1948

50th(!!) Reunion Chairman Fran Hummel feels his group is making good progress in programming our June 12-14, 1998, reunion in Hanover to mark 50 years since we departed our Upper Valley. Fran is in Hanover regularly to handle this responsibility, but is quick to point out that his lieutenants who live around Hanover—John Hatheway, BudGedney, Lloyd Krumm, Bud Munson—are the giants who do the dirty work in assuring a great time. Fran also points out publicity is in the capable hands of Jim Schaefer, whose lifetime in advertising provides professional expertise to this aspect. And he notes that redoubtable Joe Smith and Helen will again check in arrivees, award dorm room keys, answer questions, reintroduce old friends of 50 years ago, and extort fee payments beginning 9 a.m. on Friday in Brace Commons. This is the underground social center for the three new dorms across East Wheelock from Alumni Gym, where all who so wish will stay. The class tent will be on the gym lawn.

Present intent is we'll stay in dorms Friday and Saturday nights only, and take part in College Commencement Day exercises Sunday. Saturday the College and President Freedman will host '48 at a luncheon in honor of the 50-year class. Still under consideration is a possible '48 adjournment outside Hanover to some resort or locale for Sunday night. Many other events are on the program.

The great unanswered question is whether 1948 will give the traditional really big 50th Reunion gift to the College as all other classes before us have done. This gift is usually epitomized by a photo taken at the luncheon hosted by the College in which the class president is shown handing to the President of the College a five-foot wooden check showing the dollar amount in big black figures. At present no one knows whether the '48 amount will justify a check bigger than a four-inch ruler.

But hark! Be ye not afraid for help is nigh! Jim McLaughlin and Ken Young are taking on the challenge by somehow finding the funds among us '48s for a significant 50th gift. It won't be easy, but my money bets these two will succeed! With our help!

Jim and Ken, co-chairs at Jim's suggestion, are hard at planning, and they are receiving awesome assistance from Hatheway, who wants to pass a bigger check than the cited four-inch ruler to Dr. Freedrlian in the glare of the flashbulbs.

So, men of '48, prepare for a gallant and energetic effort by our two dedicated hardsell artists. Jim would say about Ken, if asked, "The shipmaster is back!" We anticipate a number of new wrinkles and approaches from these two in representing the class that reportedly has the poorest record in Alumni Fund giving of any class since the 19305. And please note my understanding that any gifts to MarvAxelrod's A.F. campaign or Bud Elliott's trust and bequest efforts will count for the wooden check!

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