Without question, the collective opinion of the '54s in attendance at the Class's ninth reunion was that we had just experienced the best of the best. All of the elements came together. Early forecasts of rain, plague, locusts and impotence gave way to brilliant, dry weather that virtually dragged one out to events. The student workers were superb - JOHN GILLESPIE schemed to marry the head worker, but when we discovered she was going on a post-reunion 50th birthday trip with her dad, we figured John would need to approach her grandfather! Both the Hanover inn and the Dartmouth Dining Association outdid prior performances with the quality of food and the efficiency of presentation. The suggestions from prior reunions were heeded and repasts were "caloried down" while remaining succulent.

150 classmates put in an appearance at one time or another. Several had to cancel at the very last moment, due to family (or patient) health concerns, including JERRY GOLDSTEIN, who was denied the option of selecting a nametag bearing JERRY or JERKY. A number of first-timers expanded the story-telling and memories aspect and built toward the potential of record-breaking Homecomings and the Fiftieth Reunion (John has the logo printed already). On the other hand, a number of '54s showed up with no prior notice - "Didn't I send you a check?". The request for "taking plastic" persisted with the time-honored derisive response from the other side of the registration desk. With BILL SHERMAN girding up to repeat as official first beer-quaffer, DICK TROWBRIDGE darted in and nabbed the kickoff suds-man award.

One of the bigger shocks of the gathering was the winsome SASHA KENYON, moving about tables, checking tee-off times for Dad PETER's tournament. No child of three should be allowed to show up at age 13 to remind us of the ticking clock. She did a fine job. IIERB IIII₁I~MAN managed the tennis tournament with his eyes shut. Thankfully, we were spared the ponderous reading of closest, farthest, first in, highest score, etc. We have arrived at that point where it doesn't matter as long as there was a general enjoyment of the activity and of each other.

Matter of fact, at the post-gathering of the sages (we dress up in hooded cloaks and sit around the Old Pine at 4:00am), the near-perfectness of (lie reunion was attributed to our stage of life -post-65. The field is officially level. It doesn't matter how successful you were, how much hair you don't have, the fact that your waist measurement exceeds your height, etc. We were there for a good time and we had one! DICK LEWIS, as promised, laid off any arm-twisting for the Alumni Fund and the last-minute discussions with potential gift-increasers were held in gentle surroundings with tea.

Our reunions, over time, have been managed by a small group of dedicated specialists and their wives, creating a long-standing esprit d'corps, coupled with the best-qualified people doing what they do best. Their names will be prominent in the following recitation of events.

Our Class tent was conveniently located at the top of Tuck Drive, providing easy walking access to every venue and town. Japanese lanterns and carefully selected hanging flowers (SANDY GILLESPIE) made the '54 tent the envy of other reuning classes, who would come and stand in awe across the street. At registration, classmates were greeted by an immediate demand for a check (PETE BARKER), then presented with a distinctive-looking straw hat bearing an eye-grabbing white band with '54 numerals. For post-reunion times, an alternate band was supplied. SEAVER PETERS' son, Scott was the supplier and GAIL BARKER was the giver-outer, smacking hands that reached for a second hat. MANDY came through with a terrific silver pin for the distaff side, bearing the likeness of the Eleazerlindian weather vane on the top of Baker. The original mold for the pin was lost and the last-minute substitute - a more delicate one - proved to be popular enough to be worn by most. Our bridge-playing superstars, BOB SOKOLSKI and HAL CONNARO gave us, once again, a handy travel mug from their company, Whirly Industries. Several commented that they were still drinking out of the Whirly cup from the 25th! Wacky ED SCOTT, while not in attendance, sent a couple handfuls of Canadian

Maple Leaf lapel pins. They were sitting in a cup on the registration table and a few '54s, not wearing their glasses, thought they might be mints and almost got to see Dick's House for a little stomach-pumping action. Since the Gillespies will be moving to Boothbay Harbor, ME, John seized the opportunity to unload six reunions worth of giveaways and distinctive '54 items. The DICK STEINBERG Parker pens from the 25th were still popular and were full of ink. Ties, scarves, hats, etc. made for a memory lane boutique. For those interested, John still has five '54 ties left. Send $25 to him if you want one of these proud declarations of loyalty.

The JOHN HESTON-led Moosilauke venture attracted a goodly crowd who trooped to registration full of vigor and complaining of the lack of broccoli (!?). Those who ventured higher on the mountain on Monday got soaked and ended up presenting damp checks for the reunion tax.

Rounding out the reunion committee with stuffing, greeting, carrying, answering questions, etc. were stalwarts BARBARA and DICK BARKER and JANE and DICK PAGE. Although he and DONNA could not attend, CLARK DAVIS surpassed himself in the preparation of nametags and getting them to us swiftly. For the "walk-ins", BEULAH LAMPHER's flying fingers made everyone identifiable quickly.

