1979

Sixteen million minutes have now elapsed since we matriculated in 1975. Another milestone just passed. Two more classmates are married to each other.

Joe Neuhaus writes: "The omission of Cindy Loomis and me from your Valentines Day column on class couples made me realize just how low we have laid. We met in language lab freshman year, struck up a conversation on the Warsaw-to-Leningrad plane for the summer 1977 Leningrad program, 'dated' while wandering the canals of that romantic city during the White Nights of summer and finally got married 10 years later. We live in N.Y.C. with two great boys, ages 12 and 13. Cindy is a physician-scientist doing basic science at NYU Medical Center. I am a litigator at the law firm of Sullivan & Cromwell."

Ted Willis writes: "My big news is that I have gotten engaged with a lovely Mexican señorita, Marcela Cuevas. Wedding date is set for Saturday, March 25, in Guadalajara, Mexico. Talk about foreign study abroad! I move to Guadalajara in February and, ideally, continue fundraising in Texas for my company (typically Catholic churches, schools). I also continue promoting the North American Educational Initiatives Foundation. Our mission: To help the educated peoples of North America, especially university students, to discover the dignity and potential of the poor of Mexico."

The median birthday of our classmates is May 29,1957. The most popular birth date of our class is March 28,1957. At least seven classmates were born on that day, including the Rev. Dr. Gregory Sharkey. Greg, who is now a missionary in Katmandu, Nepal, writes: "I deal with some woodcrafters who build boxes for export. Asmall income-generation project for mountain folk I started a few years back. One of them has tried a completely new technique that I admired very much."

Williams College announced the appointment of political science professor Cathy Johnson as the W. Ford Schumann Faculty Fellow in Democratic Studies to increase awareness of democracy and civic responsibility. Dean Thomas Kohut in making the appointment wrote: "She brings energy and enthusiasm to the fellowship and I look forward to her leadership in this important role." Cathy has been a member of the Williams faculty since 1991.

Only 1,200 days remain until our 30th reunion.

A recent Dartmouth Club of Chicago holiday luncheon brought together Peter Greulich and George Stone who listened to four current students effuse their enthusiasm for Dartmouth. Writes Peter, "It's wonderful to see that Dartmouths esprit de corps still lives as strong as ever." Writes George: "One way that I have stayed in touch with fellow '79s Chris Whitney, Dave Thomsson and Charlie Hatfon is an annual five-day adventure vacation. The last one was sea kayaking in Baja (Espirito Santos Island) while literally snorkeling amongst sea lions." As luck has it, both Peter's son, Evan, and Georges daughter, Jenny, were just admitted early decision to Dartmouth's class of'10. Bill Mitchell's daughter, Eli, and Michael Biondi's son, Michael, were accepted as well.

Phil Odence announces the annual "79th-Day-of-the-Year Party" is better and cooler than ever. This year we are expanding to 10 different locales nationwide, including Rhode Island! You'll receive more details via post, e-mail and Web site. Until then, be sure to block out March on your calendars so you won't miss out. Please join us even if only for a few Dartmouth minutes.

It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of our classmate Douglas Walbridge in October after a lengthy illness. We will all miss his love of sports, community and family.

17Southview, Pleasantville, NY 10570;(212) 827-8456; mwinkler@marthastewart.com