Class President of the Year

Gilbert Balkam Jr. '36 was honored as Class President of the Year at the annual meeting of class officers in Hanover on May 1. Accompanying the award was the following citation:

Although almost every bon vivant would say quickly that B & B stood for a delightful blend of spirituous liquors, many in the Dartmouth fellowship would recognize that it could refer also to the spirited blend of delightful Balkams and Barneys who further bonded their natural relationships by coming to Dartmouth, starting back in the nineteenth century. Unfortunately, Gilbert Jr. is the last—so far—of the long line of Dartmouth B & Bs.

Gilbert, like many another outstanding leader, learned that success in one job can lead only to another job of higher rank and so, after an outstanding performance for four years as Class Agent, he, appropriately and quite logically, was raised to the position of Class President. To him, it was not a position. It was a job, a work-a-day job and he worked at it with the same explosive force that is produced by the nitrate he digs down in Chile.

Gil, you have done another great job. Your organization has worked smoothly but with that kind of percussion which produces the desired end result—a united class which helps make Dartmouth preeminent.

For your performance in this position, it is an honor to distinguish you as Class President of the Year.