1943

Put the 55 th in the record book. Despite a wet three days—at least it wasn't snow, as Reunion chairman Bob Gray kept reminding us it was a memorable and appropriately mellow occasion. Some 90-plus classmates and about 70 wives, widows, and companions made the scene. My slide rule placed the percentage of class members in attendance at 25 percent of the living members of our freshman class and over 35 percent of our living graduates, a pretty impressive number after 55 years! Our class gift to the College, $360,000, set a new record for a 55th reunion class. George Shimizumay have set a record of sorts returning to Hanover for the first time in 55 years. South Fayerweather, I believe, won dormitory bragging rights for the most returnees I counted 11.

Highlight Reunion events, in no particular order, would include the East Bay Jazz Ensemble (not the dancers); the Susie and Doc Fielding Revue (a smash hit again); the session with incoming President Jim Wright (thanks to Howie Leavitt) [Historian Wright pushed the right buttons in reminiscing about our years in Hanover and following his remarks fielded a range of questions forthrightly. I think it speaks volumes as to the state of the College and the reputation of James Wright that the Trustees found our president-elect already on campus.]; Fred Stockwell's slide show marvelous photography of flower and fauna around the world; a moving memorial service under Jim Malley's able direction. Finally, there was the retelling, perhaps with some embellishment, of the adventures of Übi, the übiquitous canine of athletic events fame.

Bob Gray and his committee deserve particular praise for their efforts in view of the inclement weather, which didn't seem to faze his crew a bit. At the class meeting outgoing President Bob Ehinger announced the new slate of officers. They are Bud Hall, president; Bud Kast, vice president; Phil Harmon, continuing as treasurer; and the undersigned as secretary. Howie Leavitt's arm was twisted, and he will continue as newsletter editor. Bob Field announced our fall mini to be the weekend of October 16-18, which is the Yale game and also Dartmouth Night, so accommodations may be tough to come by. Unfortunately, this notice will reach you probably too late to be of any help. Finally, I have to report the deaths of seven classmates in recent months. They are Bob Scott, Victor Barringer, Bill Simonds, Roger Thomas, Bob Roberts, Bob Alesbury, and Dick Kimmel. We offer condolences to their families. This, my first issue, was an easy assignment, but I'll need fodder for future columns.

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