1952

As we write this column it's April and the class reunion will be in a couple of months. Anew class president will be elected. We thought about those classmates who have served in that position and we picked up the phone to get the reflections of a few.

John Barto lives in New Hampshire and like almost all our class' lawyers—is still in practice. President from 1968 to 1973, John served during the same years as his father was president of 1929. He recalls a lot of meaningful effort by the class executive committee, led by Alan Reich. Does he think that class activity is important? "It sure is. So much in Dartmouth life is shaped around the class. It's a crucial part of the College."

Pete Zischke, retired in northern California, was our president from 1982 to 1987. He says, "It was a pleasure and an honor to serve and for me it reinforced my commitment to the College." Petes been a trustee of a California college for a number of years. They do it differently, Pete says. "But I can testify to the enormous benefits that Dartmouth gets from its alumni loyalty."

We got John North on his cell in Etna, New Hampshire, where he was outside in a sleet storm cleaning ice out of a birdhouse. Understandably, our conversation was somewhat curtailed. John, president from 1997 to 2002, reflects that the best thing about the job was the opportunity to work closely with a lot of class members. He says that he became very much impressed by the number of our members who do a lot of work for the class and the College.

John Rosenwald was our president from 1973 to 1978. After considerable reflection he could not recall a single instance when he was required to resolve major controversies or initiate important projects. He does, however, claim sole responsibility for the selection of pith helmets as our uniform for the 25th reunion.

Dick and Caroline McDonough divide their time between Connecticut and Florida. Dick was our president for eight and a half years—almost two terms. He remembers the job fondly and thinks that frequent College visits and contact with class members was the most enjoyable part of the job.

Pete McSpadden will be our immediate past president. He's very much pleased by the large number of mini-reunions, class luncheons and dinners that took place on his watch. We asked him why classmates come to these events, and particularly why they come to reunions like our 55 th. Pete wrote us, "I believe we come to reunions to remember a special time in our lives. Being at Dartmouth again brings back many pleasant memories, all reinforced by the friends and classmates we meet there."

So there you have it. A half-dozen of our '52 ex-presidents saying that although their workwas certainly not grueling, they all enjoyed it and valued the opportunity to serve.

This is my last Class Notes column—there have been 30—as your secretary. Megathanks for your help and support. Best wishes to my successor, whomever he may be.

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