1974

Batten down the hatches, mates of '74. Captain MaryDonovan has relinquished I the formidable task of class secretary to one Don Casey. I hope to carry on the fine tradition of journalistic excellence that Mary has set during her seven-year tenure as our faithful DAM scribe. First order of business is to let all of you know that I intend to make it as easy as possible to report information on yourselves and fellow '74s. Look for a fax number as well as an Internet address in future columns.

Those of you who could not make the 20th Reunion in June, we missed you! The turnout was most excellent, but no doubt many were missed. Our new class officers include BuckBecker as president, Morris "Rocky"Whitaker as veep (yet again), Tom Ludlow as safekeeper, Chris "Chief' Pfaff as illustrious head agent (we'll call ya), Rick Ranger as our heroic newsletter editor, and yours truly. Kudos as well to Buck, Tom, MartyMelberth, and utility man Brook Maese for their persistent hard work in making the three and a half days an event to remember.

Highlights included a touching and deeply spiritual memorial service for almost 50 alumni from '73, '74, and '75, officiated in part by our own Paul Dixon; a "power lunch" for the women of '74; a lively concert by Liv Taylor in Spaulding; an unforgettably mythical explanation of the way we were and are now by Professor Rassias (who blamed our class for all his good fortune and then ripped off his clothes, only to receive a standing ovation at the class dinner); a hike up Moosilauke with Bruce A. Williamson's son and budding mountain man, John; and Anne Draznik playing beer pong until 4 a.m. on Sunday morning with Dick Ellsworth's beer.

Many came with spouses and kids (some of whom are not taller than me). All looked healthy and happy. Especially Riehl, who also managed an heroic ascent on Moosilauke despite a very recent hip replacement. His wife, Denise, confirms that he is not over the hill by any stretch. Jim, Chris Wiley, John Larson, and Jim McVay wanted to know where Wayne Whitmore, Scott Mason, Ken Bernstein, and Chris Baldwin were. Ooo c'mon! I managed to squeeze rounds of golf in with Peter Holden, Bob Atwell (still class medalist), Steve McCormack, and Doug Shufelt (who reminded us of the little shack underneath the former Dartmouth ski jump). And Tom Draths Bill Hansen, Herb Hopkins, and Dudley Flanders were spotted with spouses downing ribs and chillies (note the "e") on Main Street.

Guest appearances included Tom Eggleston, Doug Peabody, and Perry Ballard.Paul Lukeman, Owen Williams, John Fisher, Doug Lind, Steve Allison, and ChrisGates (hey buddy!) were also in force with respective and faithful spouses. John Cart,Steve Dietz, Randy von Wedel, and KentAllenby reminisced about Steele Hall. CandyNeville, Chris Nicholson, Mary Donovan, Jody Simpson, and Lonna Slaby still look as good as they did at graduation.

Joe Barnes told of how he wrote Aerosmith's manager about the days when they were the main stage at Sigma Nu, and how he henceforth received four premiere tickets and back-stage passes when the band passed through Pittsburgh. His kids still can't believe it. And finally, Jeff Corelitz is writing a new book about etiquette on nude beaches, soon to be a NY Times bestseller. (Fiction or non? You decide.) More next month.

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