1983

Here's an interesting concept to ponder as fall begins its annual color pageant: Ten (count 'em) years ago we were all arriving at Dartmouth as generally clueless 'shmen. Ten years! Jimmy Carter was President and Lady Diana was still babysitting in London. We were 18 years old, a dangerous crowd of budding adolescents, eager to explore new frontiers, meet new friends, and study in our spare time.

My first encounter with an '83 (I'm a bit nostalgic lately) was with Anna Fortenbaugh, who under normal circumstances is a pleasant, open, gregarious lass. But that first day of Freshman Week, Anna was as mean as a snake. She took one predatory look at me, in my brand-new Levis and short haircut, pointed her finger, and said loudly "Boy, do you look lost. Are you in my dorm?" As I curled up into the fetal position, mortally wounded, Anna stared and asked, "So, how do you like me so far?" We went on to become precarious friends.

"Seize the day!" orders Robin Williams in "Dead Poets Society." This simple, yet momentous, declaration inspires a multitude of reactions. John Leonard responded by becoming engaged (details to follow). Mark Trauner looked at the ceiling and protested "I am not a child anymore. I have made something of myself. I am entitled to sleep late." So he did. But Andy Evans, bless his heart, wrote me a terrific letter, eloquently summarizing his life's activities. Some vignettes:

"... I received my Ph.D. in petroleum geology from Stanford (residence of B-School denizens Scott Finney and AndyDavilman). In March, I went to Chile and Argentina to climb the ferocious south face of Aconcagua (22,864 feet). I am now with Chevron as a development geologist in the Southern California Division."

Andy, I owe you one. Here's some other news. Leslie Skinner has become an associate with the law firm Shainberg & Fingerman in Philadelphia. Cecily ChaseBlanchard has safely navigated the shoals of Hahnemann University Med School and will complete a pathology residency at the Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. And from deep down South, NickRoberts continues to roll along in Atlanta, building his advertising portfolio and sitting in prime seats for Braves games at Fulton County Stadium. Nick, as befits his optimistic nature, sees a silver lining in being relegated to watching Braves baseball. "It's the only stadium where they cook your hotdog to order," he points out happily.

As for me, October 14 is a big day. Around two o'clock that afternoon I'll marry Andrea Howland from Carleton College, my best friend in the world and a wonderful young lady. The prospect of this happy moment pleases me so much that I felt compelled to inform you all.

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