1954

George Grayboys, chairman of Citizens' Financial Group in Providence, R. I., has been named Businessperson of the Year by New England Business magazine. Granting the award, the magazine said George "produced 165 percent gain for his shareholders by merging the group with the Royal Bank of Scotland." The magazine also pointed out that George had led the conversion of Citizens Savings Bank into a commercial bank "long before it was the rage among thrift bankers, long before the institution went public, and long before most thrift bankers realized that without change their institutions had about as much future as the dodo bird." Congratulations, George.

What a great article in Philadelphia Magazine about Mitchell Kramer's efforts to resurrect Horn & Hardart restaurants in the Philadelphia area. Mitchell, who practices law very successfully in Philadelphia, is the largest shareholder, chairman of the board, and the moving force in what remains of a restaurant business begun in Philadelphia in 1888 and known worldwide for its Automat. Mitch's memories of creamed spinach, chicken a la king, and blueberry pie eaten at the Automat provided the sentimental impetus for him to invest in what was left of the chain. Since becoming involved in 1977 as a stockholder-director, he watched the company under its previous management disintegrate before his eyes. In 1985 he combined with two associates to take over what was then a one-restaurant operation and nursed it back to its old reputation: good American food at reasonable prices. Thanks to Mitch Philadelphia can now enjoy such classics as bread pudding, baked beans, tapioca, macaroni and cheese, beets, Salisbury steak, chicken a la king, crab cakes, turnips, and beef pie. Now, under Mitch's leadership, Horn & Hardart sells this classic American food to supermarkets. When he is not providing food to the masses, Mitch divides his time between his thriving law practice and his family. Daughter Barbara is in her second year at Georgetown Law School and son Mitchell is in his second year at Hampshire College. Mitch's wife, Judy, owns and operates two book stores in suburban Philadelphia. In Philadelphia the Kramers feed both the mind and the body.

Congratulations to Mort Galper who has been named dean of Babson College's School of Executive Education. In his new position, Mort will work to strengthen the school's programs and develop relationships with companies across the country, as well as working closely with the management of Babson's new Center for Executive Education.

Don Meltzer has been named chief financial officer of Dialogue Inc., a Braintree, Mass., telecommunications company. Dialogue specializes in human voice processing, voice mail, and audio-text. Don joined Dialogue after a successful career as vice presdent of finance with United Brands and Instron Corp.

It is only four months until our 35 th Reunion, June 12-14. If you have not responded to the nominating committee's request for nominations for class officers and executive committee members, please do so now, and don't be bashful about nominating yourself. Dick Page says early returns indicate that we will have a very good turn out. We will have hundreds of classmates and family members returning to Hanover to be rejuvenated in that very special place. You know you want to be there too! See you soon.

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