1944

Our redoubtable class secretary Helena Burdge has asked me, William McElnea, to write a few words for this months Alumni Magazine column. I don't have any nuggets of new news but I do have a very strong impression now, following my first full year as your class president.

I am more convinced than ever that the class of 1944 is a truly great class. I remember back to that September day in 1940 when we gathered for the first time on the Hanover Plain, through the war years and the near evacuation of the College, then were reconstitutedv and went on to get our degrees, our careers, our marriages and our children.

And here we are today, 67 years later and still going strong as a vibrant class. Our last mini was attended beyond my fondest expectations with a larger turnout than a class gathering for its 65th reunion. What a tailgate luncheon with the Big Green band marching practically through our tent.

All this didn't just happen. I had the happy occasion at our class dinner of applauding the many members who did make it happen: Wemo Epply, head of the mini committee; Stan Barr and his band leadership at the tent; Betty Musser and Helena Burdge, class secretaries who were my telephone helpers throughout; Ben Jones, who always gives us upbeat news on the generosities of'44s in the money-raising arena. Then Penn Frost, who accepted the re- sponsibility of creating a new class directory book in time for our grand 65th.

Because of a serious bypass operation Eric Barradale was absent, but he has assumed the big responsibility of organizing and the leadership of our grand 65 th reunion, scheduled for September 2009.

There are so many other dedicated moving parts: Al Hormel, Burt Bickford, Clint Gardner, Ez Hale and Hope Fead.

My hat is off to a great leadership group that makes up this great class.

We regret to report the deaths of George H. Pert and Herbert Furman Storfer. Our condolences to their families and friends.

121 Mascoma St., Lebanon. NH03766; (603) 448-505/; I . , 4 BerrillFarms Lane, Hanover, NH 03/55; (603) 643-243/;bmusser@mindspring.com