1962

It started with a simple message from Bill Mahaney asking that I help get him off the subscription list for the Dartmouth AlumniMagazine. Bill doesn't want part of the class treasury to be "wasted" on a mailing to him even though he still cares about Dartmouth. I argue that the mailing of the magazine is never a waste. The whole discussion is most timely, since the trustees recently approved a substantial subsidy program that will increase rather than decrease the subscription base even as it conserves the class funds. Treasurer Charlie Balch and I are ecstatic about this overdue improvement. I have faith that the editorial board and excellent journalism will ensure that the magazine continues as a vibrant, independent publication.

Bill illustrates how English majors can succeed even though they take a lot of flack from Garrison Keillor. "My M.A. in English at UConn was paid for through a Dartmouth graduate fellowship." Bill earned his Ph.D. at Ohio State University and then found his way to Salem (Massachusetts) State College. Bill became a full professor of English in 1988, was academic VP for 10 years and for eight months was acting president. Bill retired in 2003 and he and Carol moved to Spokane, Washington, in 2004. He speaks highly of western Washington and especially likes being near daughter Kim, son-in-law Shannon and grandson Sean Gillen.

Jim Kent wrote that he and Phoebe were heading off to Greece for three weeks in May to celebrate their 40th anniversary. They reflect happily on their children Andrew, Chris, Allison and Molly and their many diverse accomplishments. George Saj, M.D., retired from the clinical practice of surgery last December after 37 years of service in New Jersey. He wrote a thoughtful and heartfelt letter to his patients, colleagues and friends and we are pleased to be part of the mailing. George wrote in part: "Before leaving medical practice, I would like to acknowledge the debt that I owe to my teachers, my patients and my colleagues. Patients have taught me all that I know of human nature, of suffering and of grace in the face of sickness and pain. This is a very exciting time in medicine. Today, progress made in a decade exceeds that made in a century in the past." Well said, George.

Art Hoover writes that "life as a small-town lawyer in New Hampshire continues to be good. Lawyers, as a rule, do not often retire, and I find I am not an exception. I still look forward to going to the office. I enjoy the work and the opportunity to work closely with my clients." Art and his son, Jeff '88, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and there is a great photograph to prove it. It is wonderful to hear that Art, his wife, Susan (celebrating their 40th year together this year), five children and four grandchildren are well. For heaven's Sakes, Art, join us for the mini-reunion this coming October!

11 Sunset Road, Salem, MA 01970;(978) 744-0655 (fax); rjhannah@massmed.org