1963

David Downey fought in Vietnam, as did many other '63 s including class President Bruce Baggaley, an engineering officer on a mine sweeper in the Gulf of Tonkin. It is only fitting that Dave, of Goffstown, N.H., carry a standard for our class, not simply for his bravery in an unpopular war, but because of the courage he represents even now.

In 1972, after earning an M.B.A. at Tuck and launching a promising business career, Dave was diagnosed as having multiple sclerosis, possibly (but never proven) caused by Agent Orange, a chemical defoliant used at the time. The disease left Dave blind, disabled, and virtually helpless, but he never gave up. He went through a divorce and raised two children, Brendan and Tanya. He has been loyal and devoted to the College and class of '63, attending reunions and football games in his wheelchair when he could.

In 1986 our class established the David A. Downey 1963 Scholarship Fund which has served as a source for contributions to the general Dartmouth scholarship fund. In this year of our 30th Reunion, the Downey Scholarship will go big time. Currently there is $6,600 in the fund. The class executive committee has declared a $50,000 goal.

This will enable us to endow a designated David A. Downey 1963 Scholar, with first preference going to a class of '63 legacy or descendent who is eligible for financial aid.

The proceeds for this scholarship will be raised much of it this year from your contributions. All you need to do is drop a line to Bob Barr '73 at the Dartmouth Alumni Fund, Blunt Hall, Hanover, NH 03755. Say how much you want to give and when you want to give it. You can send a check, of course, or you can pay out the amount over a period of five years. You will receive a written acknowledgement of your pledge or gift. Your contribution will pay tribute to Dave Downey, will help a worthy student achieve a Dartmouth education, and will be considered a gift to the overall Dartmouth Campaign for Excellence. Should you not get around to writing, a member of our class will be in touch.

Some of our dues money has also been earmarked for the Downey Fund. The Class Executive Committee voted to raise annual dues from $25 to $50. Eighty percent of the increase will fund class projects. The Downey Scholarship is this year's project.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to present a check to President Freedman at the reunion in June? Bruce Baggaley thinks so. As for Dave Downey, the scholarship fund is "the happiest event" of his life.

I regret to report the death of Marty Davis of Bedford, Mass.

Nominations are open for new officers. Contact Dave Shaefer, 73 Upland Road, Concord, MA 01742, (508) 369-8212, if you wish to serve or nominate.

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