1953

Homecoming was the most special of experiences this year as the late Don Smith was honored as our classmate who did more than anyone else to keep us in touch over these 40 plus years, probably more than anyone in the history of the College. Tributes to Don were highlighted by one from RonLazar, Don's closest friend, on behalf of all of Dartmouth. One in the historical perspective came from Bob .Malin, another from '53's own David Letterman, Al Collins, and one of friendship and love from Don Goss. Father Ed Boyle, the class's resident Jesuit, led us in the prayer and offering for Don. Dartmouth music by the Dodecaphonics, "Goin' Home" by Joanie Whiting, and "Three Bells" by Michael Hogan brought the love for this great person from our hearts, to our minds, yes, to our eyes, and we felt his presence. But, die culmination of these tributes was the closing "aria" from Phantom, of the Opera, Don's favorite of favorites, and done masterfully by Joanie and Michael, opened the flood gates of love, tears, and joy that we have had this time with Don. And, as only the master, Don Goss, could conceive, to purse the emotions and get on with the business of the living, the Dartmouth Marching Band greeted us with "Men of Dartmouth" as we emerged from Rollins. What a legacy of love Don has left; what an elegant tribute by his friend and classmate Don Goss. Twenty centuries ago, Paul said it the very best: "So Faith, Hope,' Love abide, these three, but the greatest of these is love."

The class meeting, the luncheon, the exciting 14-13 win over Yale, and the class dinner followed right behind the service for Don. It was a whirlwind day with a huge '53 turnout including Ralph and Bobbie Adams, Gus Allen, Phil and Nancy Beekman, Sue Berry, Marion Blodgett, Tom and Arlene Bloomer, Dick and Harriet Blum, Ed Boyle, Clark and Cynthia Brink, Curt and Judy Bury, Bob Callender, Fred Carleton, Seth Carpenter, Frank Casalvieri, Warren and Joan Cassidy, John Cernius, Jim and Shirley Cobb, Al and Nancy Collins, Owen Cote, Lore Dodge, Dick Dunham, Fred and Valerie England, Harlan and Anne Fair, Dick Fleming, Ed Fowler, Dick and Connie Giesser, Don and Lillian Goss, Dave Halloran, Bob and Carol Henderson, Fred and Elaine Hitt, Lowell and Loretta Holway, Sherm Horton, Bill and Nancyjohnson, Frank and Ivanie Joslin, John and Barbara Kennedy, Ron and Liliane Lazar, Bob Lynah, Bob and Gail Malm, Jack and Anne Newton, Dick and Cynthia O'Connor, Dave and Jeanne Replogle, Chuck and Donna Reilly, Jack and Phoebe Runyon, Bob and Anne Simpson, Mark and Bobby Smoller, Dave and Bonnie Siegal, Fred and Thelma Stephens, Bernie and Joan Sudikoff, Chuck and Ruth Talamo, Lowell and Judy Thomas, Pete and Lee Wagner, Ed and Marsha Weltman, Tom Wilson, and Jack and Jody Zimmerman. At the class meeting, reports from the wives committee, the treasury, the Alumni Fund, the 1953 50th Trust ($1 million-plus), the bequest trust, and plans for the 45th, minireunions, and the crisis committee were reviewed and accepted. The Classmate of the Year, Tony Frank, was announced, and the award will be presented at the Harbour Ridge mini-reunion in January 1995.

The class voted unanimously to continue our successful environmental intern program, and to expand it further. Kimberly Barry '95 has been the latest of these enlightened grant awardees for interning with the Citizens Clearinghouse for Hazardous Waste, in Washington, D.C. Such an apt description of Washington have I never before seen.

Auf wiedersehen until we meet again at Harbour Ridge in January.

'But the sons of old Dartmouth The laurelled sons of Dartmouth, the Mother keeps them in her heart, And guards their altar flame."

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