1965

Your class executive committee held its annual summer meeting on July 10 at Bill Webster's beautiful home in Old Saybrook, Conn. Those in attendance included president Jim Griffiths, Bob Blake, Brian Porzak, Hank Amon, Steve Waterhouse, Steve Fowler, Ken McGruther, and Tom Webster '65 A. Aconflict prevented my attendance so I am especially indebted to Ken McGruther for the very comprehensive meeting notes. A summary of some of the highlights follows.

Head agent Hank Amon reported that our 1999 Alumni Fund goal of $265,000 would almost certainly be met with $255,000 in hand and more than enough additional pledges outstanding. He also announced the formation of a reunion giving committee that will consist of approximately 15 to 25 members of our class.

Class projects head Steve Waterhouse reported that the Webster Hall '65 Gallery is "the hit of the campus" and is shown on the Dartmouth home page as one of the three "must sees" on campus. Other continuing projects include the Academic Achievement Award ($300), financial aid for Freshman Trip ($300), athletic sponsor program ($500), contributory membership in Friends of Baker Library ($250), and funding library books on Native American subjects in memory of deceased classmates. Possible new projects may include the collection and display of literature published by '65s in the Webster '65 Gallery and the initiation of an endowment of $50,000 (up to $500,000) to support one Class of 1965 Scholarship to be awarded annually. The previously proposed "North Campus" landscape project is being tabled for now because of uncertainties about the "North Campus" construction.

As most of you know, our 35th Reunion is scheduled for June 12-15, 2000. Steve Fowler, the reunion treasurer (Mike Bettman is chairman), reported that the 35th Reunion goal is to produce an event that will reach out and elicit participation from the widest possible segment of the class. He is also looking for recommendations on '65s who would be willing and able to participate on panels or as speakers on topics of class-wide interest. Some suggested panel topics included: 1) "Computer Usage for Dummies," 2) "Internet for Dummies," 3) "Health Orientation" (as we approach our 60s), 4) "Retirement" (both lifestyle and financial aspects), and 5) "Where is the Infosphere Headed?"

Regarding the Alumni Council, for the next three years we will have two '65s serving since Ted Atkinson represents the classes of '65 and '66 and Jim Griffiths represents the Class Presidents Association. Bob Blake reported that the Trustees are actively seeking input while trying to improve public relations. He also indicated that the fraternity/sorority issue has calmed down significantly.

Because of our 35th in June, we have voted not to have a spring mini next year. However, looking ahead, we are considering March 2001 as a possibility for a ski-mini, with Vail or Taos as two possibilities. International locales are also being evaluated, with Ireland having been mentioned. It all rhymes with fun!

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