1970

As I write, the 199 th graduating class is soaking it up on the Hanover Plain during their 25th Reunion. Sort of a trial run, no doubt, for JSie Main Event planned for our own hallowed 200 th class next June. By now each member of the class should be receiving direct mailings, special requests, and miscellaneous announcements from var- of our reunion committees. These groups are very hard at work on everyone's behalf and would be extremely appreciative of timely responses from each of you. Just now Preston Conklin in particular needs everyone's participation, since the class reunion book requires considerable lead time.

Look to this column for similar reminders (and possibly several pleas) during the year ahead. But never fear—your humble class secretary knows it's the news of everyone's activities that keeps the ratings high (along with the promise of updates from Modesto). So read on, read on.

Lending itself nicely to this transition is a letter Recently received from Stu Zuckerman. Stu admits to having been largely uninvolved with Dartmouth for many years because "Time does have a way of eroding emotional ties." His return to campus last fall after nearly 20 years changed all that. As he describes it:

"I went up to Hanover for last fall's Home-coming Weekend (a thrilling come-from-behind, fourth-quarter victory over Harvard). A wonderful tradition that began some years after our graduation is the Alumni Parade on Friday (Dartmouth) Night...each class walking in a processional under their class numerals. ..from the stadium, west on Lebanon St., up Main St., around the Green in front of Baker to Dartmouth Hall. Doug Morton,Marc Jolicoeur, and I were that night's '70 flagbearers.

"The students lining the route looked curiously at us 'old men of Dartmouth' (We're probably their parents' age!), but there was a feeling of a strong cross-generational bond as we shared something important to us all.

"Our class pre-game tailgate party was a great opportunity to meet classmates I didn't really know during school. Warm hospitality (with body-warming bloodies and gumbo) was served up by Tom Piesch and Joe Avellone. I also met Trip Dorkey Bruce Saylor, and Lou Young.

"I have recently become reconnected with our Alma Mater as a member of the board of overseers of Dartmouth Broadcasting. I attended my first meeting in February in Hanover, and it's nice to see that WDCR (and sister WFRD-FM) is still thriving. The board meetings will get me back to Hanover on a regular basis, and I'm looking forward to it."

Stu insists he's not a "Born again Big Greener, " but rather an alumnus who has "rediscovered the Dartmouth fellowship." Well put. Incidentally, Stu will be a natural on the board of Dartmouth Broadcasting since he runs his own communications company, Katz National Television, out of New York City and many, many points beyond.

The time for rediscovery is certainly now, and we are reminded of that by news recently received concerning deaths of three of our classmates. Robert Walsh Parks died February 5 in Berkeley, Calif.; Robert SteeleSmith died February 25 in Simsbury, Conn.; and Timothy Lewis Coffin of Auburn, Calif., died March 14. Full obituaries will appear else-where in the magazine.

It seems natural to feel deprived because of the untimely absence of three accomplished young men from our number. May this starding loss to our class remind us to stay in touch while we can.

P.O. Box 3934, Modesto, CA 95352-3934