1953

Homecoming Weekend proved to be just that for the class of 1953. It wasn't just the bonfire, or the Glee Club or band or the speeches. It was the reuniting of more than 50 of our classmates and their wives who lined up outside the football stadium on Friday night, and as our class was called, proudly followed our splendid banner up Main Street to Dartmouth Row. It was the 70 who made it to the party afterward at the Hanover Inn. It was our Saturday, which began at the home of Jodie and Jack Zimmermann, where every member of the class who has served as an officer of the class since 1953 arrived at 7:30 a.m. so his picture could be taken for our 50th reunion book. Great fun! Immediately following this early morning festival, it was our annual class meeting at Nancy and Phil Beekman's home attended by 59 of us. It was an afternoon in Hanover during which many chose to attend the football game or other event after which there was a meeting of the class of 1953 trust. It culminated in our most enjoyable annual dinner, also held at the home of Nancy and Phil Beekman that night, at which 86 of us enjoyed a delightful evening.

Dr. Gil Shapiro was named Classmate of the Year, joining a small but very distinguished group of 1953s who can claim this prestigious honor. Gil, an orthopedist, has been a leader in medicine in his community with presidencies of many medical societies. In addition he has directed a number of HMO organizations. His charitable endeavors have centered around the Orthopedic Overseas Division of Health Volunteers, under whose auspices Gil has traveled on many occasions with wife Timmy at his side, for a month at a time, to Asia and South America, teaching doctors in Third-World hospitals how to practice orthopedics utilizing the latest techniques. In addition he has shown them how best to utilize what facilities and equipment are available to them. Congratulations, Gil.

The class also designated the income from an existing fund of $250,000, established at our 25th and now valued at $1,000,000, to support the Colleges international academic programs by underwriting the cost of off-campus programs as well as auricular initiatives taking place on campus that educate Dartmouth students about the world community. It is titled the Class of 1953 International Studies Fund in Honor of John Sloan Dickey.

Please get your bios and pictures in to Donald Goss ASAP. He is very anxious to include everyone in the ultimate 50th reunion book., and while you are at it, please fill in and return the orange card regarding your reunion intentions to Allen Collins. It would be very helpful to him as he and his committee plan our 50th.

Sadly I must report the death of our classmate the Rev. Gus McGuire. Our class sends its condolences to Gus's brothers John '52 and Robert and sister Lucy Anne.

4 Schuyler Drive, Jericho, NY 11753;(516) 938-3616; marksmoller@hotmail.com