President's Letter Summer 2004

Dear Classmates and Special Others,

It seems like summer just began in Hanover, but its already time to begin planning for our annual fall mini-reunion. As you know, we are celebrating early again this year (October 8-10, at the height of the leaf-peeping season). Our joint activities with the classes of ・9 and ・1 for part of the weekend the last several years were so successful that the classes of ・1, ・7, ・8, ・2 and ・3 have moved their minis to the same weekend and are joining in some of the events, so it 痴 a special opportunity to see old friends that we haven 稚 crossed paths with in Hanover for close to half a century!

Our weekend starts at 1pm on Friday with two interesting lectures and discussions, open to all the above classes. Last year the class of '60 initiated the idea of reading the book assigned to the incoming Dartmouth class and then discussing it with the faculty member who chose the book and lectured on it during freshman week. It proved to be a successful way to briefly walk in the shoes of this generation of students, so we're repeating the event. The book this year is Refuge by Terry Tempest Williams, available in paperback by Vintage Books division of Random House, only about 300 pages and a fairly quick but very stirring read. The faculty member who selected the book is Dean Carol Folt, Professor of Biological Sciences, who has recently been appointed Acting Dean of the Faculty. She has tentatively agreed to meet with us, subject to her new responsibilities as Dean not conflicting (in which case she will help us recruit another appropriate faculty member). This year we will also invite a small group of students to participate in the discussion part of the session to give us their perspective on the book. Get the book now and make it part of your summer reading!

Following that, Linda Fowler, Professor of Government and Former Director of the Rockefeller Center of Public Studies, will speak on 的s This Any Way To Pick A President ・ a topic of interest this election year (but she will not get into the current presidential race). She 値l also recruit some students who have worked on the campaigns over the summer to relate their experiences (again, no political speeches).

Then we 値l socialize with the other classes at a joint cocktail reception in Alumni Hall. That evening there will be a buffet dinner for just our Class at Mt. Roeschmore.

Saturday starts with our annual Class Meeting featuring conversations with the many students we 致e sponsored in various ways, followed by the usual scrumptious tailgate, assorted afternoon activities and our gala Class Dinner in Collis Hall (catered by the Hanover Inn).

Sunday there 痴 an optional buffet brunch at the Inn for all classes and again the opportunity for all sorts of additional activities. Roger and Ann Hanlon will organize a hike of appropriate difficulty for anyone interested, with refreshments at their charming home in Thetford afterwards.

Since this is Columbus Day weekend, some of you will be able to stretch your visit into Monday. Roger offers to help with ideas and advice on how to make arrangements for everything from canoe/kayak adventures to selected seasonal driving tours, good restaurants and, of course, more fun hikes! 860-521-5687 or 802-785-2798 or  HYPERLINK "mailto:JRHanlon@DBH.com" JRHanlon@DBH.com.

Please complete and return the enclosed sign-up form for the various events/ activities by no later than September 15, but the sooner the better as some events have limited capacity. And please enclose your check for the Class Dinner. This is the only event you must pay for in advance; you 値l note that most events are free of charge.

Since it is certain to be a busy weekend, don 稚 delay in making your room reservations; a listing of local alternatives is enclosed.

Now for some exciting Class News. The enclosed letter from our award-winning Head Agent Ken Johansen tells of an amazing record-breaking year by the Class for the Dartmouth College Fund. Many kudos to Ken and his hard-working agents! And thanks to all who participated in helping us set the dollars and participation records!

Finally, while you have your calendars out, mark June 13 to 16 of 2005 for our fantastic 45th Reunion co-chaired by Dick Chase and Bill Gundy. If you liked the last one, you 値l find even more to like about this one!

See you in October!

Rick Roesch, President