1946

For more years than I care to remember we seem to have lived in an era of negative press. Although I am certain much good comes from the revelations of our many sins I still like to think there is greater power derived from more positive thinking. I am not for covering up our major sins, but I believe exposure can be counter productive when such becomes an obsession as it has during these last few years. It was, therefore, a most pleasant surprise to see not long ago an article in a major newspaper highlighting the Top Ten Best corporate chief executives. It was even more pleasant, but not a surprise, to see the name of William H. Spoor, chairman of the Pillsbury Co., included in this honor roll. I had heard from several sources that Bill was doing a super job, but it's an added treat to see him publically recognized and to see a little positive press for the much maligned businessman.

Speaking of the press, the big topic for publication and conversation around Hanover this last month has centered about the Trustees decision to adopt a policy of open, admission at the College. This was a big decision, and I suspect many classmates will have mixed emotions about it. I for one am not necessarily against it, but I do have some real concerns about its impact on the basic traditions and long term thrust of the institution. Let me say that a year of living in and around the campus has led me to the conclusion that the decision to open the doors to women has been a good one. Most women who have come to the College have been first rate and I believe they have added an important breadth to the academic and social life of the institution. In general, I feel the administration and faculty deserve a "well done" for having implemented this move without substantially altering the basic spirit of the College. I feel, however, this next step might not be so easy. Theoretically instead of 2/3rds men and 1/3 women we could end up with the reverse ratio. This might make a fine institution but unless the powers that be do a super job, it might not be Dartmouth. One interesting sidelight to this issue is that I have the distinct feeling that the student body did not really support this move. The Daily D printed the results of a survey indicating close to 80 per cent support, but I have some good indications this poll could well be classified as a hand-picked random sample. Our budding journalists seem to be well schooled in the arts of deception and propaganda. I hope the Trustees were not taken in by this probable ruse while making their important deliberation. So much for editorializing.

I had a nice note not long ago from Mel Johnson filling me in on an active year. Mel is a doctor living and practicing in Shreveport, La. He and his wife Lea have had a busy year highlighted by their son Eric's marriage to Kathryn Miller in Savannah last August. Mel reports Lea is teaching and he has become delightfully hooked on opera. "I can die happy now after my opera experiences: Les Huguenots in New Orleans, Lucrezia Borgia with Joan Sutherland in Houston, and Tristan und Isolde in Dallas in a magnificant production. Coming up - Beverly Sills in the Barber, here, and Girl of the Golden West in Houston."

So much from the Frozen North. Keep those letters coming.

Secretary, 3 North Balch St. Hanover, N.H. 03755

Treasurer, Bear Hill Road Sherburn, Mass. 01770