1966

It was the best-attended 30th Reunion in the history of Dartmouth College. But that should come as no surprise, since it was the first 30th for the class of 1966! One hundred thirteen classmates, ably supported by 81 spouses and guests and 45 children (not counting a host of Dart mouth kids of '66) took over the WheelerRichardson greensward and overflowed into every nook and cranny of the campus from Thursday, June 13,to Sunday, June 16.

Orchestrating it all was Reunion maestro Jack Bennett, who stayed calm in the face of the occasional rain squall or mischuck placed D.J. Jack was ably abetted by his allstar Reunion committee Peter Prichard,Dick Birnie, Robin Carpenter, JohnRollings, Chuck Sherman, and the veryefficient treasurer, Jim Weiskopf, a man who can dispense a natty straw hat or a bill for the weekend with consummate style and tact.

They came from far (Roger Brett from Oakland, Calif., and Gary and BobbieBryson from Colorado) and near (PaulDoscher from Norwich, Vt., and StanColla, who lives and works in Hanover). They came solo, like Bob Cohn, JohnBarbieri, Steve Zegel, and Pete Griffin, and they brought the family, like Bruceand Nina McKissock and John andNancy Nevison, who both brought two children. And two of our 50 something classmates even introduced us to their new (and first!) wives Jeff Futter and Susie and Bill Roberts and Paula.

Highlights! Many. Friday night was fancy class dinner night at the Hanover Inn. Class President Bob Serenbetz handled M.C. duties with his usual aplomb, class treasurer Bill Higgins explained that, even after the generous class gift of a new scoreboard for Memorial Field, we remain solvent, and Governor of Maine AngusKing regaled the assemblage with sidesplitting tales of the life and times of an independent in the Pine Tree State.

Saturday was class meeting time, when Serenbetz, Higgins, and Geiger were reelected as class officers, it was agreed to pursue a scholarship to support a student's overseas study program each year, and plans were laid for our next mini reunion on Houseparty Weekend (October 18-19th).

About 100 folks attended a special class symposium late Saturday morning in which four '66 fathers Jim Nutt, Prichard, King, and Geiger and their Dartmouthattending children Rob, Oliver, James, and Maggie, respectively (all '98s) discussed changes and conditions at the College from then to now. Not all roses, with increased diversity creating some social strains, and the D-Plan creating havoc with personal relationships.

Saturday afternoon found '66s everywhere from Mt. Moosilauke to the top of the Dartmouth bell tower. On the tennis courts, Pete Prichard organized a mixed doubles tournament in which Peter and Dorothy Cleaves emerged victorious, while Rick Kaiser fed a contingent of game duffers around the Hanover Country Club course, with Steve Warhover and JimUrban capturing the heavy metal.

Saturday evening a reception up at the Bema was followed by a pig roast (really) at the class tent.

The wonderful weekend ended on a nostalgic and warm note when the Rev. Gaylord Hitchcock led scores of classmates and guests through a touching memorial service for the 26 members of the class of 1966 who have passed away.

We'll pass along more details about the classmates at Reunion in subsequent columns. It was a weekend to rekindle friendships, build new memories, and reestablish that indescribable bond so many of us feel to the College. Congratulations to all who worked so hard to make the 30th Reunion such a success!

93 Greenridge Ave., White Plains, NY 10605; 914-761-2709;

Sherman '66, p. 24