1961

As a prime example of Darwin's theory of evolution in action, Mike Gazzaniga has been appointed as one of a select group of 17 members appointed to President Bush's advisory council on bioethics. In case you might think that the topic of concern to the committee might be lightweight, the council's first task will be to examine the ethical, scientific and legal issues surrounding human cloning. This should keep Mike occupied and out of trouble for the next decade or so.

Don Schramm wrote in that he is the president of the Onion River Co-op board of directors. Onion River is a food co-op located in Burlington, Vermont, that is currently in the process of completing the construction of a new downtown community supermarket. The co-op is modeled after the Hanover Co-op and the new building was designed by two Dartmouth graduates. At least Don is eating well!

In connection with the class of '61 reunion gift to the College, the first Class of 1961 Arts Initiative student has been selected: Rich McDonald, a senior majoring in computer science with a minor in studio art. His announced project is too complicated to describe here, but it appears to be very interesting.

On the political front, albeit local, we received word that Bill Kupinse Jr. has been the major power broker of Easton, Connecticut, as Republican first selectman of the town for two terms and is currently vying for a third term. The big election issue appears to be whether to expand commercial development in town. After Dartmouth Bill earned his law degree at Cornell University. Bill has lived inEaston for 22 years with his wife, Pat, and their three grown children. To earn a living, Bill is the managing partner at a highly rated local firm where his practice is municipality and labor-based.

Our class's next mini-reunion, held on the weekend of April 19-21 in Hanover, was both exciting and unique. In lieu of the usual football game, there was the first concert (Itzhak Perlman) sponsored by the Class of 1961 Performing Arts Endowment reunion gift to the College. In addition, there was a class dinner on Friday night and Saturday night, as well as some special educational programs and tours on Saturday. The weekend closed with a class brunch on Sunday. President Pete Bleyler and other classmates did a great job setting everything up.

Five classmates with available free time, sufficient stamina and in good physical shape participated in this year's Dartmouth ski trip to Lech, Austria: Pete Bleyer, Art Kelton, Art Johnson, Ivar Jozus and Frank Ginn. With so many current and past class officers in this group, the class is fortunate that they all returned safe and sound.

The quest for a class bench at the Frost statue location continues, as yet without any definitive result. We originally preferred a natural stone bench, whereas the Colleges campus planning and design committee is recommending a teak bench. Let Pete Bleyer know if you are supportive of or have objections with a teak bench, so we can move ahead with a decision.

5 Red Ground Road, Old Westbury,NY 11568; victor rich@rsmi.com