1965
News comes from a variety of sources, each uniquely different. I received an interesting and very supportive letter from Mrs. Margaret Graham, widow of Gordon Graham '28. Mrs. Graham wrote from her vantage point as a 20-year regular reader of the Alumni Magazine, which she feels has special significance by "making widows feel a valuable and welcome part of the group. It has given us encouragement, friendship, and vicarious enjoyment reading the news of the various family members." She has read our column and emphasizes the importance of keeping in touch, in spite of these being our busiest years.
Let me interject that this is a message to all of you, classmates and widows of '65. Dartmouth provided us a rich experience. We've done many and varied things as a result of that experience, and one of the bright spots is the keeping in touch, the continuation of friendships begun in Hanover, or the blossoming of contacts made in business, social, reunion, or other occasions with people we did not know well or at all as students. Some classmates are better or more frequent writers; some may feel others are more newsworthy than they. But the shared update, with family or business news, whether in response to a "challenge" or out of the blue (green?), keeps us close in an important way: another Dartmouth "family" whose members will always take an interest in and have a warm regard for each other. So here's hoping you actively participate in that "family life."
Mrs. Graham goes on to note the forthcoming 20th in June (remember June 14-16!) and that Gordon's son, David Graham, and her son, Dan Southard, are both '6ss. "Dan remained in France a while after his third year (at Dartmouth), and so was graduated the following year. In 1970 he married a lovely Chinese girl (Peggy Ho) whom he met in Paris. They are presently living in Paris and would welcome hearing from class members. Their address is 17 Rue Cardinet, Paris, France 75017; telephone 011-33-1-267-0335 (from U.S.), 267-0335 if local. David is working to help make the reunion great as a member of the reunion gift committee. He has a lovely family, with two daughters and a son. Happy Reunion."
Thank you for your thoughtful, inspiring, and informative message, Mrs. Graham, and a warm reminder of the important role mothers play in our lives.
A recent press release from the U.S. Department of Transportation says that the "gecretary "gecretary of Transportation, Elizabeth Hanford Dole, has appointed JamesChristopher Rooney as Deputy Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration, effective ary 6, 1985. Secretary Dole said, 'Chris Rooself a superb leader in developing the administration's policies for the future of the railroads. I am grateful that he is willing to take up the demanding tasks of his new position.' "
The release continues, "Since 1982 Rooney has been FRA's Associate Administrator for Policy. As the principal policy adviser to FRA Administrator John Riley, he has worked on rail regulations, legislation, finances, and mergers. He is one of the key DOT officials working on the effort to transfer Conrail to the private sector."
Prior to joining FRA, Chris held several positions with The Chicago Corporation, an investment banking firm, and prior to that he worked for Litton Industries and Corning Glass Works. Chris lives with his wife and two children in Oakton, Va.
Congratulations are in order for Joel Eiserman, recently selected for captain (0-6) in the Naval Reserve.
A new communication piece from the College called "Printout" highlights current actions/issues of note in Hanover including: 1985-86 tuition, room, and board up 8.9 percent to $14,680, putting Dartmouth in the middle compared to costs of other Ivy institutions (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, more; Brown similar; Penn, Cornell, Columbia, less); construction may begin as early as summer (funding allowing) on the new Berry Sports Center, with Trustee approval of the go-ahead for final plans and estimates (a new gym and renovations to Alumni Gym and Davis Varsity House); plans for a Topliff-New Hampshire connector and a new social study space in Hitchcock as part of residential life improvements on campus; a new Collis "Mini-versity" series of not-for-credit courses with weekly offerings ranging from ballroom dancing and bartending to Hebrew and investments; an official history of John Sloan Dickey's presidency (1945-1970) to be written by Peter Smith, director emeritus of Hopkins Center.
Additional issues for consideration/discussion (at reunion?) may include the return of ROTC; athletics; fraternity-sorority reviews and the residential life studies; and last, but far from least, the continuing debate over required dining in Thayer Hall for upperclass persons.
The sense of several communiques I've received is positive and thoughtful the College appears to be taking itself seriously and wants very much to maintain the highest quality of academic and social experience for everybody. I'm sure many of us would like the chance to go back to see for ourselves just what it's like!
The reunion on June 14-16 is one way of doing just that and so, if you are not on Jack's latest newsletter list, send in your card or, better still, call to say you'll be there also. Larry Duffy, at 617/734-0712, would be glad to sign you up! And Ted Atkinson, at 800/ 243-5077, would be equally glad to hear from you if you wish to make a pledge toward the Reunion Gift. As this goes to press in April, we're at 187 donors and $246,512 toward our goals of 500 donors and $525,000. Your helpful stretch will put us over the top!
See you next month! C'mon back and renew the faith!
20th ReunionJune 14-16, 1985
29 Whittier Road Wellesley Hills, MA 02181
