1946

This column represents the first time that yours truly has ever operated a computer of any kind, in the past having left this sort of task to our computer jocks who always had me snowed as to how it all was done. They received my utmost admiration because they were saving me from something I was a little fearful of handling. Recent teaching experiences at the College, however, have convinced me that one must master these things, as the students and faculty have done so readily. I have watched with interest the phenomenal growth in the personal computer industry, following IBM and Apple in particular. Well, the other day I made the plunge and purchased an Apple Macintosh. What a good time one can have on such a device. I must say that the thing really is as "user friendly" as they claim and it also is fun and seems to have a myriad of applications. This is the same machine that Dartmouth has purchased in quantity so that all entering freshmen next fall will be able to have their own machine under very favorable terms.

Ed and Molly Scheu are in Europe on a combination business and pleasure trip. Ed is pursuing a licensing agreement in Milano and following that they will spend some time skiing in Davos. Incidentally, Ed has just been named chairman of the Hitchcock Alliance, a holding company established to coordinate the operations of Mary Hitchcock Hospital and the Alice Peck Day Hospital in Lebanon, N.H.

It was good to receive a brief note from JimFelter, who is living in Phoenix, Ariz. Jim does not seem to be completely happy with the way reporting is shared between this column and the class newsletter, preferring, as I understand it, that both publications provide news about classmates. Two years ago, BobHeussler and I agreed upon the present system of coverage, which is preferred by the Magazine editors. The thought was that the newsletter, received only by members of our class, should contain in-depth feature stories about things that have been happening at the College, class business, reports, and occasional comprehensive reports about specific class members. The magazine column, we agreed, should contain the recent news received from classmates because the Magazine goes to all alumni, and the news may be of interest to members of other classes as well. Most comments from classmates have been extremely favorable about the high quality of the newsletter under this program, including, for example, this sampling that has resulted from the most recent issue dealing with the fraternity situation at Dartmouth.

Bob Winter writes that "surely in the whole history of newsletter writing there has been none like it. I could tell from the beginning what, the commitment of the author was. Good. After that a thorough sketch of the history of fraternities at Dartmouth was told with a fascinating attention to detail and without rancor and editorializing. I am proud to be a member of the class that includes Robert Heussler, who, I assume, wrote the astonishing document. Dartmouth taught well."

Joe Kepes says, "We are fortunate to have an editor who is willing to take the time to share and communicate his own ongoing evaluation of Dartmouth's perspective as well as that of others (even though not always flattering). We have now lived through enough history ourselves to try to put into perspective our own utilization of Dartmouth's opportunities. If we have learned anything from history, we should attempt to determine how we can impact positively and usefully upon society in our remaining time. The newsletter provides stimuli for such worthwhile effort."

Joe goes on to add that he was in Belgium in June to present a paper to the Society of Plastic Surgeons. Afterwards, Dutch and he motored through Belgium and barged through Burgundy before returning to their retirement home at Cumberland Foreside on Casco Bay in Maine.

Stan Gates of Novelty, Ohio, writes that Heussler's newsletter "may well become a 'classic' on the subject of fraternities at Dartmouth. I have yet to see a comparable piece in the ALUMNI MAGAZINE, the Review, or elsewhere." In his letter, Stan goes on about his early reactions to fraternity life at Dartmouth and early friendships made here which he has retained, including an affection for the College even though he completed school at Harvard after three war-time years as a bomber pilot.

Ted and Patty Fajen have reported in from Sharon, Miss., after a long quiet spell. Ted had a total hip replacement in September and both he and the doctor are pleased that he is using the cane only about 20 percent of the time. He is looking forward to a visit in Hanover and participation in the National Amateur Retriever Championships in June.

Eugene and Doris Vadeboncoeur of Oakton, Va., challenge all other classmates to beat their record of being grandparents of four grandchildren all in one year. Gene thinks this may be one for the Guinness Bookof World Records.

Walt Emmett writes from Amarillo, Tex., about forming a partnership with two other local businessmen to present seminars for small businessmen. The first seminar was presented at Amarillo College in early January covering 20 subjects in two days. The name of his group is SWORD, or Small World of Real Decisions. It also sounds a lot like a SCORE-sponsored activity here in the Hanover area, but with pay.

It is with sincere regret that we report the death of Owen Dwight Griffin of Monroe, Mich., on May 4, 1983, from leukemia. His wife Caroyl reports on their many happy memories of Dartmouth. Our deepest sympathies go out to her and to their family.

Please keep in touch. Best regards.

Hayes Hill Etna, NH 03750