1987

The more things change, the more they remain the same.

My tenth grade history teacher used to say that to my class, and we would scribble it down in unison and nod as if we knew what this paradox meant. It's an apt theme, though, For the Dartmouth Homecoming experience. Each time I return for that famous weekend I'm surprised at how much has changed at the College, but the spirit of Dartmouth Night perseveres.

I made the voyage back to campus with my usual partners in crime, Scott Taylor and Dan Connell. We stayed at a quaint little country inn by the name of South Massachusetts Hall. Maybe you've heard of it. The surroundings are nice, but the bellboys are surly, there is no room service, and the neighbors are a bit loud. South Mass has been the recipient of two innovations since our departure, namely coeducation and wall-to-wall carpeting. Don't fret, though, it still has its charm from the old days (kegs in the shower stall, for example).

Thayer Hall now has a new eating area called Home Slice or Home Plate or some- thing, and Hovey's Pub has been replaced by a (gulp) disco called Chameleon! Captain Kangaroo was signing copies of his book at the Dartmouth Bookstore, and the Coop was bustling with sales of '93 shirts, boxer shorts, and other Greenobilia.

The ever distinguished executive committee met on the morning of the football game, with the newly wed Wendy Becker presiding. She had threatened to break each of my fingers if I divulged her engagement to Michael Mountan earlier this year, but the gag order has been lifted. The committee discussed such things as our class's impressive 71 percent participation rate in class dues payments (keep it up, gang), and adjourned in time to witness a somewhat discouraging loss to Yale in the big football game.

As was the case last year, the postgame "young alumni" tent was the place to be, especially for a nosey class secretary. I caught up with a group of '87s who have already learned the classy way to congregate for Homecoming. Bethany Rogers,Heather Myers, Peter Murane, Elizabeth Weidberg, Jeff Lazarus, Tim Bixby,John and Mary Gannon, and Mark Henrie spent their weekend at a condo in Quechee and secured a choice spot for the Saturday morning tailgate before the game.

Two of Bain and Company's latest Boston acquisitions, KK McMahon and JonWinslow, were in attendance, and I heard the strangest thing about Brian Hicks. I was told that he works for Macy's in New York and is "in women's lingerie." Whether that means he sells lingerie or wears it (or both), I'll let the reader decide.

The next event of the weekend was playing Musical Frat Parties, where you go from house to house and stop moving when the music stops or when your feet stick to the basement floor, whichever happens first. The old student ID still works its magic for getting into parties, but the school has pulled a fast one by changing the cards' design, making ours antiquated as of next year. Spotted amid the revelry were James Runstadler, Mark Fisk, Nancy Lane, MikeSullivan, Scott Kuldell, Ken Block, Colette Bourquin, and many others.

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