1954

Who can forget the playmaking and leadership skills of Pete Geithner we got so used to observing at Alumni Gym 55-plus years ago? It may have been said about Pete at the time: "By nature he doesn't get stressed out, he manages to get people to work together to reach a higher place. He has a calm way in the face of whatever he's facing," perhaps referring to his ability to set up winning plays on the basketball court. Off the court, it was said that Pete has a "wry sense of humor. " Well, truth to tell, these quotes were extracted from a recent New York Times Business section feature about Pete's son Tim Geithner '83, chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York since 2003. Coupled with the large picture of Tim, easily identifiable as a Geithner, the whole article made one feel like it was deja vu all over again. Oh well, like father.

Howdy Russell has become increasingly active as an alumni committeeman and now chair of the alumni committee of the Dartmouth Center for Addiction Recovery and Education. He issues a cordial invitation to "any classmate who has faced the challenges of addiction," whether as addicted or family member of one who has dealt with the problem. Howdy says: "Their willingness to communicate could help significantly in dealing with addiction in the Dartmouth community."

Peter Kenyou and Dick Trowbridge have encouraged key members of the John Sloan Dickey Center for International Understanding, celebrating its 25th anniversary, to consider the high priority the class of 1954 places on sponsoring the most qualified and promising students for the center's intern program. Peter advises that former United Nations Ambassador Jon Moore is a new visiting fellow for the centers winter and spring terms. As a fellow Jon is specializing in post-conflict reconstruction and nation-building.

Joanne and Bill Kass report they're still enjoying the year-round Florida lifestyle. Joannes a budding bridge player, while Bill practices law, manages money for clients and friends and, most important, maintains a 15 handicap. In his spare time Bill heads the golf committee for 3,200 club members—an ongoing test of his well-honed diplomatic skills. He says serving on the board of governors and as legal chairman "has kept me active, challenged and unpopular." Considering Bill's sporting a new eyeball as a result of a botched cataract operation, as well as a new hip, it appears as though the Kass family doesn't miss the Big Apple as much as they thought they might.

Bill Briggs continues skiing and singing to his hearts content, directing his ski school in Jackson, Wyoming, and playing country/Western music at the Stage Coach Bar for the 38th year. Classmates take note that Bill's Jackson Hole Hootenanny occurs every Monday evening. For anyone unable to make a session, Bill's "Ski Songs from the Dartmouth Era," including no fewer than six alpine yodels, is available upon request.

Pete Barker has been delighting audiences with his portrayal of the canny Mr. Clarkson in The Ogallala Factor, a new play presented at New York's American Theatre of Actors.

Condolences to the families of Rich Rogin (January 1) and Bill Sherman (January 18—see the obituary) as well as to John Paul Dabney on the loss of his beloved wife, Jane.

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