives have "’55" penciled in - anybody know? Joe’s letter to the editor was printed in the latest Alumni Magazine (page 18). A Vox in Deserto call for an abandonment of athletic recruiting and a return to yesteryear’s teams of "walk-ons". "If you want to play intercollegiate sport, come to Dartmouth. if you want slavery go elsewhere." On page 14 of the same issue, JOEL LASKY weighs in on the reported violations of the honor Code. Another call for common sense and a dose of reality. The two letters have an underlying similarity - give ‘em a read. Also look for Joel’s upcoming letter in which he has at Professor Daryl Press for his article on "The Iraq Question."
-ALEC GRAY reported a viral message from PETE BULLIS’s email address and mentioned that he MARY had hoisted anchor in Minnesota for the balmier climes of Orlando.
-Amour turned out to be an ill-fated venture for investors and a mere bend in the road for veteran actor JOHN CUNNINGHAM. Closed after 31 previews and 17 performances. The cast got no lumps, even in the worst of the reviews - Broadway just wasn’t ready for something this whimsical, this French. Not missing a beat, John was in The Big Apple, doing voiceovers when the newsletter reporter called.
-From The Connecticut Valley Spectator: "Howe Library Plans Major Expansion" - Hanover’s library. In the article: "The most recent set of designs has been created by the library’s original architect, GERRIT ZWART. Zwart has come out of retirement to work on the expansion. He designed the current Howe building 28 years ago. Winters said he is very impressed with how the new design complements the original, but considering the same man has designed both, he said he wasn’t surprised."
-BRAD BORDEN forwarded a note from BOB MOWER, who had just lost his sister to cancer. Always a sad event in one’s life, but Bob seemed to have plenty of support. He included a front-page photo from The Sentinel, showing him setting out a major display of antiques in front of his establishment (see future newsletter) and asked that copies be sent to ED SCOTT and BUD MARTZ to show that he might "be down, but certainly not out" (they are in the mail)..
-HOWARD SLOANE and Judith pulled up stakes and moved - 712 San Mario Drive, Solana Beach, CA 92075-1605; (858) 259-9799. A new email address will be forthcoming.
HARRY ROBINSON’s charm in collecting Class dues generates lots of friendly notes:
-TED NOVASCONE mysteriously mentions that he and SANDI are now "free to travel."
-ED SCOTT happily paid the entire $85 in questionable Canadian funds.
-Even in the wilds of California, BOB WOODBERRY picked up on the initial stumbling in the College’s selection of a new athletic director.
-DON FETHEROLF first endured a total hip replacement and now revels in the loss of pain, limping and distraction. Absolute for the 50th.
-KATHLEEN FAST for Class queen! "I never know if STEPHEN’s dues are current, so I just keep paying until you tell me to stop."
-An understanding DICK GATES asks Harry whether there are term limits on his demanding job for the Class.
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BOB OSMOND serves as the Class’s Bequest Chairman and has forwarded the following:
Keep Your Plans Up to Date
There have been many changes in the estate tax laws over the past few years. Coupled with the big drop in the stock markets, your plans may no longer be optimized to achieve your goals for your family and favorite charities. Moreover, if you are reviewing your estate and have not included a bequest to Dartmouth, why not consider doing so now? Modifying your estate plan to support Dartmouth is easy, quick and will give you the satisfaction of knowing that you will have provided for our alma mater in perpetuity. Give me or the Gift Planning Office (800-451-4067) a call if you would like more information.
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Word has reached us of the death of D. LEE KVALNES. Lee had broken contact with the Class and the College and the only information available is date of death: July 27, 2002 (at home); wife Florence H. Kvalnes; Phd. The source of the information is a news-clipping service - no address, no telephone number. While the newsletter staff will pursue more information, it welcomes input from the Class. Every Classmate deserves proper mention.
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HOMECOMING
The usual - which in the case of the Great Class of 1954, means a convivial gathering, mildly interrupted by a disappointing football contest. Again, sixty of our stalwarts appeared, neatly sprinkled with new faces - DEKE and BETTY DESCOMBES, DAVE and LOUISE RANSOM, JOHN and MARY JANE HERMANN, DAVE and CHRISTA MARTIN and a few other "sometimers. We launched into the parade, well fortified by drink and hearty nibbles at the Inn and were mercifully spared the always chilly rituals before Dartmouth Hall by snow! As one might suspect, the ‘06s were undeterred and circled the bonfire with glee and frosted eyebrows. The Saturday morning Class meeting, which has become more of an entertainment than the usual snoozers of other classes, proceeded with DON BERLIN reporting the loss of six classmates in the intervening year. HARRY ROBINSON declared solvency, detailed some items relative to bank accounts, the increase in the cost of the Alumni Magazine, liability insurance and the continuance of disappointing returns from dues payers. RICK HARTMAN cited a drop in ‘54 giving, both in dollars and in participation. A spirited discussion ensued, with DAVE MCLAUGHLIN noting that "involved people give". The remarkable increase in the numbers of Classmates getting involved should show up in the numbers next year.
