It is with heavy heart that I report the deaths of two more classmates this month. Steve Dorsey succumbed to cancer March 10 at Bethesda Naval Hospital, ending a brilliant career in the Foreign Service. Also, word was received belatedly that Bill Rose died of a heart attack two years ago April 29, in Albuquerque, N. M., where he had lived since the early 50's.
Bill Hands was the first to advise of Steve's serious illness. Bill stopped in Rome, during his recent globe-girdling trip, and tried to contact Steve at the embassy, where he was Consul General. He was told Steve was stricken in late November, and flown back to Bethesda for treatment. His passing came as a shock to classmates far and wide. The class extends its deepest sympathy to both families. More complete details will be found in the "In Memoriam" section of this or a subsequent issue.
It seems most appropriate, at this time, to report on the class Memorial Project. This was established many years ago to honor deceased classmates. Each year a project is selected by the executive committee, based on the needs of the College, and these projects have ranged from last year's exhibition of Sorrel Etrog's sculpture to book collections for Baker Library.
This year's project is completely different from anything we have done in the past. It is a portable Elizabethan Stage for use by The Players. In Warner Bentley's well-chosen words, its purpose: "Since moving into Hopkins Center, we have not been able to tour a show, since the shows were designed for our stage and there are no stages like it in our area. This portable Elizabethan stage will make it possible for us to tour different types of plays. Also, we can use it for our outdoor production in the Garden Court of Hopkins Center. Its first use will be in May for our production of 'Comedy of Errors.' Class of 1935 Memorial Copy will be carried in the program for this performance."
In a recent column, I spoke of the global nature of our lives in recent years. This was reiterated as I sat with Reg Bankart and BillHands at the Dartmouth Club in New York. Comparing notes, we found that Bill, Reg, and Dero Saunders all were in Paris within a 10-day period, on separate business missions. Reg, incidentally, has just been elected a director of his advertising agency, and is involved in familiarizing himself with the world-wide scope of the agency's operations.
Bill's round the world trip was his second in less than a year, but he quickly reassured us that it was not all glamorous. He spoke nostalgically of a week in Libya, amid Quonset huts, with as he put it a "small stretch of sand, extending 100 miles in all directions." Bill's mission, it seems, was to sell some specialized rubber hose to the local oil sheiks (and American petroleum companies) at $300 a foot. Reg and I swiftly concluded that, at those prices, someone was taking quite a hosing.
Advance reports from George Colton indicate a goodly group will attend the fall reunion, Sept. 27-28. In fact, George says advanced reservations are greater than usual, so, if you're hoping to attend, better dash off a note to George immediately and a check for $14 to pin down your accommodations. As those who have attended previous soirees will attest, this is a particularly enjoyable get-together and one you shouldn't miss.
Chuck Brown is engaged in a fascinating venture, and one that may have appeal to classmates as they approach retirement age. As vice president of International Executive Service Corporation, he is sending retired American businessmen all over the world to help counsel and work with businesses in the developing countries. The program involves a broad spectrum of talents, from general management to narrow areas of specialty.
In the past year, this volunteer program has aided companies in some 40 different countries. The usual mission is for roughly three months, and may involve anything from banking and general industry to tourism, advertising and merchandising. Every effort is made to match up the specific industry and experience requirement with the men volunteering. It's sort of an old-age Peace Corps project, and is affectionately known to one and all as "Paunch."
All assignments are made only on specific request from a company needing help, in one of the developing countries. But Chuck is constantly on the look for talent, and, if the prospect of retirement appears boring and you have abilities that might be utilized, he urges you to contact him. His address is International Executives Service Corporation, 545 Madison Avenue, New York 10022.
There was an excellent turnout of '35ers for the kick-off meeting of the Alumni Fund drive in New York. Ralph Lazarus, as general chairman, and Reg Bankart were at the head table. Others in attendance were BobNaramore, Bobb Chaney, Em McMullen,Carl Funke, and Art Fisher. The fund is off to a fine start, and '35 is running fast, under the able leadership of Cramp Carrick. Last year, 136 Classmates joined the Century Club with contributions of $100 or more. So far, we have 78 members in the magic circle and are hoping to set new records for the class. So get that check in the mail, before you forget.
The group was sorry to learn that RalphLazarus, who must have the busiest schedule of any classmate, had had a recent bout with hepatitis. While this laid him low for awhile, it has slowed him down only slightly. Liquor, of course, is out, but Ralph, who is an indefatigable coffee drinker, still has that 30-cup percolator at his elbow as he handles his daily work-load in his sumptuous Cincinnati office.
Dean Couper and Jerry Spingarn were among those who sent me news clippings on Steve Dorsey. Jerry reported having recently been in Hanover for freshman fathers' weekend, and commented "life in Hanover looks very attractive." Dean will be heading to the North Country in June for the graduation of son Frank, best known to football goers as The Dartmouth Indian. But Dean is especially proud that, in addition to his many extracurricular activities, Frank made Phi Beta Kappa.
Fritz Beebe was among three alumni honored by "The Dartmouth," at their annual banquet in February for distinguished contributions in the fields of journalism and public service. Fritz, of course, is chairman of Newsweek, and has had a major role in guiding this publication's fine growth. Unfortunately, Fritz was ill at the time and could not attend the presentation ceremony.
Ed Mitchell reports that his roommate and fellow Texaco executive, Curt Lamorey, has just been made manager of Texaco's International Marine operations for Europe. Curt flew into New York for brief conferences on his new assignment, and had a pleasant visit with Ed and Peg. They plan to visit the Lamoreys, in turn, in June when they fly to London with the twins to visit their daughter, Sandy, and her English husband.
A belated news clipping from the college announces Bill Dodge's marriage to Mrs. Morse Currier on Valentine's Day. Bill is in the construction business, and they will make their home in Wellesley Hills.
Our mail has been running awfully light of late. How about dashing off a line about yourself, or fellow classmates.
Secretary 840 Westcliff Deerfield, Ill. 60015
Class Agent, Ter Bush and Powell, Inc. 224 Harrison St., Syracuse, N. Y. 13202