The nearby Rockefeller Center Courtyard welcomed our opening cocktail hour and a butter-soaked "climb in with the food" lobster/steamers/corn dinner was done to perfection. BILL MURANE was stripped of his sobriquet, "Wild Bill" for showing up for the feast in coat and tie.

A fairly well-organized Alumni Glee Club, under the direction of Ort Hicks, Jr. '49, held forth at Spalding Auditorium and reportedly included the still mellow voices of MEAD METCALF (squiring new bride CAROLYN), LUKE CASE, JACK REED, DON BELCIIER, JOHN HESTON, HANK GREBE, JIM STEAD, LO-YI CHAN, LARRY TAYLOR, BEN GILSON and JOHN CUNNINGHAM.

Throughout the weekend, RON DUNTON (held in check, somewhat by his keeper, TERRY, could be seen cornering anyone not moving to proclaim the perceived civil injustices of the Trustees' implied decision to destroy every vestige of fraternities and sororities on campus. Forewarned by Ron's earlier, more structured letter ("Individual Diversity") to classmates, most gave him a fair listen. So taken with the cause, Ron did not get lip to trombone during the reunion and was last seen convincing a campus dog (Labrador) that her right to congregate only with bitches was protected by the Constitution. It's good to have a classmate who will stimulate us to do more than scan news of happenings on campus.

LO-YI CHAN held a large crowd spellbound at Tuesday's breakfast with an exciting description of the dynamics which molded the architecture, layout and redesign of the campus from its founding. As the College Planner, he provided insight into the rationale for changes yet to come. A sign of our seniority was the number of buildings being demolished that hadn't yet been built in 1954!

President Jim Wright acquitted himself well in front of a crowd that had been somewhat weakened from being Duntonized. A pamphlet included in the registration packet, "The Student Life Initiative at Dartmouth College" had set the stage for more informed discussions. There was a general thumbs-up on Jim's perceived capacity to lead and represent Dartmouth's inherent historical strengths.

Initial luncheon plans for escargot, foie gras and roast razorback had been scrapped by some strong-voiced spouses in favor of selected coldcuts, chicken and salads (plus the everpresent keg) at the River/Boathouse picnic. The setting was delightful and an easy stroll from the tent area. Walking back up the hill provided a close look at the major Tuck School construction of the (Fred) Whittemore '53 building.

Those gathered for the Reunion College's "From the Soviet Union to National Russia: A Dangerous Transition" were disappointed when Professor George Demko forgot to show up.

After a few decades of absence, WALT and AUDREY CLARKSON appeared (from New London, NH) to join the crowd for cocktails on the lawn of Baker Library. Had we done that as underclassmen, we would still be on social probation. Intimate groups of nine were guided through the Rauner Special Collections Library (old Webster Hall) and every nonet had at least one raconteur, reminiscing about freshman flicks.

DAVE MARTIN emceed the post-dinner program in the West Wing of the Alumni Gym. The theme was athletic prowess and those who had achieved it. "Wearers of the Green" is a program which recognizes Dartmouth athletes who have reached national and international prominence in their sports. Our Class has had its share and STEVE MULLINS, JOHN HEYN and JERRY EVANS were asked to acknowledge the applause from the Class for excellence in swimming and crew. Those not present included JONATHAN MOORE, DUNC ROBERTS, TOM CORCORAN and PETER KIRBY (Olympic bobsled). A nostalgic film, Wearers of the Green, was shown with the gravelly narration of our own SEAVER PETERS. Then, in a burst of inclusive enthusiasm, Dave asked all letter-winners to stand, then managers, then numeral winners, stopping short of highlighting classmates who knew athletes. The atmosphere of the gym was charged with energy as each jock leapt to his feet. Well not exactly "leapt".... The dinner was capped with YVONNE KOLBE giving dulcet voice to a trio of Irish tunes - green from the auld country.

Back at the tent, the wheels came off the wagon. The original plans were to have the Fred Haas trio be joined by a few elderly '54s (Sultans) for some music reminiscent of our younger years. What happened was a major jam session that drew reuners from tents all over

campus. Turns out that a group of Dartmouth musicians from the early '5Os (plus a cat name of ~l~,'nbone Carson) had gathered in the woods for some jazz, then moved the whole thing to the '54 tent en masse. For those who have memories of our music back then, the musicians were Bob Poor '53 (bass), Ron Thorburn '51 (piano), MIKE BIGGS '54 (piano), MIKE PAYSON '54 (drums), Jim Wheaton '53 (valve trombone), Rev. Walt Grevatt '52 (bass), RON DUNTON '54 (trombone), Bob Lonsbury '53 (clarinet), plus DEAN HILDEBRANDT '54 (bari sax) and a couple of students and a local man on trumpet. It was truly an "event"! And these guys are all in their late '60s!

