1960

If the readers of this magazine were polled, I suspect that the most frequently read section would be Class Notes. If the same group were rated by class secretaries regarding their news contribution quotient, into what percentile would you fall? Seriously, guys, drop me a note about what's happening, so the rest of the class will have something to read when they page to the Class Notes section.

I would never admit that our class was getting to the age where any of us would be getting honorary degrees. Apparently, Dave Chevrier is an early bloomer. At its commencement ceremonies on June 8, 1985, Chicago Theological Seminary made the following presentation: "David Chevrier, minister at Wellington Avenue on Chicago's mid-north side since 1970, has led his congregation in numerous human rights causes and concerns. Several years ago his church publicly declared itself a sanctuary and has provided sanctuary for Central American refugees. Those of differing economic, racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds have joined together as part of Wellington Avenue's community of care." That speaks for itself.

If any of you wondered why Barry Sibson had that strange look of euphoria tinged with fear on his face at reunion, it was because he had just been named to the newly created position of group vice president for the Turner Construction Company's Western Group. In addition to his old Los Angeles office, Barry is now responsible for Turner's Denver, Newport Beach, and San Diego office operations. Good luck with your new venture, and I hope the company flies that big frame first class.

The class expert on blueschists, EdBrown, was recognized for his original research by Western Washington University at its commencement ceremonies on June 15, 1985. He was presented with the Paul and Ruth Olscamp Outstanding Research Award which included a $1,000 check as well as a certificate of recognition. A pro-fessor of geology at WWU, Ed is recognized as one of the two dozen top metamorphic petrologists in the world. Interpreting his work at the lowest common denominator, mine, I think what he does is discover how the rock, way, way down, got there. It's got something to do with shifting tectonic plates and continental drift. Congratulations, Ed. All is forgiven for not attending reunion.

Did you ever wonder about the validity of Nielsen ratings? Well, you can sleep well tonight. John Dimling has been appointed group director of planning and development of the Media Research Group of the A.C. Nielsen Company in New York. As of mid-July, John has had responsibility for development and validation of the Nielsen People Meter Service. (My silly mind's eye pictures average Americans walking around with a device looking like an electric meter filling a cavity in their chests.) Seriously, John, your vast experience and integrity can only improve upon an area that is suspect in many people's minds.

Joe Mandel's "Musings" entry got the better of my curiosity, so I called him at his old law firm, Tuttle and Taylor. Yes, he's still practicing law but not at his former frenetic pace, just 50 to 80 percent of same. After his Natomas experience, Joe "reports he toyed with the idea of taking another large corporation's general counsel position but talked himself out of it. He considered things like giving up his independence, the possible dead end of a staff position, the possibility of risking his professional integrity, and whether it was all just an ego trip with no substantive rewards. So, he has thrown himself into public sector involvement. He found working for Yale Law classmate Gary Hart rewarding but short-lived, at least last time around. He currently is serving on the Los Angeles Board of Zoning Appeals and the Los Angeles Theater Center board among others. Joe says he has pondered the possibility of entering the judiciary — if the administrations should change in either Sacramento or Washington. Meanwhile, he's working less, enjoying it more, and living with the guilt of spending much more time with his family. Amen.

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