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DARTMOUTH
ALUMNI MAGAZINE
CLASS NOTES
September/October 2009
And what a 55th reunion that was! Starting with a Sunday evening pre-reunion cocktail party at the lovely Norwich, Vermont home of Carol and Steve Mullins and ending with a Wednesday evening reception and banquet at the Top of the Hop, close to 160 classmates, wives and guests were treated to a truly memorable experience. The something-for-everyone, three-day event, superbly planned and executed by reunion chair John Fenn and his committee, included golf, tennis, alumni college lectures, Hood Museum of Art and Dartmouth architectural tours and, most importantly, a wonderful opportunity to renew acquaintances with old friends. Of great significance was the traditional memorial service, this year ably led by Tom Kelsey, in Rollins Chapel. Hearing the names read of deceased classmates provided a reflective experience for those in attendance. The Tuesday morning class meeting was held in legendary 105 Dartmouth Hall, and outgoing class president Jay Davis thanked class officers and members of the executive committee, including the two not present, Pete Barker and Perry Davis, for their great contribution during the previous five years. Dave Mandelbaum, nominating committee chair, announced the slate of officers for the next five years, including: Don Berlin, president; Rick Hartman, vice-president; Jim Tofias, treasurer; and Tony Kane, secretary (I've had the honor of serving the class in that capacity since being appointed after the death of my good friend Bryce Bastian in June, 2006). Nominated for the executive committee were: Bob Adnopoz (class awards), Walt Anderson, Pete Barker (newsletter), Bob Clements, Perry Davis (webmaster), Bob Dean, Ron Dougherty, Jim Doig, John Fenn, Mort Galper, John Gillespie, Bill Grover, Peter Kenyon (class projects), Dave Martin, John Moran, Bill Murane, Bob Osmond, Harry Robinson, Dick Steinberg, Tom Tyler, Dick Trowbridge (class projects), Norm Veasey, Wayne Weil, and Shelly Woolf (head agent). The proposed slate was unanimously elected.
As previously reported, this issue begins our reduced word limit (350), and it becomes increasingly important for classmates wanting to stay up-to-date on class news to check the '54 Web site on a weekly basis and follow links to current Class Notes column and addenda.
Remember: Homecoming October 23-25!
Please note that the following items represent expanded online addenda to the above Class Notes column that will be appearing in the Sep/Oct 2009 issue of the Dartmouth Alumni Magazine. The print column is now limited to 350 words. 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)
Among the many Class of 1954's 55th reunion highlights was an extremely well-attended discussion led by Dan McCarthy, assisted by Dick Page and Norm Veasey, of Dave McLaughlin's book, Choices Made. Professor Jere Daniel '55, who has made a study of Dartmouth's presidents' legacies, while acknowledging mistakes that were made during the McLaughlin tenure, said that he conclusively felt that Dave's accomplishments as Dartmouth's 14th president, especially his having provided the inspiration and leadership to develop and construct the expanded medical center, far outweigh the mistakes and that Dave deserves high marks for his presidency. Dave's classmates agreed enthusiastically. (July 17)
Newly elected 1954 President Don Berlin announced that the Class of 1954 achieved a most impressive 86% participation rate in the recently concluded 2009 Dartmouth College Fund drive, a 55th reunion record! The Class raised $584,039 as its reunion gift, representing the third largest amount donated to the College for a 55th reunion gift. (Ed. note: Kudos to co-chairs Don Berlin and Rick Hartman for their leadership in helping '54 once again distinguish itself with an outstanding accomplishment.) (July 17)
Past class presidents Jay Davis and Steve Mullins have accepted the responsibility as mini-reunion co-chairs. Shelly Woolf will serve as Head Agent. (July 17)
Perhaps historians will comment on what may become known as the 2009-2014 Berlin dynasty at Dartmouth College, with Don serving as president of the Class of 1954, son Geoff as president of '84 and son Eric as vice president of '89. (July 17)
Sad to report the death of Steve Fast's wife, Kathy, on June 12, after an 18-month bout with cancer. Notes of condolence or messages can be sent to Steve at: Stephen.fast3@verizon.net or to Steve's home, 16914 Enchanted Place, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272. (July 21)
New '54 president, Don Berlin, sends the following message pertaining to new Dartmouth College president, Jim Kim: "I just finished reading MOUNTAINS BEYOND MOUNTAINS by Tracy Kidder. It is about Dr. Paul Farmer and Partners In Health. This is the organization that President Jim Kim worked with. The book is also about Jim Kim. It is an amazing story and I recommend it to you all. You can get it through Amazon. Hope you are all having a good summer." (August 6)
Bill White has this to say about the recent Ivy football poll and a letter from Robert A. Ceplikas "78, Acting Director of Athletics & Recreation: "Nothing changes, including the PR spin! It begs the questions, is there really a Buddy Teevens in our football program future?? Another 0-10 season and it would seem unlikely - the program is in a deep, deep hole and it still comes down to recruiting, a process that becomes increasingly more difficult every year (recruited incoming class has only one qb in it). Patience is wearing thin. A noble effort by the College, but is it really 'wheel-spinning'? Only time will tell. Would be interested in your thoughts!" Ed. Note: Dartmouth football enthusiasts will gain perspective and might want to give Bill (and other CN addenda readers) their thoughts after reading the following two items: http://dartmouthsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=11600&ATCLID=204773031; http://dartmouthsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=11600&ATCLID=204772892 (August 13)
Sad to report the death of Dr. Neil N. Citron at his home on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina on August 14. Notes of condolence mat be sent to Neil's wife of close to 50 years, Ida Ruth (Cokie), at 52 Cypress Marsh Dr., Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. Obituary to follow (August 23)
Peter Kenyon, chairman of '54's Special Projects committee, reports that the Class has made possible the recruiting of sprinter Austin Goldberg from Lake Bluff, IL to join the Men's Track and Field team, coached by Barry Harwick. Austin was admitted to the College as an Early Decision candidate and will be a member of the incoming Class of 2013. The recruiting support of $1,000 is part of '54's annual donation of $13,000 for four internships and one athletic recruitment stipend. This program is supported by voluntary contributions from classmates. (August 30)
Bob Clements is recovering from recent surgery, and friends and classmates can send their best wishes to him at: 104 Wallacks Point Drive,
Stamford, CT 06902. (August 29)
Anthony Kane, 650 Park Ave., 18A, New York, NY 10065; (212) 628-2147; akane32@nyc.rr.com