1947

Our class is heading into reunion, our 40th, gathering on Tuck Drive on June 15th, in the sunlight under the tall elms beneath Baker Hall. Give yourself a mental picture of a large green tent, a piano, foot-traffic in and around the tent. Label them friends and reacquaintances, there'll be lots of them. And there'll be a full schedule of both planned and free time. We have a unique open discussion planned, titled "How Are We Doing as Managers of Our Planet?" Professors Donella Meadows, of Thayer School, and Fred Berthold, of the Department of Religion, formerly first dean of the Tucker Foundation, are the leaders. Here we . have the opportunity to listen, and to question and expound ourselves personally, as we face issues in the world which only 1947 class members seem capable of solving. This is only a sample of what lies ahead this spring for our class.

And for the college, what lies ahead is even more momentous. We have one president leaving at a time when his business skill has carried Dartmouth to a more secure position financially, preparing the way for, hopefully, a period of ascendency to match the Hopkins years.

I feel there is great need now, in the Dartmouth administration, for strong charismatic leadership, with precise defin ition of Dartmouth's goals in education, and the type of young men and women the College intends to join us as alumni.

The book, Hopkins of Dartmouth, by Charles Widmayer '3O, is one that speaks to men and women of Dartmouth. So many parallels can be drawn between then and now, so much of the sayings or precepts are perfectly suited to now, and the actions and reponses of President Hopkins are so needed now, that I really enjoyed the reading, so well chronicled by Charlie Widmayer. I want to present portions of the book, and expand on its relevance for now, not because I am an expert book reviewer, but because I see great places where our class can join and work with our new president when selected.

It seemed significant to me that so many of the alumni who helped appoint and convince Hopkins to accept the presidency and who later were to come along as strong proponents or financial benefactors to the College were of our age group, 40 years or so out of college. Naturally these men had had a chance to attain success in their endeavors in those 40 years, but beyond that, they made themselves available, they cared about the educational excellence of the College, and they were willing to work for its goals, particu larly when they could see a driving force on campus who surely could bring about results.

And what made this man so much of a force? Many things are revealed in the two opening chapters, which tell of Mr. Hopkins's early life as a minister's son, and of his undergraduate days at Dartmouth. He followed his own mind in selecting his college over his father's Harvard, to be with his friend. He worked his way through Worcester Academy, and taught school and coached football for a year to earn money for college. Entering Dartmouth, he refused s scholarship which required him to pledge not to swear, smoke, or drink. At Dartmouth, his achievements brought him into closeness with President Tucker, and upon graduation he accepted a job as office assistant to Dr. Tucker. He would recall many times what an inspiration it was to work with Dr. Tucker.

Hopkins worked for the College nine years, leaving after "breaking in" the new President Nichols, to enter industry with AT&T, and then Filene's of Boston. He attracted attention by his intuitive skill in recruiting, interviewing, and selecting men for jobs. He went on to Curtis Publishing as manager for employment, instruction, welfare, and health.

In this era, Hopkins began to acquire a national reputation in the personnel field, and to visit colleges as a lecturer. His topics were the productivity of workers, and how they must be carefully selected and their health and welfare conserved and governed. "One must know people in a unit of one," he stated. (Sounds like the one-on-one of our time.)

Mr. Hopkins had kept close ties with Dartmouth, and filled an important role as founder and first president of the Dartmouth Alunni Council. The first action of the council was to advise on policy as to: a) financing of scholarship, and b) expression of a definite educational intent of the College.

This council work, where Mr. Hopkins played a forceful and dominant role, focused attention on himself as a man qualified to be. president of Dartmmouth College.

More next month, as Mr. Hopkins is inaugurated in 1916 as president of Dartmouth College.

See you at reunion in June.

63 Maple Avenue Keene, NH 03431

1947'S40JUNE 15TH-18TH 1987