1942

1942

SEPT 22-24

Our heads are filled with so much political news, I hardly remember a time in my history quite like it. It is hard not to comment. But I will: Let’s get the healthcare right.

First, I would like to report that the class of ’42 had a 21-percent participation in the Dartmouth College Fund. Thank you one and all. The class is shrinking and participation indicates the strength of the class not the amount you give. We have just had yet another Commencement, in this one Jake Tapper’91 of CNN was the guest speaker and his speech was ranked at the top of commencement speeches. It prompts me to ask if each of you have any memories that you would like to share for our next column.

Our class as you know will celebrate its 75th reunion and we may be tying with one other class for the largest crowd for a 75th. That says a lot.

I also note that we will be playing Yale during Homecoming Weekend (October 6-7). That should inspire you and friends and family to try and make that annual festivity.

What follows is a headline from the daily newsletter, Dartmouth Today: “How the Liberal Arts Help Veterans Thrive.” In a story about the Posse Foundation program helping veterans connect with elite schools, The Atlantic notes that since Vassar enrolled its first Posse cohort, only two other schools, Dartmouth and Wesleyan, have become program partners.

I must comment. Back in 1949, I believe Ginia Allison’s class at Vassar, my brother was one of the first three men to graduate from Vassar. He was a veteran of WWII, as were his classmates. Vassar’s constitution did not allow a degree to be given to men so the imaginary State of New York awarded the degree. When Vassar started to regularly admit men some years later, my brother was finally awarded a Vassar degree. I think the fact that the liberal arts are helping veterans to thrive at elite colleges through a foundation shows again Vassar’s concern and I’m glad Dartmouth and Wesleyan have joined.

Once again, I need your news.

—Joanna Caproni, 370 East 76 St., Apt. A 406, New York City, New York 10021; (212) 988-6012; (212) 988-6715 (fax); caproni@aol.com