1943
In 1771 Dartmouth observed its first commencement with four graduates and refreshments consisting of a barrel of rum and an ox roasted whole. Two hundred and twenty-two years later, members of the class of' 43 were not only honored participants at Commencement exercises, but the occasion also served as our own, long-delayed, graduation ceremony. It was a memorable 50th Reunion.
A terrific weekend it was, from Friday registration through an "Au Revoir" Sunday luncheon in the Bema. Planning and executing a fast-moving program for 171 alumni and their spouses was a task of considerable magnitude. We are indebted to principal players Bob and Pauline Field, Fred and Marj Stockwell, Bob and Joan Ehinger, Paul and Ruth Young, and Bob Gray for pulling off a weekend that went without a single "glitch." Although Howie Leavitt's newsletter report may precede this column, here are highlights.
Lodging was mostly in the Wheelock dorm cluster, across from Alumni Gym. Some opted for the Inn or elsewhere. Friday morning activities began with a golf tournament in which Frank Hartmann (77) nosed out Pres.Brooks, John Koslowski, and Joe Hurley for lowgross. Smed Ward (67) edged Joe Lowden, Mo Dampier, and Bruce Anderson for lownet. The tennis tournament featured George Munroe's lethal overhead smash, Howie Thomas's devastating forehand, and Hud King's flawless net game. We split into groups for tours of Hanover and the fabulous Dartmouth-Hitchcock Med Center. Thayer, Tuck, and DMS grads attended special luncheons. The afternoon schedule included a symposium on "The Past 50 Years," a tent reception, lobster bake at Memorial Field, and evening Glee Club concert.
The class convened at Rollins Chapel Saturday morning, and Jim Malley and BradA lorse led a memorial service honoring approximately 180 class members who are no longer with us. Frank Hartmann gave an outstanding rendition of the Lord's Prayer, Bob Gray sang in a vocal ensemble, and Herb Marx, JimWells, George Munroe, and Fred Stockwell also contributed. A class picture in front of Dartmouth Flail was followed by our class meeting.
Officers for the next five years are: Bob Ehinger, president; Bud Flail, VP: PhilFlarmon, treasurer; and Charlie Cusack, Secretary. Charlie Donovan delivered a fine 50-Year Address at luncheon, and President Freedman spoke also. 50-Year Gift Chair Bob Ehinger announced we'd exceeded our S800,000 goal, delivering an S870,000 check to Freedman. Chances of reaching $900.000 are excellent. This would place '43 second only to '38 in 50-year giving, a remarkable accomplishment for Ehinger and his crew.
The afternoon was devoted to seminars, moderated by '43 chairs, on a variety of topics ranging from baseball (Chub Feenev) and co-education at Dartmouth (Margaret Leavitt) to the S&L scandal (Bill Seidman), health care (five '43 M.D.'s), the U.S.'s role as a super power (Ed Ingraham), and "competing in world markets" (Bob Kerwin). The seminars were stimulating and demonstrated the varied expertise of our classmates.
"Doc" and Sue Fielding, whose theatrical talents are world class, entertained us with a humorous after-dinner reading at the Center Theater.
Sunday morning broke under blue skies and moderate temperatures (carefully orchestrated by Prexy Stockwell). 1943 occupied preferred commencement seating, watched George Alunroe receive an Honorary Doctorate of Laws, and heard outstanding addresses by journalist Bill Moyers and '93 Valedictorian Aly Jeddy.
A box luncheon at the Bema provided a fitting finale. Renewed friendships, memories of those gone before us, fun, marvelous food, and intellectual stimulation could it have been better? Not on your life!
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