1953

As an aspiring writer, I am exhilarated when news of another book, another article, another published work by another classmate crosses my desk. This month, Ienjoyed a double dose. Peter Bridges's new book, Safrika: An American Envoy, was published by Kent State University Press. It deals largely with Peter's experiences as American ambassador to Somalia in 1984-1986 and with present prospects for Somalia and Africa. It also recounts Peters experience as a Foreign Service officer in Washington and in our embassies at Panama, Moscow, Prague and Rome. Sharing your experiences augurs for a most interesting book, Peter. John Dickason contributed to my pleasure with the following e-mail. "Also, as a matter of minor general interest, but important to me nonetheless, is that I have become an author. The Council on Foundations, the Washington-based national association of private foundations, has just published a monograph on The Management of Limited Term Foundations:The Closing of the Markey Charitable Trust. I am the co-author of this monograph with professor Duncan Neuhauser of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. It is our attempt to leave some footprints of the experiences that we had at the Markey Charitable Trust for those admittedly few persons and organizations which might like to follow this pattern." Congratulations, John. And speaking of interesting work, Ron Scheman has just assumed a position as the first director general of the Inter-American Agency for Cooperation and Development. Upon taking office, Ron outlined, among his priorities, his plans to make the Organization of American States and this subsidiary agency "the education institution." Ron, who has had a life-long commitment to the betterment of the Americas, has affirmed that he is seeking new methods of cooperation through the participation of the public and private sectors, and that he will place particular emphasis on transparency in all of the agency's operations. Ron has authored numerous books, among them The Inter American Dilemma and The Alliance forProgress in Retrospect Bill Hazelton and John VanHuyck joined Bob Ringstad '52 aboard his boat, The Audacious, this June and after battling heavy weather, conquered Long Island Sound, roughing it between sailings in some of the finest restaurants along the way. A goodtime was had by all. Speaking of good times, please mark May 20-23,2001, in your appointment books, and plan to join us for another wonderful maxi/mini-reunion.This one is to be held at the Fabulous Skytop Lodge in Skytop, Pennsylvania. Phil Beekman assures me that it will be sensational, and that it is easily accessible by plane or by car. The food is great, and there'll be a '53 official golf tournament, a '53 official tennis tournament, outstanding speakers and many other special activities. Unhappily I must report the death of Jim Cobb. Our sincere condolences go out to his wife, Shirley, and to his children Tracey, Michael and Charles. I close now with a wish to you all for a happy holiday season.

4 Schuyler Drive, Jericho, NY11753; (516) 938-3616; bomark@webtv.net