1973

1973

Reunion recap, Part 2: Allen Kraus, mastermind behind the “Letter to Dartmouth College and the Class of 2023,” moderated an interviewee panel composed of Donna Bascom, Charles Box, Bob Haynes, Bunk Rosenblum, Karen Fagin White, George Wolohojian, and the undersigned. Much subsequent discussion focused on how our school years fostered community. As Tom Gibson noted, “We had each other to lean on; a community of great people.” This was echoed by Richard Merrill. “Dartmouth grads recognize each other in a variety of places. There are connections across classes and a sense of belonging.” Dan Smith pointed out that unlike some other institutions, Dartmouth does not admit a lot of students with the expectation they will leave. Quality education and the best foreign study program were lauded by Bill Symonds.

Following the panel, Mitch Kurz introduced dean of the faculty Elizabeth Smith, now an adopted ’73, who gave a presentation on the liberal arts and how programs and student interests have evolved. In our day there were 291 faculty; today there are 450. Most popular majors in 1973 were history, psychology, and English; today the top picks are economics, government, and computer science.

Allan Jayne, Gary Johnson, and Lou Kartsonis took one of the bus tours. “I enjoyed the tour. I saw Occom Pond, really, for the first time and was surprised at how large it was. I even heard some stories about it. I enjoyed seeing new campus athletic facilities,” said Gary.

Due to inclement weather, Friday’s reception and dinner were in the West Gym, with wall coverings simulating a New England forest. Abundant chatter: David Pelland and Howard Baum reminisced about road trips to Skidmore and Northampton in Howard’s Oldsmobile (“we weren’t bad, but we didn’t always behave”). Doug Bate is winding down corporate training. After 43 years teaching sociology and serving as honors director at Rutgers, Randy Smith retired. Richard Guy devotes substantial time to the law of scallop boats. Chip Hughes recalled how he was influenced by his Tucker Foundation internship in Compton, California, shortly after the Watts riots. Willie Koppenheffer is active with the Lebanon (New Hampshire) Rotary. Avid hiker Fred Rankin has trekked extensively, including Bhutan, and has his sights set on the Camino de Santiago. Mike Ultee still has a passion for chemistry. St. Albans alum and member of its governing board, Cal Bowie continues practicing architecture and assisting the school with renovations. Tom Sherry retired from teaching ecology and evolutionary biology at Tulane and moved to White River Junction, Vermont. Mass General is still benefiting from Claus Hamann’s medical expertise. Doug Goodman enjoys his high-rise apartment with a great view near the Manhattan theater district. About four years ago Fred Skillern moved to Summit Sky Ranch in Silverthorne, Colorado. Thomas O’Neill is in Miramar, Florida, and Bill Greenbaum is moving to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Tom Gianis proudly disclosed that his daughter played lacrosse for the College. Employee recognition is a focus for Rob Miklas. Dana Johnson and Jake Johnston are proud Canadians still.

More next time.

—Val Armento, 227 Sylvan Ave., San Mateo, CA 94403; valerie.j.armento.73@dartmouth.edu