1973

Bob Smith had a stellar rookie year as head agent for our class. By the close of the campaign last June, '73s had given the College $181,000 (cash and pledges paid), $17,000 over die goal of $164,000. Congratulations to Bob and sincere thanks to those who contributed to the success of this "reunion plus one" drive. It's always tough to sustain the giving spirit and momentum in the year immediately following the 25th Reunion.

Tower Group of Needham, Mass., announced that Richard Roby will be the research director of its new insurance Comprehensive Advisory Service for institutions within the insurance industry, information technology vendors, and management consultants. Richard earned an M.B.A. at Harvard and, prior to joining Tower Group in 1996, worked in international special risk underwriting at The Chubb Corp. and held senior management positions at Chase Manhattan Bank and Bankßoston. Richard and spouse Laurie live in Cambridge, Mass.

I spoke recently with Rick Wild, physician-lawyer-politician, who lives and works in Cranston, R.I. He ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for Congress last year in heavily Democratic Rhode Island. Rick's still active in local politics. We talked about some common experiences while on active duty in the military. Among his assignments years ago was paratrooper airborne training where he was the oldest soldier and only physician in the group. As you can imagine, in a drop zone there is often a demand for orthopedic consultations. Airborne! Ail the way!

From Rome, Italy, Jon Cooper sends a change in e-mail address. The new one is . Jon is a well-established consultant in the computer world in and around Italy.

The honeymoon is over. The Boston Globe reported that Congressman Mike Capuano (Bth District, Mass.) may have a primary challenge next year from a fellow Democrat who is an environmental activist. After defeating nine other Democratic rivals in the 1998 congressional primary, I'm not sure Mike is too worried.

Architect Bill McDonough will help design the new, twenty-first century Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Schenley Park in Oakland, Pa., according to The Sunday Tribune Review of Greensburg, Pa. Under a five-year plan, the Phipps will grow from a nine-acre facility into a fourtiered, 35-acre glass and emerald complex, complete with a tropical rainforest, waterfall, classrooms, visitors center, and expanded parking.

The New York Times favorably reviewed Pilobolus Dance Theater choreographer Mike Tracy's season opener which featured pieces inspired by the Holocaust. During its New York City season Pilobolus can be seen at the Joyce Theater, 175 Eighth Ave. at 19th Street in Chelsea.

As your fall season opens, please send me your news or news about other '73s. I (and historians and anthropologists in future generations) will be ever so grateful.

27 Manor Drive, Glenmont, NY 12077-3326;

McDonough will kelp design tire Pliipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. 808 CONWAY ' 73