1932
Bob Buckley has accepted the request of our president Bo Wentworth to serve as Reunion Chairman for our so-cailled "35th," to be held jointly with '33 and '34 in June 1968. We can look forward to well-planned activities under Bob's leadership. If some of you are called on to act as deputies, I know that you will accept. The planning starts officially in Hanover on May 12-13 at the Class Officers' meetings.
Anne and I have been to every '32 reunion. Anyone else who can claim that much fun? The peak came when our "30th" coincided with Jim's graduation in '63. That took planning!
Irv Kramer is already looking ahead to June '68, when he also has a graduation. Irv, the reunion dates are June 17, 18, and 19.
Bob Ackerberg sends a note which fits here: "Tom Kiddoo and I survived a most sobering talk about the 35th. He asked if we would look as old to the seniors as the class of '97 looked to us in 1932. This prospect was completely deflating for some 30 seconds; however, we concluded that his question was too personal for a snap answer and that careful investigation in '68 was in order. By a happy coincidence, my nephew is '68. I hope to see you in Hanover."
I like the conclusion reached by Bob and Tom. At this stage, to claim a compression of relative ages in our accelerated society would only invite adverse debate, probably supported by apt remarks attributed to Aristophanes, Ben Franklin or Mark Twain. We might try a discussion panel at reunion with some '68 graduates on the subject: "We're closer to you than they were to us."
Again — in context - is the first part of a note from Russ O'Brien. He asks: "Why shouldn't '32 reune with '31 and '30 on alternating basis?" Russ, the Plan calls for '32 to reune with '31 and '30 in 1976. In 1972, we will be without nearby classes. Would you care to file a suggestion with the Establishment?
Russ' note continues: "Busy with corporate acquisitions - mergers. Our firm, Russell O'Brien Associates, Inc., headquartered in New York, is exclusively engaged in this fast-moving area. One of our stellar associates is Frank Hodson '31, the former president of Holland House Coffee. Active home life - two Dartmouth sons - '62 and '70.
"Traveling in Spain and British Isles this spring. Will see you in Hanover (which is better than ever) in '68!"
Bob McConnochie gives us a good, current outline: "Job - training director, Michigan Dept. of Mental Health. Moved here 3 years ago from Boston after getting tired of traveling for Sheraton Corp. Family - wife Alice works as secretary in Michigan State University Alumni Office, East Lansing. Daughter Joy graduates in June from M.S.U. General — we like it here. Enjoy the cultural and educational advantages of living in a college town. Reminds me of my undergraduate days in Hanover. Political - we have a great governor here in George Romney, perhaps our next President."
Milt Alpert has been named Special Assistant to the Governor for the Constitutional Convention by Nelson Rockefeller '30. New York is trying to "modernize" its constitution. Milt, who has held a number of responsible legal positions in the N. Y. State Government over a period of 23 years, is now Deputy Commissioner and Counsel to the Office for Local Government. He began his governmental career in 1935 in New York City, under Mayor LaGuardia, where he was Assistant Corporation Counsel. Milt is active in civic activities in the Albany area. He and Lillian have two children - a married daughter and a son Bruce who is a pre-med student at Dartmouth.
Frequently, I receive a clipping on a classmate upon his being granted an award or a new office. In many cases, the story covers a long, distinguished history of personal progress, civic action and community involvement that has been largely unreported in these columns. I suggest that it would be better to learn of these things as they happen, particularly since limitations of space prohibit describing a full life. For example:
Martin L. Leich, president and general manager of radio station WGBF, was recently named winner of the Evansville, Ind., Advertising Club's Silver Medal Award. He joined the station as an announcer and copywriter after our graduation in 1932. Marty has been affiliated with other stations over the years. He was an officer in the Navy during 1942-1946. In 1965 he, with members of his family, purchased WGBF.
Marty is a member of the board of directors of the Evansville United Fund, Chamber of Commerce, the Vanderburgh County chapter of the American Cancer Society, Southwestern Indiana Broadcasters' Assoc., and Peoples Savings Bank. He is also treasurer of Willard Library. He has served as an officer in many organizations. In 1940 he received the Evansville Junior Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award for his work with underprivileged boys.
Marty is married to the former Janet Van Winkle and they are the parents of a son and a daughter.
Based on the full record, I would guess that many people in Evansville have heard Marty's voice and followed in his footsteps.
Classmates - heed the story of the Alumni Fund and do well for the College on behalf of yourself and the Class of 1932!
Secretary, 3154 Kenney Dr. Falls Church, Va. 22042
Class Agent, Route 1, Box 3331, Issoquah, Wash. 98027
