1950's 20th
The Twentieth Reunion of the Class of 1950 has gone into our history books as a very successful and enjoyable event. 'Tis true that Mother Nature was a little stingy with the sunshine supply, but this didn't dampen or restrict spirits, and any statements that you may hear about snowflakes being seen or that the winter ice hadn't gone out of Storrs Pond (scene of the Saturday afternoon outing) should be totally discounted! I can all too well vouch that there was open water in the pond, for although it was a bit cool for swimming, our youngsters caught enough tadpoles for a sizable nature project (despite considerable attrition during the journey home).
The advance guard of the class arrived on Thursday, June 18 for a day of academically oriented events. Reunion chairman Gerry Sarno and his lovely wife Ginny were among the early arrivals; to them and the many classmates - and wives - who assisted in the reunion program we extend our heartfelt thanks!
The registration desk at Fayerweather Hall was under the jurisdiction of DickDale; Jim Lyons was on hand to supervise the financial aspect. After this "due process" was effected, we were directed to KimSwezey's colorful collection of "Dartmouth 50" tee-shirts and baseball caps (for men and children) and green scarves (for the ladies).
The children had their own headquarters tent, where they were organized into two age groups; rumor has it that some of the elders first partook of the kids' lunch on Friday there instead of heading directly for the Class tent where the Tanzi brothers were dispensing a refreshing liquid lunch. From that point on the children had their own programs during much of the weekend, including swims in the new pool and campus tours. (Many adults also toured the campus, and took particular interest in the Kiewit Computation Center where the results of the 2nd Annual Computer Art contest were posted . . . they were truly amazing and remarkable to behold!) All kids were accounted for at the end of the weekend; any of those who wandered off in the meantime probably could be found observing the action at the various class tents.
Two of Friday's highlights were the excellent alumni dinner, held for all classes in the spacious Leverone Field House, and the address by President Kemeny that evening in the Spaulding Auditorium. As has been the case wherever Dartmouth's new president has spoken, he made a profound impression upon his audience. It is very evident that among his many outstanding qualities and talents is the ability to communicate effectively with people of all ages, and to administer a college which provides "vehicles" for constructive - not destructive - activism by its student body. He especially stressed the need for effective communication between groups - including that of the alumni with the College.
Those who traversed the greatest distances to attend Reunion were Dr. Cal Sia and his son Rick of Honolulu, and LenRadio of Paris. California's contingent included King and Charlene Kenny, Georgeand Maureen Harris, Dave Taylor, and BobTerrace. John and Rosemary Talley came in from New Mexico; John feels he may be of assistance to Dean "Doc" Dey '52 of Dartmouth's Tucker Foundation in helping the College locate promising American Indian youngsters in the Southwest for the ABC program. Southeastern representation included "Doc" and Nancy Irons, John andMaggie Mac Donald, Bob Jones, and Geneand Carol Ulrich. There was a strong midwestem group and a good turnout from the northeastern states. Joe Medlicott's Reunion Newsletter will include a complete listing.
Saturday's official program began with a question-and-answer type program in Spaulding Auditorium; panelists from the faculty and administration ably fielded numerous questions on "Dartmouth Today," including the continuing study of coeducation, the emergence of the "silent majority" as active participants in the vital issues of our time, and college finances.
The official class meeting and Memorial Service then was held in Faulkner Hall, in Hopkins Center. The wonderful turnout nearly filled the room. The Rev. CanonJames G. Birney conducted a truly inspiring service which memorialized our nineteen departed classmates; Paul Canada was the pianist. We hope that you'll read Jim's talk in a forthcoming Newsletter, for it was extremely meaningful and effectively delivered.
John Dwyer efficiently chaired the meeting, at which the reports of the treasurer, secretary, head agent, and chairmen of the memorial book, tree planting, and reunion committees were given. Nominating committee chairman Frank Harrington, then presented a slate of 37 men for the 1970-75 executive committee, a group which is larger in number than the outgoing body and which will provide better geographical representation. Next, a delegation of six was appointed to visit President-emeritus John Sloan Dickey to present him, on behalf of his "first Dartmouth Class," with an appropriate gift. Bob Kilmarx, chairman of this committee, after much consultation had selected a fine set of matched fishing rods. We found Mr. and Mrs. Dickey in their lovely new contemporary home on the Lyme Road, and are pleased to report they're active and in fine health.
The class meeting was not officially adjourned until the class dinner that evening, when the 1970-75 officers, selected by the executive committee, were announced. SandyMcCulloch will be the new chairman; BobKilmarx is assuming the tremendous task of head agent, Messrs. Miller and Medlicott will continue in their present positions, and Jacques Harlow will be our new secretary. Paul R. Zeller, director of the Glee Club and long-time friend of many of us, was resoundingly approved as an honorary member of the Class. Bob Kelly of New York City was toastmaster at the dinner. He and Doc Dey '52, who was our guest speaker, did admirable justice to this fine occasion.
Dancing at the "Top of the Hop" and making the rounds of the tents topped off the Saturday events. Sunday morning came all too soon; a tasty brunch at our tent concluded the program.
RETIRING CLASS SECRETARY
