1911
The Dartmouth College Class of 1911 Permanent Fund has now been revised as of June 30, 1971, in accordance with the plan approved by the Class last August, to honor the memory of Samson Occom "whose application to enter Dr. Wheelock's School," in Dr. Tucker's words, "transformed it into the Indian School which was the precursor of Dartmouth College." As revised, the Fund will provide scholarships of $2,500 maximum each per annum for one or more male Indian students who may warrant the distinction of being referred to as a Samson Occom student. Ultimately, as the agreement is drawn, the Scholarships may be available to other male students "preferably those who can establish that they are direct descendants of a member of the Class of 1911."
Our action was applauded by President Kemeny who wrote in part: "I am sure that the news of 191 l's decision will be warmly welcomed, not only in the Dartmouth Indian community, but throughout the College and I would accordingly nice to express my deepest personal gratitude."
Mr. Stuart A. Tonemah, Director of Native American Programs, expressed genuine gratitude but posed what to us is a very significant question. "I ask the question why would any group of people establish a scholarship for someone not of their kin or race? The only answer that I can come up with is: Indeed, we are our Brother's Keeper. This helps restore my faith in people and affirms my belief that care and respect for each other transcends all ethnic, religious and personal bias."
Would Mr. Tonemah have asked that question, if he had realized that Samson Occom had established a spiritual kinship with Dartmouth to which Indian students who follow him honorably may fall heir? We think not. After all, over the years Dartmouth has given favored treatment to its Indian students.
"What is termed the romance of Dartmouth" wrote Dr. Tucker "is in truth a spiritual romance. It began in the appeal of the- idea embodied in Wheelock's Indian School to the spiritual imagination of the Mother Country. It took shape and color in the visit of Samson Occom to England where he was received with ardent sympathy and eager cooperation, as evidenced in the subscription of ten thousand pounds in behalf of the school, the list headed by His Majesty and containing the names of three thousand individuals and churches."
Indeed, this lack of awareness of our Indian friends of Occom's status in respect of Dartmouth may account for the otherwise inexplicable removal of the many Indian symbols which have expressed to us over the years - not prejudice - but pride in our Indian heritage, something to be treasured as part of our common traditions.
Our Treasurer Don Cheney reports as follows as of January 16, 1973: "The dues have stopped coming in. We have received payments from 49 Class Men and 21 Widows since notices went out. (Note: our active list now shows 62 men and 65 widows). I have paid out $31.94 for printing the circular letters and $390.60 to the AlumniMagazine for 58 men and 54 widows." When there are only a few of us left, what better move could be made than to transfer what money is left in the Treasury to the 1911 Permanent Fund?
As mentioned in the Alumni Magazine of last November, Dutch Waterbury in Utica, N.Y., a member of the Dartmouth Club of the Mohawk Valley, continues to keep busy in his long effort to get proper recognition of and adequate markers for the gravesite of Samson Occom.
Word has just been received of the death of Sherwood Trask in Florida on January 25. An obituary will appear in a later issue of this Magazine.
4th Annual Post-50 Year Reunion in HanoverJune 11-13, 1973. You have received the invitation to attend from the College. If you plan to go, please advise your secretary so he can publish the names in the May Class Notes. So far, DutchWaterbury is the first 1911er to so report.
Secretary, 14 Crescent View Ave. Cape Elizabeth, Maine 04107
Treasurer, 3024 Lake Shore Dr. Orlando, Fla. 32803
