1942

Some of you know that I consider my 11 years as assistant to President John Kemeny (1970-1981) the most rewarding period in a varied career. In my view he was a great man, blessed with a happy combination of high principles and extraordinaiy problem-solving talents, crucial to the task of steering Dartmouth through the turbulent decade of the seventies. As hundreds of us gathered in Rollins Chapel in January to celebrate his life and mourn his passing, the words of his colleagues, of President Freedman, and of John's children Jennie and Rob reminded us how fortunate the College was to have had John and Jean Kemeny in the Wheelock succession at that point in its history. My hope is that all of you have had a chance by now to read in the DAM at least some of those moving words of remembrance.

From Washington, D.C., comes word that John H. Harriman was appointed last fall to the National Advisory Council on the Public Service, a body created by Congress "to regularly assess the Federal workforce, to attract persons of the highest caliber to public service, and to promote a better understanding of the work of the public servant." The Council will also work "to develop methods for improving motivation and encouraging excellence for those already part of the Federal workforce." These are goals that President Clinton has already indicated he finds desirable. Good luck in implementing them, Jack, and congratulations on your appointment.

Most of you know that our "world-class" class agent Warren Kreter haspassed the 1942 head-agent baton to Buzz Cassidy, though Krete continues to serve the class as a co-vice president with Tom Blankley. Feeling that Krete's contribution over the years merited induction into a sort of fundraising hall of fame, '42's class officers and executive committee presented him with a plaque at our mini-reunion last fall. Here's what it said:

"Nobody but nobody can match your enthusiasm, dedication and success when it comes to raising money for the Class of 1942 and the Dartmouth Alumni Fund. You have been doing it for more than 45 years—serving the class for 12 of those years as Head Agent, four times as Reunion Giving Chairman, and winning eight Green Derby Championships in the process. You capped these accomplishments for our 50th Reunion in 1992 by guiding the class to a record-breaking $832,000 performance and a towering 99-percent rate of participation. You are the personification of '42's winning tradition in the Alumni Fund at Dartmouth. For these mighty efforts and with great affection we present you with this token of appreciation and gratitude."

Among Ken LeSure's Christmas presents was the welcome news that his grandniece Sarah received early acceptance at Dartmouth and will be the fourth generation of LeSures to attend the College.

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