1951

Washington attorney Berl Bernhart has been frequently mentioned in the national press for his investigation of the United Way national headquarters operation. According to the New York Times, Berl's firm was called in by United Way President Aramony to investigate journalists' charges of inappropriately high benefits and travel expenses last year. Bernhart found "no misappropriation . . . no fraud," etc. As we write, Berl is involved in a second investigation for the board, and Mr. Aramony has resigned.

No one has accused your executive committee of high living, but we had a pretty extravagant Hanover weekend in mid-February. Al and Dottie Mori hosted their eighth annual branch with about 40 '51s and mates attending. Name tags were decorated with service stars reflecting attendance and there were some with all eight. Al's house, high on Blueberry Hill outside Lebanon, was a poster picture. Snow came during the party and only made it seem more like Hanover. Beyond the predictable guest list we were especially pleased to see Lyme neighbor Amos Gile and TomBrown from Truro out on Cape Cod.

Fourteen of us gathered for the executive committee meeting, highlighted by BobHustek's splendid report of class projects. These have reflected a theme of town-gown relations and acknowledged 1951's debt to many behind-the-scenes groups on campus, including the dormitory custodians, DDA staff, library employees, DCAC employees, Hanover learning-disabled kids, and many others. Bob arranges for them to attend college events—games, concerts, shows in groups. The reaction is tremendous and heartwarming. Mike Choukas observed that he learned more about the College from Bob Hustek's class of '51 projects than he did through his official duties.

President Joe Welch conducted the meeting, but we later learned that he was sinking with the flu and absented himself from the other activities hockey, basketball, and dinner.

Joe named Mike Choukas to chair the Spirit of '51 Award committee. He will be helped by prior honorees Bob Hopkins, Bill Boynton, and Dave Batchelder, and they will welcome your candidates. The criteria include service to the class, to the College, community, and profession, and humanitarian activities. Presentation will be at our fall mini, October 16-17. ('51 has blocked ten rooms at the Airport Economy Inn in West Leb.) Your nominations should be sent to Mike by July 31 at 1 Dana Road, Hanover, NH 03755.

At the meeting some felt the class would benefit from clarification of the variety of financial appeals with which 1951 is associated. So ... we have class dues which cover our DAM subscriptions, incidental class operating expenses, and seed money for class projects as described above. There is an invitation to make additional contributions with your dues to further swell the class project potential. There is, of course, the Alumni Fund, about which you have perhaps learned from HerbKnight or his ACAs. Your executive committee approved an ambitious objective of $150,000. Listen closely when you are called.

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