1953

15 Huckleberry Lane Greenwich, CT 06830

More than once, the temptation has arisen to write about classmates' nicknames, but each time discretion prevails. Some were less than complimentary, others didn't exist. One such classmate is JamesDonald O'Hara, Chaplin, Conn., who went through Dartmouth known only as O'Hara. No reason for the brevity, as his name was in the Green Book and he was part of the large entourage from Ridgewood High School in New Jersey. Following college and the navy, O'Hara earned his master's degree at Columbia, and in 1963 a Ph.D. from Harvard—writing his thesis on the romantic period of eighteenth century English literature. He started teaching first at the University of Vermont and then at the University of Connecticut, where he has been professor of English for the past 22 years. Having taught a generation of students, O'Hara is quick to note that most students begin the study of English with remedial writing and reading courses. From his view, this time is squandered for he is equipped to lead students into a discovery of fine literature. In his own research, O'Hara has become an authority on Nobel laureate Samuel Beckett—who is still living. A fiction writer, Beckett looks upon the world with skepticism from his own psyche, an approach that commands O'Hara's respect.

O'Hara and spouse, Patricia, have two daughters and one son who, respectively, have produced two grandchildren, a master's degree, and a promising technical career. Patricia is also employed by the University of Connecticut. O'Hara keeps physically fit playing handball and squash. Classmates take note, he does have a name—Don—the same as recorded in the Green Book!

Language studies have become popular at Dartmouth. Arabic has been added to the curriculum and Japanese will soon be taught. These new language programs reflect the increasing importance of Middle East and Asian affairs. When our class graduated, however, only a few students carried language training beyond the prerequisite number of credits, and there were but three French majors.

Len Johnson, Oakland, Calif., was one of those majors and an extraordinary one— a Phi Beta Kappa, Rufus Choate scholar, senior fellow, and runner-up to valedictorian John Sigler. After graduation, he studied in France on a Fulbright scholarship for one year, then returned to a doctoral program at Harvard. He was awarded a Ph.D. in 1962 for his research in French literature and language of the early seventeenth century. He alternated work at Harvard with studies at Ecole Normale Superieure, a prestigious institution in Paris. Len's thesis and much of his continuing research have been in areas where scholars have not previously trod. Shortly before Harvard awarded Len his doctorate, he joined the faculty of the University of California at Berkeley. Berkeley in the 1960s conjures up wild scenes. The university has, however, always attracted the best and brightest. Len's students included undergraduates and graduates, many of whom have earned their doctorates and entered the teaching profession. "Once the teacher, always the counselor"—a saying which has a double reward for Len. He is not married, travels a lot, admits to frivolous reading (mystery novels), and does gourmet cooking. His outside interests center around the Episcopal church where he is both parish and diocesan leader.

SEEN AND HEARD: Tony Frank has been appointed Postmaster General of the United States. Wow!