Wednesday was the kind of day that several one-day reuners zeroed in on. Mike Choukas '51 led a group of about 30 on a bird-walk that delivered the promised models and species of winged friends. The memorial service, put together by DAVE RANSOM and TOM KELSEY and presided over by Reverend Dave, was an interactive one and included some original music. Each of our 105 deceased classmates was mentioned and remembered in Rollins Chapel.

The Class meeting in Silsby was a melange of information, change and some good humor. President BOB BERRY first introduced new classmate CARRIE PELZEL, Dartmouth's Director of Development, then announced that Chi Phi fraternity had once again drawn the largest number (nine) to the reunion. With the superb timing of a stand-tip comedian, SHELLY WOOLF proclaimed that Pi Lam had seven and needed only three more for a minion. HARRY ROBINSON surpassed prior Treasurer's reports with a dazzling recitation of our finances and the constant condition of 395 dues-payers supporting 570 Alumni Magazine subscriptions and the newsletter. RICK HARTMAN underlined the prominence of the Class in College support with over $3 million in life-income trusts. BOB VORSANGER reported on Class projects, including memorial books, a $500 contribution to the Athletic Sponsor Program and support of student intern Jacob Licht in a program, "Bridges to the Community" in Nicaragua. BOB ADNOPOZ appealed for nominations for the Class of 1954 Award (a list of all recipients will be published in the next newsletter).

PETE KENYON, our retiring Alumni Council representative and former Vice Chairman of the Student Life Committee, assured the assemblage that no firm decisions had been reached relative to the Trustees' Five Principles and that a great deal of activity was in progress toward programs that included the input of all constituencies. He reported that: the Alumni Fund was $1.5 million ahead of schedule; a unique program, "Green Bikes", provides old, rehabilitated bicycles which students may ride to a destination, then leave for the next one needing transportation; 20% of the entering class had 800 SATs; financial aid now amounts to $8 million; 8500 alumni are on the College's email network; and that the Alumni Council, in an effort to reduce its size, now assigns one alum for each two classes - we will be represented by Bernie Sudikoff '53.

Newsletter editor PETE BARKER confessed that he and DON BERLIN had missed their target of mentioning every classmate over the past five years by about 90, then mentioned two of the unmentioned who were present - BILL GOULD and JIM TOFIAS, dropping the miss to 88.

In anticipation of presenting a check to President Wright at dinner, DlCK LEWIS announced that we had reached our target of $1,054,000, but only with the 'overgenerous support of our "big hitters". "Lesser hitters" were reminded that there were still a few weeks during which to send cheeks. 25 to 30 '54s account for 70% of our gift. Our check set a new College record for a 45th reunion and we have continued to set records in all the intervening years. Happily, we enjoy a higher participation at lower levels than most classes. Adding in the Class's contributions to other Dartmouth programs, we will account for over $1.3 million in gifts for the 1998-1999 period. Dick then announced that RICK HARTMAN had agreed to take on the Head Agent job and roll us into our 50th reunion. He then reverted to a heavy Downeast accent and explained to Rick that flind-raising was like lobstering - you take the bait and put it in the trap; then you lay the traps out and wait for a while; then you go back to the traps and see what's crawled in. Presenting a '54 bucket to Rick, Dick reminded him that it was "bait out, lobsters in".

Nominating chairman DICK PAGE read off the slate of new officers and appointed folks (newsletter, projects, class award, etc.). The vote was unanimous to accept the nominations. The list, including several repeaters, can be read on the masthead of this newsletter. Delaware Chief Justice NORM VEASEY administered oaths of office (compiled from a strange variety of sources) which ended in "so help me, Eleazer!".

President BERRY was generous in presenting gifts to those who had served the Class, including his understanding wife, FAY. Incoming president DICK LEWIS returned the favor, then, in a magnanimous gesture, refused the gavel, designating the rest of the reunion as Bob's. (Editor's note: when informed of the newsletter's policy of editorial independence of the Class's executive branch, there was a visible curl of the lip.)

ROD ROCKEFELLER jetted in for Hamburgers at HESTON's with RON LEHRMAN in tow. JOHN CUNNINGHAM drove up with BRUCE CLASSON as his date. TED EVERETT came for the popular event as did several others. Once again, the longest drive into Occum Pond contest failed to produce a single wallop of the dimpled sphere.

The art exhibition mounted by DICK DANFORTH, PETE BULLIS and ROSEMARY MANDELBAUM offered up the works of BARBARA LEVINE, ANNE HARTMAN, MARGE TOMCHUK, DICK DANFORTH, PETE BULLIS and MEREDITH MYSERIAN to a constant flow of '54s through Collis Hall.

