1923

All too frequently it has rained at our midterm reunions. This year was an exception. Heavy rain did delay and nearly wash out the Friday night bonfire, but Saturday turned clear and cold. At 9:30 a.m., 12 of us, including our new member Jean Colby, met in a conference room at the Inn. All of you will receive a complete summary of business transacted via a copy of the minutes which will include class officer and other reports, lists of those present, etc.

You will recall, that following our 1980 fall meeting, at the suggestion of several classmates, we contacted executive committee members and directors about makingjean Colby a 1923 classmate. Their replies were a unanimous and enthusiastic "yes." Many of you have long known how much Jean, as Charlie Zimmerman's secretary, has done for the class and the College. You may not know much about her personal background, however.

Jean is a native of Rochester, N.Y. When she was five years old her family moved to Longmeadow, Mass. Her father, now deceased, was a bank president. Soon after their arrival in the Springfield area, our Babe Miner became the Colby family physician. Jean went to high school in Springfield and graduated from Skidmore College. In 1954, while Charlie was still associated with the Life Insurance Agency Management Association, she served as his secretary. Two years later she joined Connecticut Mutual and became his secretary when he was elected president of the company. Last September she became a member of the company's "Quarter Century Club."

Jean's close association with the College began when Charlie was elected a trustee and later chaired the board of trustees. It continued throughout the first Capital Gifts Campaign, the Third Century Fund, and the Campaign for Dartmouth. In addition, it included the beginnings of co-education and the social and educational changes of the seventies. It still continues with Charlie's work as class head agent for the Alumni Fund.

As Pete Jones presented Jean with a beautiful color print of Dartmouth Hall, he read the following citation: "Dartmouth College class of 1923 presents this honorary membership to Jean L. Colby with appreciation of her many contributions and wonderful service over many years to the class and College."

Our meeting was also highlighted by a heartfelt tribute and the presentation of a color print of Dartmouth Hall to our faithful newsletter editor, Ike Phillips. Ike picked up the task of carrying on for our beloved Irishman. He has done a fine job at it. The following words of his citation say it well: "Dartmouth class of 1923 presents this testimonial to Elmer I. Phillips in appreciation of his outstanding and devoted service as newsletter editor and executive committee member. His creative writing, inspiring articles, news, and experiences in 'Skiddoo' we shall never forget. So now here is to Ike 'Keep it going!' " It was dated October 24, 1981.

Our Hanover Holiday ended on still another highlight. Saturday, after the game, President Dave McLaughlin and his charming wife joined 21 of us for cocktails and a getting-acquainted time in one of the Inn conference-dining rooms. It was a real privilege to meet and talk with these two people who will play such an important part in guiding our college during the years ahead.

Box 2 Francestown, N.H. 03043