1944

We doubt anyone's counted how many '44s are walking around today thanks to timely heart surgery. But, we've got another one. Last January X Larrabee, the guy who alternates writing this column, qualified for a triple by-pass at Duke University Hospital. Poor guy was totally out of it for eight days, but doing fine since. Fortunately, his surgery preceded by several weeks the organ-transplant mishap that rattled the rafters of the nationally famed institution.

In the seven months since dedication of the Baker/Berty Library, some of us have had a chance to observe how students use this 21st-century facility. Sure they keep the scores of computer terminals busy. But visits by Eric Barradale and Wemo Epply confirm the fact that the '44 Place and Fritz Hier alcove are uniquely popular areas for study. While not competing with the stare-across-the- Green-and-doze-a-little ambience that we enjoyed studying in Baker Tower, the '44 Place offers a layout of comfortable furniture and study desks that attracts more students than other available areas. Without question, the 44 Place and the alcove we dedicated to "The Fritzer" make a significant class contribution in support of the far-sighted generosity of John Berry.

As we go to press, the Bermuda mini-reunion organized by Merle Hagen is still ahead. But Merle reports firm commitments from Ben Jones and Betty; Ezz Hale and Pat, Chuck Richardson and Betty, Barb MacBeth and friend, as well as Merle and Emmy Lou. Ann, widow of Dick Jones, was disappointed not to make it, but had to fly to Argentina for the wedding of a grandson.

World-travelers Dick Ranger and Carol hope to get to Hanover this fall. They certainly should. Dick, one of our class youngsters, only turns 80 this August!

Dr. Julie Patterson Fago '83, DMS '87, the daughter of Ann and Dave Patterson, has followed a career path meaningful to all of us. She is medical director at Kendal in Hanover, an associate professor at the Medical School and a recipient of the Geriatric Career Award of the National Institute of Aging!

Stay well! Stay with it!

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