1955

First, an important correction: Dick Blodgett has very kindly pointed out that in this column last November I credited him with a personal donation to the Athletic Sponsor Program to cover the recruiting visit of Chris Carney '00, when in fact the donation was from our Class of 1955 Gift Program. I do appreciate the correction because while it indicates Dick is not personally responsible for the gift, it allows me to point out what a valuable contribution he has been making to our entire class gift program. Thank you, Dick!

The mail has also brought a glowing review of Swede: The Will to Win, Dave"Obie" Oberlander's new book about his legendary Dad, gridiron hero at Dartmouth and—more important—exemplar as coach, doctor, husband, and devoted father. Word about Obie's book has already brightened this column, but this latest review (Valley News, October 19, 1996) adds a special piece of information modestly withheld by the author. In telling the story of his memorable father, Obie had an additional special goal: to complete the book in time to present a copy to each member of Swede Oberlander's class of 1926 at their 70th Reunion last June. The goal was achieved, and for both Obie and the members of his Dad's class—many of whom were interviewed for the book—it was a memorable and deeply moving experience.

Since news items are few this month, I am moved to tell a Dartmouth story of my own. Last November, after completing a week of conference board activities in the Far East, I found myself en route from Sydney to New York, a trip that cannot be accomplished without a stop. So, to create as pleasant a break as possible, I disembarked halfway across the Pacific on the island of Moorea in French Polynesia, just across the international date line. (Those of you who are geographically astute will realize that this little bit of timing actually gave me two full Fridays, the first filled with appointments in Sydney, the second filled with sun and surf on the beach in Moorea. Who said there is no such thing as a free lunch?) At any rate, on my last evening on the island, I found myself having dinner on the deck of a lovely little French restaurant overlooking picturesque Cook's Bay. There was only one couple—obviously honeymooners—sharing this idyllic South Pacific scene, and from time to time the soft breeze across the sailspecked bay brought snippets of their conversation, one of which unmistakably carried the word "Dartmouth." Edging closer I finally introduced myself, and indeed I had come upon Christine Jacobson '90 and Doug Sheen '89, just married, and both with deep family ties to Dartmouth. Neither of their fathers was class of '55, but one was '54, our contemporary 40-plus years ago. Once again the old song proved true: "'Round the girdled earth we roam...

Finally, to conclude on a sadder note, it is with deep regret that I report the passing of two classmates, Bennett Muir Rogers and William Selwin Ramsey III. Obits will appear in later issues of this magazine.

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