1955

We have just returned from the mini-reunion of April 23-26 in Washington, D.C., where 87 men and women of the class of ’55 profited from the huge efforts required to produce the events. Hail to reunion maestro Betty Brady, Washington chairman Frank Chase and committee team of Wes Bruner, John French, Nick Kotz, Bill Lenderking, Paul Mannes, Bob Perkins and Paul Zimmerman. We were treated to a tour of the diplomatic reception rooms at the U.S. Department of State, arranged by Bill Lenderking. We stopped at the WWII Memorial and FDR Memorial, accompanied by excellent commentary by Harry Ambrose. We had a special tour of the National Gallery, visited the National Archives and enjoyed dinner at Columbia Country Club, arranged by Wes Bruner. Karen Mannes guided us through the Newseum and Air and Space Museum. We toured Hillwood, home of Margery Merriweather Post (collection of Russian art and amazing gardens). President Jack Doyle and Ken Lundstrom presented the Class of 1955 Award to Bob Perkins for service to class and community. The festivities were capped off by Sunday’s visit to the beautiful home and working farm of Nick and Mary Lynn Kotz, with musicians and a wonderful feast.

We have now had mini-reunions in Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, Williamsburg (Virginia), Boston, Portland (Oregon), Denver, Toronto, Chile and Savannah (Georgia). Our classmates and their families have and continue to live fascinating lives and make great contributions in their work, professions, government and communities. Learning about what Dartmouth people are doing and are involved with in their late years is inspiring. Try one mini and you will be hooked!

Dr. Jim Hall came to the Washington, D.C., mini-reunion from his home in Central Point, Oregon, having retired from practice of internal medicine to become a professional writer about hunting and fishing. He had been mentored at Dartmouth by Corey Ford, as was Nick Kotz. Jim traveled to Asia and Africa with Ford and has backpacked in Alaska and Africa on many occasions. He has hiked in Egypt, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Botswana. He was a member of the Stanford University medical faculty for 10 years. His son Jim is a graphic artist who lives in Bend, Oregon. His daughter Debbie holds seven international patents created for eye doctors. His daughter Wendy is an investment banker and spent a month with Jim in Africa. She holds a patent (with her father) on an “invisible fishhook” that is stronger than steel. Sport fishing in the United States is a multibillion-dollar business.

Dr. Bob Leffert passed away December 7, 2008. Bernie Siskind and I lived across the hall from him sophomore year. Although he and his wife, Linda, lived nearby in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, our paths didn’t cross until years later when my hand needed a repair. By this time he was a renowned Massachusetts General orthopedic hand surgeon. I never forgot his friendly way and exceptional kindness. He had many more needy patients than me.

Enjoy the springtime!

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