1957

In June our class contributed another eight newlyminted graduates to the long green line. Among the Dartmouth 'B9s were the two Block kids, Jennifer, who graduated cum laude, and Adrian. My wife, Birgitta, received her M.A. in special education from Columbia in May, making it a hard-to-top year in Our family's academic history.

Frank Bruni flew in from La Jolla, Calif., to celebrate the windup of son Harry's four years in Hanover, but wife Leslie had to stay home for daughter Adelle's graduation from high school. ,

Cheri and Dave Kamper's son Derek and Fran and Steve Zaslow's son Eric roomed together, have first names that rhyme, and dads who were classmates at both College and med school. Moreover, each obtained both an A.B. plus an advanced degree in four years: Eric an M.A. in physics and Derek a Bachelor of Engineering. Both graduated summa cum laude and were elected to Phi Beta Kappa.

Susan and Larry Lubow's son Jonathan achieved fame by inventing and starring in an alternative biathalon.

June and Bob Macdonald's daughter Robin graduated with honors in her major, religion.

Gloria and Vic Otley's son Brian was honored as winner of the Palmer Track Prize.

I spoke with parents of all but one of our '89s. No one thought everything was perfect; but all, without exception, believe that Dartmouth is still very special and that the negative press is out of all proportion. The following sampling of their reactions should be of interest, based as it is on current and close contacts with the College.

Susan Lubow: "Jon has been wildly happy at Dartmouth for four years. That's not to say there aren't problems or that some haven't been badly handled. Publicity gives people on the outside a feeling that whatever the publicity is about is of paramount importance to everyone there. And yet most students walk through life on campus not untouched, but the Dartmouth Review is not the largest thing in their lives."

Steve Zaslow: "Both our son and daughter ['85] got excellent educations, wonderful friends, great sense of place, a feeling of belonging, and a much better perspective than many older alumni concerning the upset on campus over the years. There are issues, but I don't think the College deserves the attention it gets from the alumni. The world outside is much more important and needs our efforts a hell of a lot more than the College does."

Vic Otfey: "Brian had a very good experience and got a good education. He found activities he enjoyed very much and a group of friends. I don't think the dissension is as terrible as many people seem to feel it is, that you indict a whole school for one or two things, or that we should stop supporting the College financially."

All of which leads to a suggestion to be in Hanover for Dartmouth Night and,the Yale game, October 13-14. Check out the College firsthand, continue the discussions in person, and enjoy the class dinner that Happy and Clark Griffiths are organizing.

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