1980

My eye scanned the picture for familiar features. The sparsely covered domes, weathered crags and creases, rolling mounds, and cataracts were all immediately recognizable, but then again who can forget the sublime beauty of Yosemite? The classmates in the picture were somewhat more difficult to identify. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder on the mountaintop were Tony Garippo, Fred Sieracki, Ken Gonsier, Frank Leddy and John Olzewski. Last summer these five blocks of granite made the trip to Yosemite and climbed Half Dome after gathering with their families for a reunion in San Francisco. This crews whirlwind tour left a mark on both places, with San Francisco now somewhat more restrained and Yosemite somewhat less so.

The snowstorm may have closed airports, immobilized vehicles, and made it nearly impossible to get a cab but more than 200 people rallied from near and far for a 50th surprise birthday party for Hans Morris at the Highline Ballroom in the hip meatpacking district of New York City. Was Hans surprised? You bet. When your birthday is December 25, you never expect a party. The crowd included family, co-workers, friends and Dartmouth classmates Barksdale Peniok, Charlie Brown, co-scribe Paul Elmlinger, Emily Lisberger Vitale, Doug Sacks, Rick Gemberling, Craig Lambdin, Rob Ruocco, Bruce Reeves, Mark Alperin, Lanny Vickery, Earl Grossman, Craig Lambdin, Paul Salafia and Chuck Blades. For musical entertainment: a cappella singing by the Dartmouth Aires (highlighting the talents of Hans' and Charlie Browns sons, who are current members) sandwiched between some truly exhilarating performances by The Individuals and The Fleshtones, two popular bands from New York's 1980s punk and New Wave scene. If it sounds strange, it was...but it worked.

There's some good news to report for Hans' French Hall freshman roommate, Todd Young. Todd, a partner and executive committee member at Hinshaw & Culbertson, a national full-service law firm, has been named co-regional director for their Chicago metro transactions region. Todd has been focusing his practice in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, securities law, loan and financing transactions and contract negotiation. In his new position Todd will assume a critical management role within the firm, overseeing operations across several of the firm's offices. Congratulations, Todd! It's up to you to prove that the law is recession proof.

I think I saw a little sun today. For me the spring thaw can't come soon enough. Bring on some of that global warming!

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