1955

During '55's marvelous 40th Reunion, 184 classmates with 118 spouses, children, and other guests experienced a return to the Hanover Plain with fellowship, food, conversation, sports, and intellectual events. In short, an altogether too brief but most enjoyable reliving of our time together 40 years ago. Here are some of the highlights of the week as I observed them.

The next morning the 1955 class memorial service, conducted by the Reverends JoeHerring and Roy Nyren was held in Rollins Chapel. During the service our 81 deceased classmates were recognized, and a moving story was told by Nancy Nyren, Roy's wife. Following a picnic at Storrs Pond there were academic presentations for the intellectually inclined and tennis and golf for the athletes. Pete Buhler won the 1955 section of the minimarathon. Reunion Chairman John French presided at the reunion dinner which featured Jud Hale as speaker. Time has not dulled his lively wit and commentary on the passing scene.

At the class meeting a new slate of officers was elected. They are Brooks Parker, president; John Ballard, vice president; RalphSautter, treasurer; Leon Martel secretary; John French, newsletter editor; Woody Goss, head agent; Stan Bergman and Alice DeLana, bequest chairpersons; Skip Hance, minireunion chair; and Bob Fanger Alumni Council representative. Forty-one members of the executive committee were also elected. Next came a two-part class symposium. First was Jere Daniell speaking on "John Sloan Dickey: The Man and His Legacy." Then JimPerkins moderated a panel discussing "The Liberal Arts over 60" with panelists Mordecai Jackson, Joe Kagle Nathan Kotz, Gordy Russell, Larry Veator, and Dick Fairley. Both were fascinating and were followed by lively question-and-answer sessions. Later, Dick Barr gave a special presentation, "Art History: Still Relevant?" Dick is passionate about his second career, and we were very pleased to have him share it with us.

On our final evening together, the class banquet featured the presentation of the college-record-breaking 40th-Reunion class gift of $1,067,186 to Acting President Jim Wright by Joe Mathewson and Brooks Parker. Also, the Dartmouth Alumni Award was presented to Ace Hall by Swifty Lawrence. Ace was recognized for his long-standing distinguished record of service to the College in a number of capacities.

You should have received the Reunion Class Book and will receive "On the Hanover Plain," Tom Byrne's compilation of events in the life of the class of 1955 during its four years at the College, full of great memories and a real treat to look through.

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