1950

The heat wave has passed. A. New England front cools the air, even though summer is still evident. It's easier to believe that autumn will come, to imagine October afternoons and fall foliage, to begin the tasks properly belonging to a later season. One of those tasks is writing this column.

Plenty of warning should suffice. DaveTaylor and Len Matless are looking ahead to June, when the class of 1950 reconvenes for its 35th reunion (forget the rules of arithmetic: 86 minus 50 still results in 35). Their party, their plans include you. Avoid any other commitments; reserve the date; come to Hanover with the spring. A touch of class shall prevail.

Hand-in-hand with the celebration goes commemoration. In this modern era annual giving is augmented by reunion giving, which requires a conscious reevaluation of our level of support for the College. Frank Dickinson, as reunion giving chairman, has been working with his committee for several months to set a meaningful, realistic goal for the campaign.

In the final analysis, however, no goal compares with individual dedication. In a letter to his classmates Charlie Zimmerman '23 quoted from a few inspiring letters, some tinged with sadness, that he as head agent had received. One of these letters was touching: "Every first of the month my first check goes to pay the rent for my little apartment. The second check goes to the highest priority for that month. After your letter, my small check goes by this same mail to Dartmouth. Thank you for helping me keep loyal." When Frank calls upon you, review your means and your dedication. The choice is yours.

Why, you may ask, this continuing concern for funds and giving? Simply: to preserve Dartmouth as a strong, independent liberal arts college. Many colleges today are losing their purpose. Their advertisements openly challenge the liberal arts and champion "how-to" courses on careers. These colleges cater to the market, not to principles. In contrast, the few remaining leaders - and Dartmouth is one of them - depend upon a strong sense of purpose, solid tradition, a constituent pool of potential students and faculty, and a good base of support. Our giving sustains the present and shapes the future.

Gridiron gleanings: missed in last month's gloomy forecast, some light. Scott Truitt '86, a wide receiver, has good hands; and Slade Schuster '85, an offensive tackle, is big, mobile, and fast. Time tells, but the first practice session is still three weeks away.

New York Telephone recently created the new position of chief operating officer and promoted Fran Austin to executive vice president to fill the position. New York Telephone is the largest unit of Nynex, one of the seven regional holding companies created when AT&T was divided. The purpose of Fran's new position is to focus on operations involving 59,000 employees and on service for 6.5- million customers throughout New York. Most of these responsibilities were previously handled by the chief executive officer, who will now concentrate on policy and financial issues. Since starting with the company in 1954, Fran has learned the technical and strategic aspects of the business in a series of assignments both within the company and with AT&T. His most recent assignment was vice president of operations. Fran has a tough, demanding job at a critical time in his company's restructuring.

Tidbits here and there: The Gleason Corporation, which manufactures bevel gear machinery in Rochester, named a new director, Bill Balderston. Bryant College of Smithfield, R. I., elected DickDale to its board of trustees. Wes Carr knew the year of the NCAA finals that featured Dartmouth against Utah, which prevailed by two points in overtime. Wes posed three interesting questions; the answers need a little more work. A recent letter from Harry Hall expressed thoughtful concern; next time, perhaps, he will include some news about himself.

Most of the time a letter from Hanover or a classmate is filled with good news. Recently, however, ill tidings have predominated. We regret to say that AllanM. Cate Jr., Richard C. Johnson, and Gordon S. Pinkham have passed away in recent months. By having known them, we were enriched; their legacy remains with us.

New England leaves a stamp on you. And memories. One of them is the autumn, the season of foliage. That time is here again. If you cannot be in the North Country to enjoy the scene, remember. And plan to return, soon, to replenish your memories. Time runs out. Too soon. Cheers.

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