1954

100 Highland Avenue Seekonk, MA 02771

What a surprise to open the pages of Boston Business, a slick magazine devoted to notables of the business world, and see a picture of turtleneck-clad Peter Bullard peering out from the pages of an article entitled "All That Jazz." Obviously, the article is about the New Black Eagle Jazz Band which was recently selected in a fan poll conducted by Jazzology, a Georgia record label and production company, as the best jazz band in the country. The band, which has been in existence since the early seventies, comprises musicians who all work in other professions. In addition to being a practicing architect, Peter is the banjo-playing manager of the Black Eagles. BostonBusiness speaks of the band in glowing terms—"a traditional jazz band that plays the New Orleans style. They perform about 120 times a year in locales ranging from the Sticky Wicket to the Regatta Bar in Cambridge to the Sacramento Jazz Festival to an annual European tour. They have performed in small rooms and on stage with symphony orchestras. Of their 20 records, seven are on their own label, with others on the well-known Jazzology or Stomp-off label, and they have a baker's dozen of cassettes as well." In addition to architect Peter, who practices with Notter & Alexander in Boston, the band counts among its members two physicians, a psychologist, a computer engineer, an advertising executive, and—guess what—a professional musician. The New Black Eagle Jazz Band has certainly made a name for, itself in the jazz world. It is amazing that Peter has been able to combine his vocation with his avocation successfully for all these years.

The Mercantile Bancorp., St. Louis, announced that Neal Farrell was named to the additional post of president and chief operating officer of the bank holding company. Neil has been serving as the president and chief executive officer of the company's operating unit, Mercantile Bank, N.A.

Bob Clements continues to progress in the management hierarchy of Marsh & McLennan Companies. The company, America's largest insurance brokerage, also is involved in consulting and investment management. Bob, who is president of the Marsh & McLennan Inc. insurance brokerage unit, was elected its chairman.

In an earlier edition of the Alumni Magazine, the "Give a Rouse" column announced the selection of Jim Rill to the position of antitrust chairman for the American Bar Association. It was kind of Betsy Rill to let us know about Jim's selection. I sure would appreciate it if more proud family members would keep us posted on the accomplishments of '54s.

It's that time of year, again, when you are all blessed with a shower of mail and even more phone calls from the peripatetic Don Berlin. Don's spectacular performance as head agent last year led us to Alumni Fund class participation of over 90 percent. He was only able to achieve this accomplishment because of the cooperation of each and every one of you in responding to his entreaties. Don't do any less this year.