1963

"The Time of Your Life" could have been tided "The Meaning of Your Life." Our 35 th Reunion in June was by far our most intellectual and soul-searching, characterized by a seasoned sense of humor that replaced the occasional posturing of years past. Intermittent rain nurtured the Camus-like musings in three brilliant panel discussions where a record may have been set for frankness. One thing for sure: we set the record for reunion attendance. One hundred fifty-three classmates were tallied as of the evening of June 17 against the previous 35th Reunion record of 149 alumni. All told, 280 persons, including family and friends, came together in fun-filled memories.

And it wasn't all talk. Couples danced continuously to the fifties and sixties rhythms of Reminisce, a lively, personable group, recruited from Rhode Island by Steve Lewinstein. Dick Berkowitz teamed with Margaret Dickinson (Richard) to win the tennis tournament. Hank Booth hit the best par-three golf drive just 37 inches from the pin. Bruce Nichols was next at three feet, 11 inches, and so it went. Brett Harvey, 16-year-old-son of Chris Harvey, won the 5-K race in 22:42, followed by race organizer Frank DeSerio at 23:13. Barbara Harvey turned in a time of 32:56, and Cynthia Landreth (Duane) finished at 32:59. Dave Schaefer first reported that "fish were literally jumping into the boats" during the fishing contest, but soon conceded "we caught nothing." So he gave his special homemade trophy to George Richardson for wearing the "rottenest clothing."

The jokes didn't stop there. Dinner Toastmaster Paul Binder brimmed with one-liners such as, "Bob Bysshe was elected our new class president and die first thing he did was appoint an independent prosecutor to investigate outgoing president Dick Berkowitz." Dave Boldt poked gende fun at Canada, equestrian eventing, and other institutions as he announced Soaring Pine Awards to Roger Parkinson, publisher of the Globe if Mail in Toronto, Denny Emerson, Olympic horseman, Gary Silver, heart surgeon, Tom Berger, Shakespearian scholar, and Bill King, Dartmouth Trustee. King, who officiated at the spring press conference naming James Wright as the new Dartmouth president, got a laugh as he described how the media at first thought he was the new president.

James Wright was our main dinner speaker, fulfilling a commitment he made before being promoted to president. He vividly described world events that occurred during our college era and how these events foretold social changes that would take place in and outside the College. Among the most significant was the civil rights movement, which presaged affirmative action, a policywright vowed in his speech to pursue as president. There will be more reunion news next month. But in the meantime, make your plans to attend Homecoming minireunion October 16-17 in Hanover. Rooms have been set aside for '63s at Holiday Inn Express. Call (603) 448-5070 to reserve.

516 Fifth Ave., Ste. 606, New York, NY 10036;