PETER KENYON noted that we are #6 in support and dollars given to the Sponsors Program. We were not able to support a second Rock Center intern this last year because of lack of funds. Discussion went forth as to other opportunities for Class support ( Dickey Foundation, administrative apprentices, etc.) with the topic being tabled - we will continue the support of Rock Center public service interns.
BOB ADNOPOZ noted that the remaining inventory of Class Awards is down to 4 - get your nominations in. Dot Fitch donated a framed 1954 Carnival poster.
The various event leaders outlined the ‘54 programs planned, detailed earlier in this letter. STEVE MULLINS re-pitched the idea of a 1954 mini-reunion in Chicago September 4-9. He and TOM TYLER are hosting and leading a number of activities in the Chicago area. PETE ANKENY is spear-heading an investigation of an Alaskan fishing expedition in 2004. DON BERLIN is the investigating another cruise mini.
Several aspects of the 50th reunion were bandied about. We are looking to the good offices of Dottie Fitch to encourage and enable the inclusion of widows. Along the same lines, BILL GROVER suggested some attention be paid to our single Classmates.
Our 50th reunion gift target is $8 million. DICK PAGE reported $1.2 million already committed. Noting that the needed large gifts will not come from current income and the sour current stock market situation, he and BOB BERRY will begin pursuing those most able to give in January - some 80 of us.
DICK BARKER happily delivered the 50th book project into the capable hands of BILL WHITE and WAYNE WEIL. Beginning in January, the thrust will be to garner bios and extensions on the theses followed in 1979’s Reflections.
Our 50th is a three-day event, including marching with the ‘04s in the graduation ceremony. Our connecting projects with 2004 are burgeoning: penpals and an expanding "time capsule" idea under BOB LEVINE’s leadership. We are blessed with an extraordinary intern at the Rauner Special Collections Library who has taken a simple idea and developed it into a meaningful, fascinating entity. Ideas and donations are still encouraged.
Rev. DAVE RANSOM closed the meeting with a purported Polish proverb: "There is so much good in the worst of us and so much bad in the best of us that it is rather difficult to tell which of us ought to reform the other."
Headline "Focus on the Future" tells the football story. DAVE MARTIN was nicely surprised at receiving the Class of 1954 Award at the post-game party. Dinner at the Montshire Museum was outstanding.
Dot Fitch’s thank-you for the ‘54 get well card ("bum tennis foot") included a poem:
"The card with ‘Happy Healing’
Just really made my day;
Your signatures, your comments ...
As Classmates, you’re OK!!
I wanted to be with you,
for fun that never ends.
And Homecoming is awesome
When spent with special friends!
The 50th Reunion
Means ‘Get Together More’
So, which Class if the Greatest??
The Class of ‘54!!!!!!
THE CLASS OF 1954 AWARD
DAVID KEITH MARTIN
Few men are blessed with the balanced combination of skill, wisdom, intelligence, imagination and the fortitude to stride successfully through the challenges of life in the style which you have. In 1950, you brought the spirit and energy of Nebraska’s Platte River to Hanover to blend with the grit and substance of New Hampshire’s granite. Your days at The Shattuck School reflected a broad range of interests including dramatics, athletics, journalism and even academics. You continued a multi-varied program of interests at Dartmouth. Almost as an afterthought was a major in English, as you plied the currents of Green Key, the Undergraduate Council, the Dartmouth Christian Union and, most notably, The Players.
Your penchant for the stage put you before us in a wide range of roles including Teddy Roosevelt’s constant cry of "Charge!" throughout Arsenic and Old Lace and Mr. Roberts’ captain. You were featured in The Players section of the Aegis in each of your years on campus with the presidency of the organization bestowed upon you in senior year. Thank you for the many hours of entertainment.
Then, out into the wide, wide world. "Peripatetic", in its most positive sense, best describes your fascinating series of mini-careers. By your own definition, communications has been the underlying theme, ranging into fund-raising, political campaigning, public relations, commentary in the mass media and counseling to both the educational and management communities. No one political party has been able to claim you as your energies tend in the direction of what you deem to be the right thing. Geographically, Colorado was your prime base for the first quarter century, then the dynamics of Washington, DC captured your attention and you became a commanding presence at the National Press Club and a noted commentator on CSPAN and in national syndication.
Dartmouth and your class have benefited from your participation in myriad ways. A year on campus in the late ‘60s for fund-raising. Class newsletter editor. The Alumni Council. Emcee of the DC Dartmouth Club’s presentations of "Webbys" to eminent Dartmouth graduates. Emcee at our 45th reunion.
You bask in the glow of the talent and success of your two daughters along with a beautiful granddaughter. Free-spirited Christa manages to charm you into more traveling now that there is time to smell the roses, and summers provide time for reflection at your lakeside retreat in Wisconsin.
You are truly an extraordinary man of our time and we are proud to count you as a classmate.
November 2002
Dick Lewis
President
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| Hosts Jerry and Dorothy Goldstein and daughter Bettina '92 | Tom Sayles, Bob Berry, Jim Wright and Fay Berry at the Golf Course Renovation dedication | Typical Zeta Psi intellectual discussion at the 70th:
Grassey, Page, Heston, Borden and Coffin |
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