1953
Spring is a heady time. We emerge from the blahs of winter into the freshness of longer days, new growth, and colors that project life and renewal. Also, as you may have observed, interesting things often happen when the sap runs.
For a moment, it appeared that one of those interesting things was indeed happening. A letter arrived addressed to members of the Dartmouth community in which President David McLaughlin announced that a modified Army ROTC program will return to the College. The seriousness of the issue and the resulting deliberations, however, remove the topic from those associated with the rites of spring.
Weighing in favor of ROTC were the financial support provided to qualified students and the enhancement of Dartmouth's ability to contribute to society without compromising the liberal arts mission. Apparently the faculty struggled with the decision, and the administration and Trustees struggled with the faculty. It will be interesting to match our views with those that will emerge from the various constituencies of the College.
Were you to associate people with seasons, Don Goss, Westport, Conn., would be a spring person. He seems to be in a constant state of renewal for himself and for those around him. He is the quintessence of newsletter editors, a post he's held since 1978, so that renewal affects an entire class. Old friendships, loyalties, and bonds have been renewed through his efforts. He also serves on the editorial board of the Alumni Magazine. Don spent his working life largely in advertising, ending up a principal in McCaffrey and McCall with responsibility for new accounts. It is an extraordinarily stressful business, and it took its toll. Don had a heart operation in 1982 involving six bypasses, which had to be done twice because of internal bleeding. This led to retirement when the firm was sold in 1983. Don, at that point, turned some of his energies towards his interest in music, when he started playing the trumpet. He became an alumni member of the Dartmouth Band and is now its board chairman. This is in addition to his ongoing interest in the piano and organ. He became a member of the Alumni Council in 1983. Spouse Lillian is a teacher who earned her bachelor's after the birth of daughter Diane and her master's in special education in recent years. She and Don share a deep affection for their summer home on Block Island and are avid tennis players. All these activities highlight the renewal that has taken place in Don's life. As for their family, Diane works for an advertising agency. Twin sons, Jonathan, Dartmouth 'Bl, and Thomas, St. Lawrence '81, work in Boston for Slade Gorton, seafood traders. Holly is getting an advanced degree in nutrition. Don and Lillian plan to move in the near future into a home in Hanover that they purchased in 1980.
To Jack Newton, South Natick, Mass., renewal is also an apt word. Jack, our bequest chairman, held positions with Arthur Andersen and a housing development company before joining Itek in 1973. There he rose to vice president of development. Classmate Bob Henderson was president and CEO. Itek spun off their eyeglass business in 1981, creating a separately-owned company, the second largest of its kind in the U.S. Jack's intent was to continue his career with this company, but the company became the target of a take over and by mid-1982, there were new owners and Jack had a mid-life crisis. The renewal began immediately, however, in the form of Apollo Computer Company, which Jack joined in September 1982. High technology work stations have propelled Apollo from 300 employees and $18 million in sales in 1982 to 5,500 employees and an anticipated $450 million in sales this year. Jack is their vice president and treasurer with principal responsibility for raising funds and investor relations. A close encounter with a very difficult situation was quickly transformed into an exhilarating renewal. Jack's family is in two parts. There are two daughters from his first marriage, one of whom is expecting Jack's first grandchild. In 1968 he married Anne, who, as many will recall, organized the children's program at the 30th reunion. Anne graduated from Wheelock and teaches at a nursery school in Wellesley. She and Jack have a son, Jonathon, and a daughter, Sarah. Their family recreation is out of doors: skiing, camping in Canada's Gaspe and Nova Scotia, gardening, and caring for their farm near Whitefield, N.H. Jack has hiked in the Himalayas and in the Caucasus. Over the years he has been involved in the Appalachian Mountain Club. The adventure and splendor of this activity is in itself an exhilaration and a renewal.
Seen and heard: Jay and Marilyn Hague will be moving from Redding, Conn., to south Jersey or the greater Philadelphia area, as Jay has been appointed corporate director of human resources for Campbell Soups.
15 Huckleberry Lane Greenwich, CT 06830
