1954

It was a beautiful, crisp September morning in Hanover for the dedication ceremonies of the Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for the Social Sciences. It was just four and a half years after Rod Rockefeller had called President Kemeny "to propose something on the campus in memory of my father." The formal dedication ceremony was held in the court yard yard formed by Rockefeller and Silsby halls, which combine to make up the Rockefeller Center. You have already seen the feature story in last month's issue of the ALUMNI MAGAZINE, along with pictures, of how the Rockefeller Center was envisioned and created.

It is appropriate to point out the very important role that 1954 classmates played in this magnificent $6.25-million structure at Dartmouth. Lo-Yi-Chan, Dave McLaughlin,Rod Rockefeller, and Jon Moore seemed to dominate the activity surrounding the dedication ceremonies. Jon is chairman of the visiting committee which will oversee the programs, speakers, and other matters for the new center, tying together the social science departments of the College. Lo-Yi, architect for the new construction, conducted a special tour of the facilities for the many '54s on hand for the weekend festivities including Norman Veasey and Suzy, Ed Winnick and Mary Lou, Tom Tyler and Caye, Geof Talbot and Sharon, Trustee John Steel and Sue, Profes sor David Sices and Jacqueline, and, DickSteinberg and Judy. Lo-Yi explained in an article in the Dartmouth that Silsby Hall was originally supposed to be H-shaped, but a lack of funds left it as a T - "like an armchair sitting on Main Street with one arm missing." Lo-Yi was given the challenge of designing a modern building which had to be tied in and connected to one of the most traditional buildings at Dartmouth. The new center, with its Georgian influences and soaring archway, looks like it has been at Dartmouth for years. Lo-Yi cautioned, however, in the Dartmouth article, "As a center, the building is really only a shell, a container. It's up to the students, faculty and administration to make it live."

Other classmates at the dedication were Dick Plummer and Gloria, John Pope and Ginny, Steve Mullins and Carol, CharlieMorrison and Frannie, Dave Mandelbaum and Rosemary, Ned Hoban and Liz, JohnHeston and Betty, Tom Harrington, JerryGoldstein and Dorothy, and Dave Grogan.

Concluding his major address, Rod said, "The challenge can be stated simply . . . fill these physical spaces with intellectual excellence. Build a true center of dynamic inquiry, controversy, and cross-fertilization. Realize within these walls the excitement and stimulus of Nelson A. Rockefeller. If you do this, the building will be transposed into a true center, and the hopes and expectations of all of us will be realized."

Other '54s attending the dedication were John Gillespie and Sandy, Peter Geithner and Deborah, Dick Fowler and Posey, WaltDingwall and Margo, Bob Dean and Kit, BobClements and Marilyn, and Dick Barker and Barbara.

The class of 1954 will be represented with a highly visible gallery on the second floor, overlooking the magnificent sun filled forum. The 1954 Gallery will house various exhibits and changing art displays. This impressive gallery will be dedicated at a cocktail 13, 1984, which will be another highlight of our 30th reunion. Please start thinking about and planning for this great mid-week reunion. Details on this big event will be coming your way soon. Remember the dates Monday, June 11, thru Thursday, June 14.

Meanwhile, the same afternoon as the dedication in Hanover, a big crowd of '54s was on hand for the Dartmouth Army game at West Point. The last time the two schools played was in 1954, when the score was 60 to 14. Things have improved over the years, since Army won this year by only one point

- 13 to 12. Herb Hillman from Stowe, Vt., was the first to arrive, since his son James is a plebe at West Point and was part of the pregame parade activities. Also representing '54 were James B. Fisher, Don Berlin, Dick Gras-sey, George Voss, Bob Adnopoz, WayneWyle, Jerry Post, Dick Gorsey, Hugh Roberts, Peter Gutland, Dick Trowbridge, DickLewis, and Bill Rex.

It was mini-reunion time for three members of the class of 1952 recently, but they conductedtheirreminiscing from saddles rather than stadium seats. More on the gathering of, from left toright, Jim Gardiner, Herb Roth, and John Yates is in the '52 class notes column.

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