Change & Growth

OUR OLD AND VALUED FRIEND, Mr. William D. Parkinson '78, asks in a letter to the editor published last month, what the future may be for the tendency of alumni to band together in regional alumni clubs and associations, as compared to the traditional emphasis on strong class organization. It is our observation that the constantly growing and changing fabric of the life of the College is woven by the activities of both the classes and the alumni clubs. Both are essential to its pattern. They do not duplicate functions. If over-ambitious activities are avoided there should be room for a' keen interest and participation by alumni in activities both of their class and their alumni club or association.

The increase in number of alumni groups throughout the country, and the growth in importance of their work, is a trend that extends back a good many years. Of more recent vintage, and currently on the increase, is the development of alumni outing clubs. Several of the large alumni centers have established the "Dartmouth Outing Club of So-and-So," with enthusiastic membership, in some cases a cabin headquarters, and apparently in all instances answering a need for social and recreational activity in the tradition of the college, and far from city streets.

To us this is a movement of especial interest, and important too, in that it will bring men together who have a common interest, and who relate that interest to something in Hanover.

IN FOLLOWING THE ANNUAL CUSTOM of some years' standing we are presenting a sampling of undergraduate writing in this May number, and reports of student activity of varied nature. We suspect there is nothing in the way of Hanover news more attractive to the old grads (as soon as you're out of college you are one, you know) than to find out what's going on by talking to an undergraduate. An impression of what students are thinking about and what they are doing can be secured in the very limited material that we are able to include in this issue. Publishing an "Undergraduate Issue" is evidence of our respect for and confidence in the interests and talents of the student body.