1969

Bruce Alpert gave a short report on his seven-day, 3,433-mile drive from Memphis to Han-over with son Seth, stopping along the way at six other unnamed schools. I am suspicious of the accuracy of the mileage since the tenths place was omitted. While in the Upper Valley, he met with chemistry professor Braun and they spoke of medical care, academic funding, cabages, and kings. Prof. Braun is coping with an eye condition which has seriously impaired his vision and Bruce thinks that he would like to hear from any of us who have time to write. (Editor's Note: I am always jealous of how Prentice uses this journalistic device so I am going to do it. I have spoken with Dr. Braun on several occasions and despite his eye problems, he remains as dedicated to his students and as upbeat as he always was.) Bruce wrapped up his note with a fact he learned at the admissions office. Dartmouth was ranked No. 1 by US News & World Report for "dedication to undergraduate teaching." I don't think it was simply coincidence that Bruce mentioned this fact and Dr. Braun in the same letter.

George Stauffer has just been elected to a four-year term as president of the American Bach Society. George is director of chapel music and university organists at Columbia University and professor of music history at Hunter College and the Graduate Center of City College of New York. George can be heard performing on a recent CD, The Great Organs of New York (Bishop & Vitacco Recordings, 1996).

As mentioned in earlier columns, Bill Yellowtail is actively involved in politics in his home state of Montana. As happens frequently to politicians, unflattering incidents from his past, including his college years, have been brought up. An article in The New York Times last August outlined them and went on to say that they have had little effect on his success. I, for one, would not want anyone to scrutinize my years at Dartmouth too closely. Those of you not living in glass houses may now pick up your stones. All for now. Take care and write.

27 Summit Ave., Deny, NH 03038;

Joe Meliling '69 on reindeer, p 30