Cocktails in the Hopkins Center Garden Court Patio gave us a pleasant downhill walk to the Class Banquet in the gym. Toastmaster DICK PAGE presided over the evening with his customary style and grace. Presentation of our Class gift to President Jim Wright was made and he graciously accepted it with many fine words for the Class of 1954. Trustee David Shribman '76, the Washington Bureau Chief for the Boston Globe, our Banquet Speaker, blended a number of significant points into a fascinating look at ourselves, the College and life. While a full copy of the address can be had by contacting your editor, here are a few nibbles: we have lived one-third the life of our country and our College; we learned "in black and white", then lived in "the agonizing grays of the second half of the century"; his birth year of 1954 makes him a member of our class .... ; '545 influencing his life include JOHN POPE, JOHN HESTON, LO-YI CHAN, ROD ROCKEFELLER, DICK PAGE, SEAVER PETERS, DAVE McLAUGHLIN, JON MO()RE and several others; Dartmouth is not a college it is a cult.

RICK HARTMAN appeared to be genuinely surprised at being awarded the Class of 1954 Award (although he was wearing a tie and gave flawless acknowledging remarks). See the citation on the last page. ANNE HARTMAN and DON BERLIN served as undercover agents in developing the rationale and testimony for the award.

Compounding the surprises, President-Emeritus McLAUGHLIN summoned JOHN and SANDY GILLESPIE to the stage for special recognition of the millions of dollars John has generated for the College from his leadership of the Parents' Fund and, indirectly, from his brilliant leadership of our reunions.

Then we listened to music, had breakfast and went home.

Editor's note: there is a ton of material received prior to reunion, plus many more reunion anecdotes/photos - next newsletter!

BEE

IN MEMORIAM

THOMAS QUIN KONG, MD

"TQ" was a well-liked classmate, a dedicated member of Chi Phi fraternity and a respecte(l physician. In his later years, he developed a strong interest in genealogy and had traced his family's roots back into time, including a visit to the small house in Hawaii where his father, Walter '29, was born. We were privileged to have Tom and Patti with us at our 40th reunion. The following obituary was supplied by DICK

LEWIS:

Dr. Thomas Q. Kong, Sr., 66, of Ventura, CA, died Thursday, April 1 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago after a long and courageous battle with acute leukemia.

He was born in San Diego, CA of the late Helen and Walter Kong who raised him in Santa Barbara, CA. He graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1950, Dartmouth College in 1954 and Cornell Medical School in 1958. He served his medical internship and residency at St. Vincent's Hospital in New York City and completed his cardiovascular sub-specialty training at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. A devoted and respected cardiologist, Dr. Kong was a founding partner of Ventura Cardiology Consultants. He served on the staff of Community Memorial Hospital for 34 years and Ventura County Hospital for more than 25 years. He was a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA.

Dr. Kong met his wife PATTI, a nurse, at St. Vincent's Hospital in New York City while serving his medical residency. They manried in 1962 and returned to Ventura, CA where he practiced cardiology and they raised their family.

Surviving are Patti and their four sons: Dr. Thomas Q. Kong, Jr. '85, Michael B. Kong '87, Peter K. Kong '89 and Stephen W. Kong '90, and three grandchildren.

RUEL STEVENSON SMITH

Ruel Smith died February 15, 1999. The following is reprinted with the permission of his daughter, Linda:

"People who knew Ruel will perhaps remember him most for his sense of humor. And that is true for us, his children (Steve, Andrew and Linda). He had the kind of humor which went right to the funny bone and it made him a fun person to be around. I'm sure he was always like this.

He loved people. I think he was one of the most loyal of friends. I don't think I ever heard him say an unkind thing about anyone. One of his true gifts was that of compassion. He was sensitive and gentle and loved children and animals; they loved him in return.

Many know that he was struck early with the affliction of alcoholism. This lasted for many years, into our adulthood. Our parents were divorced in the early '70s and we had less time with him, though he always managed to go to my brothers' baseball games. In his late '40s, he conquered the alcoholism through the assistance of Alcoholics Anonymous. I have been told that he also helped others with their addictions and I believe it. So, in some ways, I only got to know him as a sober person at that time. It was a very positive thing to see him begin a new life, renewing an interest in music, especially jazz. and even taking trips to visit us. Unfortunately, a few years later at the age of 51, he suffered a massive stroke which put him into a coma for nearly 2 months. My brother Steve was at his side for part of almost each day and, perhaps because of this contact, my father emerged from the coma, though he was completely paralyzed, except for one arm, plus he retained the ability to speak. The last 16 years in 2 nursing homes were his "new" life - the difficulty - horror - of the "locked-in syndrome" , yet he never became bitter or angry. His true personality and strength came through with humor and kindness. He was a humble and generous man

You make us proud. We are delighted to honor you with The Class of 1954 Award.