1961

This month has been one in which I have gone through some intense and stunning personal changes. The column was not in my thoughts and I'm writing this way behind schedule. I'm therefore going to cop out and not give you much by way of either intelligent or heartfelt communication. Not from me anyhow. Next month I will be more together and we'll see what can be accomplished.

Jack Reno, out Head Class Agent, has asked for a forum to offer thanks for the Alumni Fund response so the rest of this column is his.

"Dear Joel: I think it appropriate, and, if you agree, I would appreciate a word of thanks from me in your column to everyone who gave to the Alumni Fund this year.

"Our class raised $14,200 with 60% of the class contributing. The average gift per man was $36, up 20% from last year. This was accomplished in a very tough year for all of us, and this fact makes it even more noteworthy that so many could contribute more than last year. Each of your gifts is sincerely appreciated.

"A very interesting article appeared in the New York Times several weeks ago in which several college presidents were talking about the financial crisis at their institutions. This drove me to make my own review of giving habits at Dartmouth. The classes from 1930-1939 this year averaged just under 75% participation and donated a total of $803,000. The classes of 1960 and 1961 had participations of 61½% and 60% respectively (1962-1965 averaged 53%). Had the classes of the '30's, upon whom the College must lean heavily, had our participation, it would appear they would have raised about 20% or $160,000 less than they did. This would pay salaries today of about six top professors. Take out the six best professors we had, and I think we could all agree that the quality of our educational experience would have been severely reduced.

"My point in bringing all of this up is that our class inevitably is going to be depended upon for more and more support. If our participation is going to dwindle steadily, some sacrifice in the quality of education will result. I personally feel that my college experience was too valuable to let that experience die for others. I don't think it is any overstatement to call this a national crisis which has been slowly building and will probably get worse.

"This is all a way of saying again thanks to those of you who have helped and to appeal to the rest of you urgently for new assistance. Sincerely, Jack."

Secretary, 156 West 73rd St. New York, N. Y. 10023

Treasurer, Box 804, Wall St. Station New York, N. Y. 10005