Bert Sargent Retires As Chief Engineer

Since shortly after World War II when Dartmouth started producing its own electricity, Bertram G. Sargent has been like a doctor on call, never leaving town unless his "patient" was covered and checking in at the Heating Plant upon his return. He retires this year as the plant's Chief Engineer, and finding a replacement who can even approximate his knowledge and dedication is no small problem for Building and Grounds. Complicating matters, the old reciprocating steam engines have just been replaced by two new turbine generators, all under Bert Sargent's supervision. In addition to getting the bugs out of the new system before he leaves, he is busy on a project close to his heart, collecting old pictures of the steam plant showing its various stages for a historical display.

A native of Thetford, Vt., Bert came to work at Dartmouth in January 1930. after attending what is now Vermont Technical College in Randolph. Over the years he has increased his knowl- edge through engineering courses at Thayer School.

Also retiring on July 1, is Bert's wife, the former Mary Thorburn of Norwich, Vt., Office Manager of the Development Office. A graduate of Hanover High School, Mrs. Sargent joined the College staff 22 years ago and has worked most closely with the Alumni Fund.

The Sargents have lived for many years at 7 Rip Road in Hanover, where besides their own children, they have had a steady stream of nieces, nephews, and cousins coming to stay with them. They have two sons—Jack, a 1959 graduate of University of New Hampshire, and Peter, who graduated from University of Vermont in 1967 and now teaches at Vermont Academy- and five grandchildren.

Doing things for and with children has highlighted Bert's civic involvement. He helped to establish the Fori Sayre Ski Program and Little League baseball in Hanover, and was a Cur Scout master for many years, as well as being active in church affairs and the Lions Club. His special talent for gardening has provided the neighbor hood with flowers and vegetables in abundance. When they move to a mobile home area in Chichester, N.H., later this summer, Bert will have to confine himself to a considerably smaller garden of primarily flowers.