1953

"The Mother keeps them in her heart, and guards their altar flame" (lyrics from our Alma Mater). Here we are again with our favorite subject, the women of 1953. This month it is time to hear about Lynn Cutler, wife of Ron Scheman, who co-hosted the 1996 mini-maxi in Washington, and Arlene Bloomer, known to many as the heart of this class.

Lynn Cutler has recently completed three terms as vice chairperson of the Democratic National Committee and has been a major influence on the success of the Clinton administration's program. In the recent election, Lynn traveled extensively working on state and local issues for the Democratic ticket, principally on women's issues. Lynn's knowledge of the reasons behind the "gender gap" in the 1996 election played a profound role in the re-election of the President.

In the new term for the administration, Lynn will play an important role in the delegation of new responsibilities to state and local governments as Congress implements the legislation empowering those institutions to pursue programs previously legislated to the federal level. Lynn began her political career as a county commissioner, so she knows of what she speaks. Thanks, Lynn, and thank you also for being part of this wonderful family of 1953

Definition of today's heroines conjure thoughts of CEO's, doctors, scientists, astronauts, and the like who finely balance the needs of career and family. And implicit in this definition is a subtle and sometimes unfair diminution of the woman who gives all of her energy and skill to her family, to her spouse, to her children and to her home. Arlene Bloomer personifies the folly of this definition.

Within five years of marrying Tom, Arlene had moved four times because his company demanded it; had four children, one of whom was brain damaged at birth; and still managed to support Tom in the demanding rigors of corporate America.

While doing that she pursued with heartfelt and firm intensity the development of all manner of programs for their retarded son against the staggering bureaucracies of the sixties. A notable achievement was the formation of a Scout troop for retarded boys. Arlene's love and labors for Peter and his peers enabled him to become an overachiever amongst a family of significant achievers.

And then, in her forties, Tom and Arlene brought another son into the world, followed shortly by the accidental death of Peter at the hands of a drunk driver. Arlene's faith, her strength, and her love for her family, her extended family including this great class of 1953, and the world as a whole caused her to reorient her life, lead the family in overcoming the grief of their loss, meet the challenges of a new son, go on to earn a master's degree, and start a business, all the time supporting Tom in the rigors demanded of an IBM executive.

Arlene is truly the heart of the family of 1953—the right stuff. We love you so.

Next month, get to know better JodyZimmerman and Lillian Goss.

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