1958's 15th
Many years have passed since my last visit to Hanover and I was looking forward to our 15th Reunion with obvious anticipation. The event exceeded the anticipation as approximately 100 men and almost as many wives can attest. The combined Reunion with the Classes of '59 and '60 gave us the opportunity to renew old friendships not only with members of our class, but with those in the other two classes as well. The Reunion Committee, under the direction of Don McCree, did an outstanding job of programming. Old friendships were renewed and new ones made over numerous kegs and around the campus.
Friday afternoon was registration and getacquainted time. Class hats were the garb for the weekend. An afternoon cocktail party was followed by dinner in Thayer Hall. There is no comparison between the food in present-day Thayer Hall and the mystery meat in metal trays of our time. Following dinner many of us took advantage of President and Mrs. Kemeny's invitation to visit their lovely home and gardens. A concert by the Glee Club followed by dancing in the tent to a rock group concluded Friday's festivities.
President Kemeny addressed the Class on Saturday morning in Spanlding Auditorium. The President pointed out our extraordinary achievement in being the youngest graduating class in Dartmouth's history to contribute over $100,000 to the Alumni Fund. Final results are not yet in, the time of the reunian, 1958 had contributed $113,000 with over 25 alumni contributing in excess of $1,000 each. Although the efforts of many were responsible for this achievement, it is clear that these results could not have been obtained without the tireless efforts, in a tough and often discouraging job, by Herb Swarzman. Herb personally flew around the country to urge contributions. The address by President Kemeny ended with a question and answer period and the introduction of Former Dean Thad Seymour.
In the afternoon at Storr's Pond, we had the combined outing of 58, 59, and 60. The weather was delightful and a number of brave souls, including this Floridian, donned bathing suits and did some swimming. Volley ball and frisbee rounded out the day's athletic events.
The Saturday afternoon cocktail party at the Hanover Inn courtyard featured the jazz sounds of Dr. Ted Harris' combo.
The highlight of the evening was the Saturday night banquet hosted by Larry Weltin with the able comic assistance of Clarke Bittner. Larry Weltin, emcee par excellence, kept us in stitches most of the evening. Ralph Manuel and HarryDodds addressed the Class. Ralph pointed out that though the College had experienced some changes over the past 16 years, there really were far more similarities than differences, particularly in the attitudes and feelings of the undergraduates toward the College. Some things, thankfully, never change. Harry spoke of his duties and experiences as a Trustee.
The new Executive Committee and Class Officers were announced. The Executive Committee members are: Dick Frisch, Walt Vail, Bob Eleveld, Walt Yusen, Dave Bradley, Don McCree Jr., Dick Stoddart, Larry Weltin, Mel Alperin, Harry Dodds, Herb Swarzman, John Parker, Joel Portugal, W. N. DeWitt, Ralph N. Manuel, James J. Meeker, Preston T. Kelsey 11, Peter E. Kenny, Joseph I. Scott, Fred Louis, A. Frederick Pitzner, Charles V. Panettiere, William Yahr, Stan Beiley, Peter D. William- son, William C. Van Law Jr., Jerry Manne. The class officers who will serve until the next reunion are: Herb Swarzman, president; StanBeiley, secretary; William Van Law Jr., treasurer; Mel Alperin, special gifts and reunion fund chairman; Joel Portugal, class agent; WaltYusen, reunion chairman; and Larry Weltiir, newsletter editor.
Following dinner was dancing under the tent and the usual rounds of party hopping until the wee hours of the morning.
Sunday morning found the weary but high-spirited '58s at brunch to say final goodbyes. It was a wonderful reunion for an outstanding class. The contribution record of the Class is one of which all of us can be proud.
As your new secretary, I would be remiss if I did not end this column with a note of thanks and well-done to Walt Yusen who has retired as secretary after six years. The class columns are for many of us our major, if not only, contact with our classmates and Walt has done an outstanding job in keeping all of us posted on the lives and accomplishments of our friends. I hope to serve you as well.
It was a nice, warm feeling being DacK in Hanover after so many years. It made one feel good to be there. I'm sure I speak for all of those who attended in so stating.
Have a good summer!
CLASS SECRETARY
