1947

Fifty years since our graduation! We gather in just a matter of days, to celebrate friendships and memories which began in those early days, and have continued to now. It all began in Hanover.

I'd like to note a project carried on over many years by our class working together: our creation and long-term support of an intern serving in the office of the President of the College. Over a period of 23 years the class of '47 sponsored 29 College seniors in what has become the pre-eminent intern program on the campus. We can indeed feel a special and deserved pride in having placed our dollars and our encouragement behind this continuing program.

as to what you hoped for, a special reason, or desire for coming. Earlier I asked for personal insights from you folks planning to be at Reunion,

Bob Mortimer just wants to see friends, including some now widows, and to enjoy visiting and having a good time.

To Norm Falkin, 50 years is a special marker for a very positive experience in his life. The friends, memories, and the wonderful education are his reasons.

David Squire, in a serious vein, adds that Dartmouth was first to encourage him to learn, to think, to question and to challenge, and above all to read. He and his wife, Pat, will look forward to both old and new friends.

Jiggs Fuller sees Reunion as a chance to reminisce over youthful pleasures. He names Russ Pfaff, George House, and Joe Eisaman as cohorts in "youthful pleasures." Men, if you want to deny it, you'll have to do this in person.

Thanks to Julian Sayer for some local news. Julian is still very active in Stamford, Conn., Democratic politics, nationally as well as locally. He included a fine newsclip and photo telling of Fred Frassinelli and his good works and leading role as president of the board of trustees for the American Shakespeare Festival Theater of Stratford, Conn. Fred has successfully worked with the governor and many theater notables to bring about a rebirth of the Stratford Theater complex. The other clip brings the good news that Bernie "Beep" O'Shea has outlasted the mean ones. Beep was the victim of a hit/run pedestrian auto accident (Beep was the ped) in 1985. After an 11-year court battle, years of medical and rehab expenses, not to mention the pain and permanent disability, justice finally prevailed. Beep was awarded just over $2 million (as already published). This will not build a life over again, but is satisfaction for the courage and perseverance of playing life's game with the hand dealt to him. Beep, we'll see you and Fred both in Hanover.

Time now to say "thanks" to Bob Kirsch, Joe Kurey, Hugh Chapin, Frank Weber, Ed Grady, and the many who have carried us to this point by their vision, time, and great effort. In this vein, Bonnie Holmes invites all '47 ladies to join her panel group on Saturday of Reunion, while the menfolk are meeting, to hear what our successful better halves have accomplished in their activities. Panel: "Before the glass ceiling."

This column ends the Alumni Magazine year, and with it, my last in a series of 133 columns over 15 years. I loved it, I love you all. Thanks for writing, and be good to our next scribe, a man you already know and like. See you soon.

Ham Chase, 63 Maple Ave., Keene, NH 03431-1629

Time to Reneur the Spirit 47/50!