1953

The building was elegant, a perfect setting for the event. The event was a luncheon to honor our Classmate of the Year, Bill Beutel. And our classmates came from all around to honor Bill and to share this wonderful occasion with him and Adair. Cathy and Bob Callender, Marita and Len Gochman, Chuck Reilly, Ellen L'Esperance, Bob Simpson, Phil Beekman, Dick Cahn, Dave Halloran, Bonnie and Dave Siegal, and Dick Blum were there. Joining them were Scrib Fauver,Howie Pitts, Gil Osborn, Tim Thomas, Taylor Thomas'88, PutBlodgett, and JohnKennedy. In addition, there were BurtDorsett, Joe Pardee, John Springer, AlanCollins, Ann and Brock Brower, RonLazar, Fritz Harrell, Dave Godschalk,Bill Friedman, Dick Goodman, LawrenceBarnett, Fred Chase, Jack Morris, KisukCheung, and Marion and Fred Whittemore.

We were joined by Trustee Bill King '63 and Director of Development of the College Carolyn Pelzel. I can attest to the fact that this was indeed, a lovely event. Fred Whittemore, our host, spared nothing to make this luncheon something special. The Union Club in New York City never shined more brightly than on this Thursday, March 25,1999. The room sparkled under the 1953 Dartmouth banner as President Chuck Reilly called the program to order.

He was followed by Dick Blum and Fritz Harrell, who spoke of their boyhood relationship with Bill in Shaker Heights, Ohio. Phil Beekman praised his friend as a broadcaster's broadcaster, Len Gochman delivered a humorous array of telegrams in a variety of languages, Brock Brower spoke of his professional relationship with Bill and gave a review of Bill's distinguished professional career, and Fred Whittemore introduced our honoree in his usual elegant style. Bill then accepted the honor with humility and introspection. He spoke of the world into which we entered SO years ago, of Harry Truman and his influence, of the Korean War and the Cold War. He spoke of the current problems of our world, quoted from Presidents Jefferson and Lincoln, and of course, thanked everyone present. Dave Siegal recorded the entire luncheon with pictures that will appear in '53 Out.

I received a note from Dudley Millikin in which he writes that he plans to retire this summer. He adds that there is nothing like a B.A. degree in a technical world, and to support that premise, he included a piece from Aviation Week, the 1998 Laurels edition, in which he was cited as general manager of the GE CF-34 program, and as such, was instrumental in transitioning the turbofan-powered engine from its traditional role of powering business jets to the more demanding tasks of powering 50-passenger regional jets. Of course, he adds, a couple of thousand flying hours in the marines doesn't hurt.

I am delighted to report that BernieSudikoff will be attending Alumni Council meetings as the representative of our class, a well-earned honor. We'll look forward to seeing him and Joan then. And finally, I would like to remind you that plans are set for the maxi-mini-reunion May 15-18, 2000, in San Francisco. Sadly I must report to you that Eliot Robinson died suddenly on March 3. We offer our condolences to his family.

Until next month, cheers, and have a little fun!

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