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DARTMOUTH ALUMNI MAGAZINE
CLASS NOTES
July/August 2009

 

'54    With our 55th reunion having concluded shortly before the print edition of this column appears in the July/August Dartmouth Alumni Magazine, it seems appropriate to acknowledge the contributions of our classmates who assumed leadership roles during the 2004-2009 time span between our 50th and 55th reunions. Notably, Jay Davis' inspiring leadership as class president set the tone for what has been an active and productive five years. Joining Jay in exercising responsibility for the class' affairs were vice president Don Berlin, secretary Bryce Bastian (dec. June 9, 2006, succeeded by Tony Kane), treasurer Alec Gray, head agent Hugh Nolin (succeeded by Don Berlin and Rick Hartman), newsletter editor Pete Barker, mini-reunion chairman John Fenn, gift planning chairman Tom Tyler, class award chairman Bob Adnopoz, class project coordinator Peter Kenyon, Webmaster Perry Davis and executive committee  members Don Belcher, Rip Coffin (dec. Sept. 10, 2008), Mort Galper, John Gillespie, Rick Hartman, John Heston, Dana Low, Dave Martin, John Moran, Bill Murane, Bob Osmond, Jim Tofias, Wayne Weil, Sheldon Woolf.

     As further testimony to the class of '54's significance and stature is the election of Jay Davis to represent all post- 55th reunion classes on the Alumni Council.

     As we approached the end of our most recent five-year reunion span, some classmates (and one spouse) reflected upon the significance of Dartmouth in their lives - or of some important event that was meaningful to them. Here's what Don Belcher had to say:  "In the 55 years since our graduation from Dartmouth five presidents made unique contributions. We are grateful for their remarkable leadership and excited about the incoming new president, Dr. Jim Yong Kim (2009- ). In 1950 John Sloan Dickey (1945-70) shook our hands at entry and exhorted us: "Your business here is learning."   See the rest of Don's comments as well as those of Jay Chandler, Peter Kenyon, Debby Nolin (Hugh), and Gary Rosenthal as addenda to the online edition of this column that can be accessed by going to the '54 Website: http://www.dartmouth.org/classes/54/  and clicking on Alumni Magazine July/Aug 2009 under  "What's New.”

   Since our last Class Notes column we have learned of three additional '54 deaths: Herb Allen (January 4, see obit); George Hume (January 18, see obit); and Dick Jennison (April 15). The class sends its condolences to

the families of our deceased classmates and to Don Brief on the loss of Beth, his lovely wife of 53 years.

    As previously indicated, the print edition of this column will be reduced

to 350 words from the present 500-word limit, commencing with the September/October issue of the DAM. To keep classmates up-to-the-minute on items of interest, we are now adding addenda to the online column and encourage everyone to check the '54 Web site on a regular basis. Just click on http://www.dartmouth.org/classes/54/   and follow the links to see the updates to the online edition.

 

ADDENDA   

   Please note that the following represents expanded online addenda to the above Class Notes column that will be appearing in the July/August 2009 issue of the Dartmouth Alumni Magazine. The print column will be limited to 350 words, starting with the September/October 2009 issue. From time-to-time, there are additional items or comments that are deemed important enough to report without undue delay. Please check the '54 Web site at least once weekly to see the very latest news of classmates. E-mail, mail, or call your news to me at any time (akane32@nyc.rr.com. 212-628-2147)

Since our last Class Notes column we have learned of three additional '54 deaths: Herb Allen Wilson (Click for January 4 obit); George Hume (January 18, see obit); and Dick Jennison (April 15). The class sends its condolences to the families of our deceased classmates and to Don Brief on the loss of Beth, his lovely wife of 53 years.after a long illness. Condolences can be sent to Don at 10 Smith Manor Boulevard # 306, West Orange, NJ 07052-4232 or dbrief@sbhcs.com  (posted April 27)

Don Berlin has learned of the death of John Musa on April 25. John, a retired AT&T/Bell Labs engineer, is survived by his wife of 49 years, Dr. Marilyn Allred Musa. Condolences to 39 Hamilton Road., Morristown, NJ07960  (obituary to follow)  (posted May 2) 

In reflecting upon the significance of Dartmouth in their lives, here's what a few classmates (and one spouse) had to say as they approached 54's 55th Reunion:

 

FROM DON BELCHER:

Dartmouth presidents, Dickey to Kim   4-24-09

In the 55 years since our graduation from Dartmouth, five presidents made unique contributions. We are grateful for their remarkable leadership and excited about the incoming new President, Dr. Jim Yong Kim (2009- ).

