1974

This month's column is dedicated to the Women of' 74: Our class was truly lone of transition, as evidenced by our 26 (by my count) female graduates. My records indicate that Janet BurrowsJames, Karen Jennings, Catherine Johnson, Michelle Polich Lund, Rosalyn LoomisMeyer, Candy Neville, Cynthia Bencal,Mary Donovan, Jody Simpson Hill, ChrisNicholson, Deborah Reamer, PamelaRingsread, Jennifer Robinson, Lonna SlabySaunders, Dana Seman, Marsha Shaines,Jackie Leavitt Stafford, Moina Varkie Toft,Candace Ingala Valiunas, Lucy Vaughters,Sallie Oldenburg Adams, Eva SmithChase, Laura Cuetera, Alma Hogan, Nora Jacobson, and Margery Feldberg are current members of the Class of '74.

Certainly, that was a time of transition back then. North Mass, Butterfield, and the Choates and Wigs were quickly converted from their original, traditional male habitats to accommodate these brave transfers from safe havens such as Connecticut College, Holyoke, Smith, and Colby Junior College. Alumni Gymnasium was also remodeled for new athletic teams, such as gymnastics, swimming, tennis, lacrosse, field hockey, squash, basketball, and crew. The academic curriculum expanded to include women's studies in English, art, sociology, and history. Dartmouth had its first coed cheerleaders, DCR disc jockeys, D reporters, Thayer workers, DOC members, and Glee Club crooners. Year-round operations began, and we forsook our Indian roots with the change to a unisex mascot. (Has anyone figured out what a "Big Green" is yet?)

Our class felt this great transition the most of all with the matriculation of freshwomen of the class of '76. I never expected that one of my roommates (honorary) would be a woman when I matriculated in the fall of 1970. I think I speak for the class in saying that the Dartmouth spirit never suffered through this time, it only became stronger. I give our feminine side immense due credit for keeping the faith and not giving up. It was a brave feat for all of you to hang tough. I suspect the knowledge that you were all responsible for this tremendous historic event kept you going in spite of the excess testosterone surges that occasionally occurred. (It was occasional, now, wasn't it girls?)

My hope is that you'll all come with your families to the 25th to celebrate and reminisce. And don't forget to write...

Suite 203, 6565 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21204;