1938

I am just returned from the Class Officers' Weekend at Hanover. This two-day interlude of panels, meetings, and speeches is intended to bring the alumni of the various classes, through their officers, into a closer contact with the College and its administrators and students. I was so impressed by the program and by the spirit and enthusiasm of the new administration that I am going to forego the usual chit-chat.

Paul Urion, Bob Manegold and I attended for the Class of 1938. Also in attendance at various times were Gil Tanis, John Scotford and John Rand as members of the administration. Classes from 1904 through 1970 were represented by their officers making a record attendance of about 400 the great majority of whom appeared to be middle Americans who shared with me a distrust of student protest, an aversion to extremes in dress and hair style and a resistance to the trend toward GFP, the administration's term for coeducation, "greater feminine presence." While these attitudes persisted at the conclusion of the two-day program I had a much greater understanding of both students and administration, and their problems.

The issue of GFP was the subject of a panel discussion chaired by Leonard Reiser, Provost and Dean of Faculty, and attended by the class officers and groups of undergraduates including the current membership of Green Key. Dean Reiser explained that the issue could not be ignored in view of the undergraduate demand. The students who spoke stated that it was unrealistic to live in a community without girls and that it benefited the classroom to have female comment. The alumni queried as to why one would apply for Dartmouth knowing there were no girls and the answer was that Dartmouth without girls was great and girls would make it even greater. The alumni were not convinced and expressed doubt that GFP would be beneficial in any way and in general they felt bound by tradition to uphold Dartmouth maleness. At conclusion, the sense of the administration seemed to be that coeducation is inevitable and it only remains to devise the mechanics for achieving same with the present facilities. All alumni will be informed by the College on this subject and will be polled in the near future.

At a meeting of all the class officers three students from the class of '72 spoke of their experiences teaching in ghetto areas. This project was sponsored by the Class of '52 under the Tucker Foundation and serves as an example of the social awareness and concern of the present-day undergraduate.

Following the Saturday luncheon given by the College we were addressed by the new president, John G. Kemeny. He left no doubt as to the vigor and dedication he brings to his office and his regard for the history and tradition of Dartmouth. He cited the great changes initiated by the several administrations and he put across the argument that further great changes would be in the Dartmouth tradition. The address concluded with a solemn pledge to lead the College into its third century. A standing ovation followed Mr. Kemeny's address.

More than ever the College must look to alumni support to meet the challenge of the times and maintain its tradition of leadership and in this regard I am pleased to report that as of May 1, 1970 the Class of '38 is leading the Green Derby in competition with the classes from 1934 to 1940. Bob Hallock, Class Agent, and his team of helpers have done a tremendous job but our lead is slim and we need all the help we can get from those not yet heard form.

Please note the following changes of address: Charles C. Bullock, Box 131, Joplin, Mo. 64801; Charles E. Blumenauer, 3533 Mine Lane Rd., Easton, Pa. 18042; Patrick H. Gorman, 912 Milford Lane, Louisville, Ky. 40207; Richard H. Heneage, New Hartford, Conn. 06057; Henry R. Reeve, Pine Valley Rd., Box 1173, Oyster Bay, N. Y. 11771; Lloyd R. Wurster, 911 W. Linden St., Allentown, Pa. 18101.

Secretary, 64 Cormack Court Babylon, N. Y. 11702

Class Agent. 15 Damon Rd., Holden, Mass. 01520