1950

I asked our 1946-47 class officers, "What would you tell your grandson or granddaughter, about to enter Dartmouth, about your freshman year?"

Tom O'Connell (president): "I remember freshman year as euphoric. I loved the place, the classes, the changing seasons, my classmates. Like a lot of us, I was coming out of some time in the military, and though I had a lucky time in the Army Air Corps, Dartmouth was MUCH better. I adored being president of this great class. It meant, among other things, that I could meet John Dickey—the best man I ever got to know. Advice? Enjoy! And try to get to know one faculty or staff member well."

Jim Melville (vice president): "August: first days in Hanover, varsity football with vet'50s Young, Carey, Chapman, Schreck, Gowen,Sardella, at al. September: Pres. Dickey welcomes class of 820 at Convocation, says 'our business is learning.' Roommate CarrollHuntington in New Hampshire Hall. Totally alert in English 1 with prof continuously referring to Mr. Melville (Herman, that is). For class elections, campaign manager Wulp comes up with the slogan 'beer in the water fountains,' and it works. Winter: one minus40° day and 76 inches of snowfall. No problems. First skiing with best friend Tobin,Bauer, Hutton, Collins, and Goldfine, all future Psi U's and Dragons. Winter Carnival: spectacular events and weekend. Riley bros. lead undefeated hockey team. Spring: all '50s eat in Commons, and I know many of my classmates and recognize most by end of year. June: I reflect on remarkable seasons, the liberal arts, and how we—as men of Dartmouth—could perform to the best of our ability and be judged accordingly. I knew then that life in Hanover would be very special."

Sandy Mcculloch (secretary): "Take it on faith that the next four years will pass more quickly than any other period in your lifetime. Consider President Freedman's good advice and write down now a set of your objectives as you see them today for the next four years. The richness of Dartmouth's offerings—both curricular and extracurricular—can lead to random sampling and just drifting along with the tide without some sense of what you hope to get from Dartmouth and what you hope to give to Dartmouth. Your written FourYear Plan can and probably will be amended when you refer to it periodically, just top see how you're doing.

You chose Dartmouth because of its difference from other Ivy schools and not in spite of them. Some of these differences are a lack of pretension, love of the outdoors, willingness to take risks and to lose every so often, and enthusiasm. The greatest of these is enthusiasm!

"Having been there, I am more than a little envious of your next four years. President John Dickey cautioned that 'your business here is learning,' and that applies in and out of the classroom. Work hard, laugh a lot, have fun, and we'll be with you all the way."

Central Green, Winchester, MA 01890

Campaing manager Wulp comes up with the slogan, "beer in the water fountains," and it works. Jim Melville '50