Receives Dartmouth Alumni Award
The Dartmouth Alumni Council's highest honor and token of esteem, the Dartmouth Alumni Award, was conferred on LeroyLafferty '15 (r) at the annual dinner of the Dartmouth Club of Essex and Morris at West Orange, N. J., on April 5. John D. Dodd '22 (1), Trustee of the College, made the presentation for the Council and read the following citation:
JAMES LEROY LAFFERTY '15
When searching the files for interesting events in the Dartmouth life and times of Laff Lafferty, the first item to appear was a letter, dated in early October, addressed to the Dartmouth College Athletic Council which read: "I have not received applications for football tickets for this season. Will you please send same."
The initial pink-cheeked embarrassment of the College for this fumble was turned quickly into deep red chagrin by the quiet dignity of your simple request for another set.
This happened some years ago, but if it should be repeated it might then be the occasion to look for a new Athletic Director. Considering all you have done for athletics and admissions, you are entitled to prompt, hand delivery of football ticket applications by the two Directors personally.
After being graduated from Harvard Law School in 1918 you became Sergeant Major, Provost Marshal General, War Department, Washington, D. C. With a little rearrangement of the order of those impressive titles, "Black Jack" Pershing would have had to come to you for advice and orders.
That you were worthy of these responsibilities was proved by your early admission in New Jersey as counselor-at-law and as a member of a law firm, all within three years after the end of World War I. You have been in general practice successfully since then.
When not grilling hostile witnesses at the Bar, you are likely to be found grilling docile chickens in the no-stoop, no-squat, no-squint outdoor kitchen of your own design. In addition to this continuing contribution to the inner man, you have been a long-time dedicated member and sometime president of the Verona Board of Education, and chairman of the Essex County Welfare Board. Further, the accolade you received from the brethren of the Bar a few years ago showed their gratitude for your important part in making the Essex County Foundation a living reality. And so goes your life of service for others.
With abiding gratitude for your devotion to the College and in recognition of your many years in enrollment service and your valued Class leadership as Bequest Chairman and as a high Green Derby finisher when you were Head Agent for the Alumni Fund,- it is our honor to present to you the Dartmouth Alumni Award.
