1951

It is with great regret that I begin this spring column with note of the untimely passings of Paul Hodgdon and of Pete Henderson's wife Nancy. Our hearts go out to both of their families. An obituary on Paul appears elsewhere in this or a future issue.

In these times of family, national, and international tragedy, despair, disenchantment, and distrust, any sensible and sensitive individual knows that we need bridges across the generation gap, the racial gap, the sectional gap, the political gap, and God only knows how many other gaps. If bridges are not maintained where they exist, built where they do not exist, and rebuilt where they have collapsed, I fear that our country will fly apart from sheer centrifugal force.

I am afraid that the passage of time has, for a great variety of reasons, allowed many of the once solid bridges among classmates, and between individual classmates and the College, to fall into disrepair. This I regard as a tragedy not only for College and country but also for ourselves. Every time another bridge gets washed out, we are all the poorer for it.

What I am trying to say very imperfectly is that in times such as these, I think that reunions at colleges like Dartmouth, whose sons both came from and now roam the girdled earth, serve a far deeper purpose than meets the eye. With face-to-face contact, lubricated by fun and nostalgia, the gaps seem miraculously to disappear and the bridges to reappear.

I saw this happen in Hanover a month ago when the largest delegation of class officers ever returned for their annual spring weekend of meetings. They are by no means stereotypes; there are just as many divergences and disagreements among them as are found in the non-Green world.

Alumni knowledge of new American involvement in Cambodia and the immediate student reaction thereto, and a Friday night program on the ongoing study of possible coeducation at Dartmouth which bombed badly and angered many, led President Kemeny to throw out. his prepared speech and speak off the cuff at the Saturday luncheon which concluded the formal program.

Never have I seen any speaker at Dartmouth receive from any audience such a unanimous, sustained, standing ovation. By no means did all present agree with everything John Kemeny said. But through his combination of compassion, humility, intellect, and morality, he generated respect and understanding, which are the stuff from which bridges between individuals and peoples are constructed.

There were undergraduates on the scene and on the program, as well as other undergraduates some of us knew personally whom we sought out in dormitories and fraternity houses. Again, in spite of disagreements, sometimes quite fundamental, gaps were narrowed and bridges built.

I think our early 20th Reunion can do the same thing for those who come back - and you will get to hear John Kemeny. Reunion can be not only beer and fun and games but also much needed catharsis. All of which reminds me to remind you that you should not allow gaps to broaden and bridges to fall down by failing to do your best by the current Alumni Fund and Third Century Fund. By not supporting them, you do the same as those who burn administration buildings or, for that matter, withdraw from reality by shooting herein.

I do not want to appear too pessimistic. I happen to believe that, if we can bridge the generation gap, which is not that difficult, and harness the energies and idealism of the younger generation, its dedication provides a solid basis for real optimism in terms of solving our problems.

After this pall of gloom, I do have some good news to report on a few classmates. Charlie Russell has been promoted to assistant vice president of Affiliated FM Insurance Co. of Providence, R. I. He was previously assistant manager of the casualty department and an assistant secretary.

Nels Bellesheim, elected to his third term on the Paramus, N. J., Board of Education earlier this year, was then elected its president. He holds master's degrees in mechanical engineering and business administration from Dartmouth as well as his A.B. Nels has been active in both Boy Scouts and church work.

Then the old reliable New York Times recently reported the engagement of JohnGambling's son John, which means that we are reaching grandparent vintage. May Dartmouth '5l prove to be a fine vintage year - and not one which has soured!

I hope to see you in Hanover later this month!

Secretary, 2107 Fidelity Bldg. Philadelphia, Penna. 19109

Class Agent, Ex. Director CVPH Medical Center 100 Beekman St., Plattsburgh, N. Y. 12901