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In just about six months from now we're going to have our 35th reunion. The actual dates are Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, June 13, 14, and 15, 1977. You will be reminded of this quite often between now and then, not only in this column, but also in Dick Smith's class newsletter, and in special mailings from the 35th reunion committee (Bob Kirk, chairman; HuntlyAllison, treasurer; Dave Heald, food; Al Dingwall, drink; Bob Encherman, door prizes; and Jim Farley, publicity). And, believe me, there will be no let up. The slogan says "come back for this one!" (Incidentally, we hope the logo and slogan has been printed alongside this column. You've already seen it in the newsletter.) We're trying to send you a message with this slogan. This is our 7th reunion since our graduation. If you missed them all so far, then "come back for this one!" If you've attended every one, then, by all means "come back for this one!" If you've made some and missed some, then, why not "come back for this one!" This one is going to be like all the others - but not like all the others. It's going to have all the traditional events - but it's going to introduce some new ones. It will be one more chance - before we all depart for that great reunion in the sky - to see the old campus, to visit with old friends, to relax and enjoy a few parties, to see what is happening at your old College. It's only a three-day deal (you can extend it if you like). You certainly should have your 1977 desk calendar by now ... so circle the dates; June 13, 14, 15.
In the past handful of years some of us might have taken the heat (i.e. gotten tense . . . i.e. gone into a rage) over events and trends taking place back at the campus. You know, things like ROTC, coeducation, the Indian Symbol, etc., etc. Some of us have expressed our reactions to these things in various ways. Personally, I've received more than my share of phone calls and letters from disgruntled classmates and other alumni in the Philadelphia area. (Mostly, it's when you are disgruntled that you call or write. If you agree with what's going on, mostly, you sit back content - and silent.) Now, I'm not saying the callers and writers are wrong in some of their reactions. But, I most decidedly disagree with those who expressed the opinion that because of one thing or another taking place up in Hanover it means certain ruin for the College - not to mention absolute abandonment by the alumni re: financial support.
Well, let me add something to the other side of the ledger. Just this past week (early November) I've had the opportunity to witness and participate in the annual visit to Philadelphia by a member of Eddie Chamberlain's staff in the admissions office. Holly Sateia, assistant director of admissions, came to Philadelphia to visit some schools and meet with those alumni involved in recruiting and interviewing . . . and, if there is any erosion in Dartmouth's appeal to applicants, or in Dartmouth's appeal to her alumni and alumnae . . . it sure escaped my notice. Not only was Holly swamped by the top prospects in all the schools she visited, but she was also surrounded by enthusiastic alumni (classes '32 to '76) asking about interviewing techniques, admissions policies, etc. This was no put-on. These alumni were anxious and willing to help the college seek out and interview the best possible applicants for admission. The excitement was truly exciting to watch. Of course, the typical high level of competence of admissions office staff members as personified in people like Holly Sateia certainly was a factor in the enthusiastic reaction by both applicants and alumni . . . but, the point I'm trying to make here is that the college is not going anywhere but uphill and to sit back and throw darts because it takes a turn in a direction not particularly appealing to you at the moment . . . well, I say it's wrong. Your College is more . . . much more . . . right than wrong, and it deserves your wholehearted support.
Got a very nice letter from Martha Adkins. Martha married Sam Adkins in the fall of 1975, making Sam an instant father four times over and making Martha an instant grandmother. There are now seven children in the Adkins house (Easton, M.D.) ranging in age from 10 to 23. Sam is with the family lumber company, E. S. Adkins & Co., and is in charge of the five northern branches on the eastern shore of Maryland. He also leads an active life in the community, having been chairman of the United Fund, president of the Easton Hospital Board, and a member of the Health Planning Council.
Sorry to close on a sad note. Just got word of the death of Walter B. "Jim" Underwood on October 18, 1976 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Jim was a physician and an anesthesiologist at Doctors General Hospital in Fort Lauderdale. His obituary will appear in the next issue of the ALUMNI MAGAZINE.
Secretary, 1001 Livezey Lane Philadelphia, Pa. 19119
Treasurer, 100 Springbrook Drive Silver Spring, Md. 20904