 

In 1950 John Sloan Dickey (1945-70) shook our hands at entry and exhorted us: "Your business here is learning”. Dickey's vision of "liberating arts” produced our senior course Great Issues, the Tucker Foundation, and the Hopkins Center. John Kemeny (1970-81), a gifted mathematician and computer scientist, was popular with students and continued teaching while President. Kemeny oversaw the introduction of coeducation, a year-round Dartmouth Plan, and increased recruitment of minority students. David McLaughlin (1981-87), our talented and industrious classmate, skillfully planned and improved academic and athletic facilities. Dave strengthened graduate schools and helped establish the Rockefeller Center, Hood Museum, and. J. S. Dickey Center for International Understanding. James Freedman (1987-98) used his academic and administrative skills to expand graduate programs, achieve gender parity in its student body, and through Dartmouth's largest capital campaign, build up the physical campus. James Wright (1998-2009), has devoted his entire academic life to Dartmouth as American history professor, former dean and Provost, and president.  After 40 years he notes "Dartmouth has the best of both worlds: the intellect and strength of a great university with the soul of a closely knit college community." Wright is a model of close student-faculty relationship and has supported extensive off-campus programs, a more diverse student body, and opportunities for independent research, including our Class of 54 Internships.

 

FROM PETER KENYON:

I have been fortunate to be associated with the work our Class has been doing in the area of funding the internships offered by the Centers: Dickey, Tucker, Rockefeller and Dartmouth Partners in Community Service.(DPCS). The students we have chosen have reflected among the best (I believe) the College has enrolled. Their reports (written and verbal) underline the value of the internships and our willingness to financially support them. This is particularly key in light of the recent financial problems faced by the College, the individual students and the Alumni..By adding a deceased Classmate's name to each intern we have taken the opportunity to recognize those who truly stand out among those who have gone before us. The work done by Dick Trowbridge, Dan McCarthy, Tony Kane and Jon Moore certainly deserves our thanks. The continuation of this project speaks highly for 1954.

FROM GARY ROSENTHAL:

I probably won't be able to make the reunion in June as it conflicts with our company sales meeting. Will perhaps be in New York in mid-July and if you are in town maybe we can get together. Reflecting our days at Dartmouth . . . . guess the most important thing carried away is the close group of personal friends developed while there. Think of keeping in contact with friends after 59 years! Pretty impressive!

FROM DEBBY NOLIN
Hugh and I are looking forward to Reunion. We have rarely missed one and always look forward to seeing everybody again. Dartmouth has been such a part of our lives for so long. It is hard to imagine not being there for all the activities. We don't stay up in the tent until the wee hours anymore. I do remember solving the world problems in the sixties sitting in that tent. We look forward to June.

FROM JAY CHANDLER:

I would like to express my appreciation to all those who have worked diligently for the Class, faithfully. Thank you, especially to Pete and all of the class agents and treasurers, secretaries and presidents. We have lost many wonderful guys and many wonderful wives, the latest news about Beth Brief especially sorrowful for Fleur and me. Beth, we knew since the Fifties and she lost her courageous long battle with lymphoma on a recent Sunday. Informed by John Moran who keeps our small DMS contingent together, also faithfully. Dartmouth continually needs our support. I couldn't be happier about our new president, who will further promote liberal arts education and just may be even stronger in support of Green athletics. Our grandson is a Dartmouth '12 and is he ever lucky to be there! And he knows it!

 

According to the May 14 issue of The Dartmouth, "political theorist Russell Muirhead has been named the inaugural Robert Clements Professor of Democracy and Politics at Dartmouth." Carol Folt, Dean of the Faculty, said the "Muirhead professorship was created through a donation by Robert Clements '54." Read the entire story at:
http://e.thedartmouth.com/2009/05/14/news/muirhead/

 

 --

Anthony Kane, 650 Park Ave., 18A, New York, NY 10065; (212) 628-2147; akane32@nyc.rr.com