1967

The weekend of June 17-19 marked one of the best road trips in our class history. About 300 adults and many children of all ages descended upon Hanover for our reunion. Thanks to Rob Kugler and his committee, the program offered something for everyone and we all left having rediscovered some old friends, made some new ones, and fallen once again under the spell of Hanover's beauty.

While everyone had their favorites among the 40-plus activities that were on the program, a number of moments stand out. Going from a dinner at which JohnKornet conducted Glee Club alums from 1967-68-69 like Ori McCreary and Larry Fabian to a Dartmouth Glee Club concert featuring a superb solo by John's son was a vivid reminder of the age we have reached, yet very reassuring in its continuity. One had to have the same reaction to a panel of the children of '67s Paul Zimmerman '90, Chris Ingersoll '91, and John Kornet '90, who gave articulate proof to what an excellent college Dartmouth is today.

The Saturday night banquet began when Clem Page, in full Highland dress, led us from Bartlett Tower to Thayer Hall with his bagpipes. Toastmaster Jerry Zaks demonstrated why he is in demand as a director of comedy when he read from his Sachem speech from Class Day, 1967. A serious note was added when Dave Traber presented the memorial tribute to the 12 deceased members of our class, a theme of remembrance that began when we held our opening reception in the lounge given in memory of Bill Smoyer. The theme continued in our private reactions to a panel discussion on Professor Rosenberg's research on the effects of Vietnam on the classes of '67-'69 (from which a book will come).

Dinner entertainment came in both video and live forms. Don Klein prepared a special film asking the question: who is our bravest classmate? An interview with NedGillette explored the trials of his trip in the Sea Tomato, rowing from South America to Antarctica. Don Klein told of the horrible day when a tree fell down in his yard (where there are snakes and insects), proving him braver than Ned. But bravest of all according to the film is John Lathrop, who has given up a successful business career to become a country-and-western singer. Our speaker was Rogers Elliot, whom many of us remember from Psych I and Abnormal Psych. His unique view of midlife crisis (his and ours) was enjoyable and his comments on the current health of the college were reassuring.

The executive committee voted to adopt its first new member, Pamm Zimmerman, at the banquet. Pamm was presented with a plaque honoring her many contributions to the class, from record-keeping to filling in for Jeff as treasurer when needed over the years. Other official business of the weekend included election for the next four years of Bill Bogardus (who has been named vice president of the Class Presidents Association) as class president, JeffZimmerman as treasurer, and 21 at-large members of the executive committee. SamOstrow has agreed to serve as head agent. The class constitution was also adopted. With the 20th Reunion such a success, this group has hard work ahead to top it as they begin planning for the 25th in just four years.

I learned so much about the recent achievements, changes, and thoughts of so many of you, that I look forward to sharing this information in columns to come.

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