1970
Did we reune, or did we reune? The question needs no answer, but this column will attempt to capture some highlights from our weekend in Hanover. First and foremost, we perpetuated our right to exist. The activities of the Nominating Committee, consisting of Gary Brooks, were so well-organized that the entire slate of class officers was swept into power precisely as presented. Your fearless leaders will be: TripDorkey, president; Wayne Osmond, vice president; Tom Avery, secretary; RicShepard, treasurer; Lou Young, head agent; Bill "Star" Johnson, reunion chairman; and Tom Peisch, Alumni Council representative. This group seems to be propelled by boundless energy, and are undoubtedly just who we need heading towards our landmark 25th Reunion in 1995. All officers are new arrivals to the scene excepting, ahem, yours truly. Evidently the hunger for ongoing news of Modesto is insatiable. You will not be disappointed.
One had to be impressed by the remarkable diversity of reunion activities. Making its debut was a Reunion Art and Architecture Exhibition at the Hop's Jaffe-Friede Gallery which featured the work of members of the classes of '7O, '7l, and '72. Our cocktail reception was held in the gallery, and it was fascinating to be surrounded by the diverse talent of our own. Representing our class were Joe Adams, architect; George Ainley, furniture maker; Jeff Anderson, artist; G. ScottAnthony, painter; Bob Lourdon, sculptor; Jim Buchman, sculptor; Tom Coffinan, architect; Pete Donovan, architect; SteveHarvard, artist; Greg Hemberger, architect; John Joline, artist/author; Rolf Hielman, architect; Stephen McKeown, artist; DenisO'Neill, screenwriter/producer; Jim Nachtwey, photographer; and Rich Sprague, artist. Greg Hemberger, Joe Adams, and John Joline were the exhibit's driving forces, and we can only hope that they will put together similar shows in the future.
On a decidedly relaxed note, we heard a decompressed John Kemeny remind us that a leisurely retirement is a wonderful thing. He also attempted to explain why Dartmouth needed to become coeducational whereas women's schools such as Wellesley are fine the way they are. If I got it right, women need a chance to access the male network as early as they want, but still deserve an opportunity to excel amongst themselves if that is their choice. Granted, I am paraphrasing, but then my notes were taken directly following the aforementioned cocktail reception .. .
For stimulation we heard from President Freedman and enjoyed a panel discussion on "Predictions for the 21st Century." Stimulation which could only be enjoyed first-hand took place almost continuously in the class tent. Those who cared to—and that was a contingent impressive in its size—cavorted to rock-and-roll until at least 4:00 a.m., proving that the Dartmouth animal is still alive and well in certain quarters. No one seems to have checked, but it is doubtful that many of this group were among those lined up the next morning at 8:00 a.m. for the Alumni Run.
Needless to say, socializing and chit-chat are the heart and soul of these reunion affairs. One classmate who was thoroughly enjoying his first reunion insisted that everyone should know that arm-twisting for contributions is not a part of reunion agenda. He regrets having stayed away in the past on account of this unfounded concern.
Finally, the best quote award goes to SteveWhite, who attempted to explain the possibilities and impossibilities of achieving a social existence in the wilds of Alaska as follows: "The odds are very good, but the goods are very odd." Perhaps in some very convoluted way this insight explains a bit about the meaning of our Dartmouth experience. Maybe heading off to the wilds of New Hampshire helped better prepare each of us to handle just about anything life dishes out. You figure it out. After all, I never promised this column would make sense.
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