1942

I've been asked several times how many men are in todays class. The total through October of last year was 268, which contrasts with the previous years figure of 291 surviving members. In May of 1942 (you remember that date) we had 474 members listed in the Aegis and another 219 who had not registered as '42s in the fall of 1941—for a total of 693.

Warren Kreter, our star fundraiser, has had a busyyear.You probably read in his December letter that he sold his home of 53 years and bought a condo opposite his golf club. In addition, he's had to recruit new class agents. He requests you be sure to get your donation to this year's College Fund into Hanover before June 30 so it is included in our total. Reach Warren at The Admiralty, 201 Captains Way, Bayshore, NY 11706; phone (631) 968-4308.

It's still a first-rate investment; late last year, Standard & Poors assigned its AAA and A-1+ ratings to bonds issued for the College. Said S&P, among other things: "The stable outlook reflects the expectation that Dartmouth will continue to experience impressive demand, strong financial performance and debt issuance commensurate with the growth of its financial resources."

Want another? Consultants Booz Alien Hamilton commissioned a study to find the worlds 10 most enduring institutions. Dartmouth was one, and in good company:The U.S. Constitution, Oxford University, modern Olympic Games and General Electric were among the others.

Dr. Jim Robinson writes from Leesburg, Virginia, that he was inspired by reading these class notes and sent a compilation of letters he has had printed in The New York Times.The collection dates back to the 1950s and 19605. Congrats, Jim. I know from personal experience how hard it is to get printed.

The alumni memorial books program has added another nine deceased members to the list of those so honored. The latest group, from last year, includes Irving Kiesling Jr., Joe Chasnoff, Donald Gutmann, Bob Keeshan, Phil Locke, Fred Nichols Jr., William Scott, Brayton Smith and Lewis Thompson. Each will have a book title assigned to his name.

P.O. Box 1302, Redding Center, CT06875; (203) 938-8485; mlw97@optonline.net