1944

In 2004 the 50th anniversary of the Alumni Award program was celebrated. This award is presented to distinguished alumni who have been out of Dartmouth for at least 25 years since their graduation. Beginning in 1954 420 alumni—from classes 1894 through 1977 have been recognized for their achievements in their careers, their communities and especially for their devotion and commitment to the College. This anniversary celebrated the lifetime achievements of these special men who helped make Dartmouth what it is today.

The recipients of this award are picked by the Alumni Council,on whose 189th meeting the celebration was held. In this illustrious group there are six members of the class of 1944; Roger Antaya, William Craig, William Hale, Frederick Hier, John Jenness and Benjamin Jones.

To give a complete history of all the positions and committees served on by these men would probably take a whole page in Dartmouth AlumniMagazine. They all served on the Alumni Council at one time or another; all served as members of reunion committees and most were class officers.

Besides the above, Roger Antaya (honored in 1976) was president and recruiter for two Dartmouth clubs. Bill Craig (1987), among other things raised $16 million for the Berry Sports Center. Bill Hale (1979) worked on the Alumni Fund, the campaign for Dartmouth and on leadership gifts. Ben Jones (1987) raised thousands of dollars as class agent, head class agent twice and leadership chairman. John Jenness (1981) was assistant class agent, district enrollment director for one of Dartmouth's largest sources of applicants and was matching gifts chairman. Fritz Hier (1994), as well known and loved as anyone in the Dartmouth family, served the College as director of public programs and class secretary for more than 15 years.

In addition to these remarkable classmates, two other members of the class of 44 who have shown such extraordinary service to their alma mater were honored by Dartmouth for their generous and unflagging support of the College. At the class' 50th reunion President Freedman conferred the degree of doctor of laws upon Walter Burke and John Berry.

We thank the alumni relations office for all its help in compiling this information for this column.

121 Mascoma St., Lebanon, NH03766; (603) 448-5057;4 BerrillFarms Lane, Hanover, NH 03755; (603) 643-.2437; bmnsser@mindspring.com