Class of 1974

Campaigning and the election are over! A word from the president…of our class, Jerry Bowe: “I want to thank Matt Putnam and his officer team for the last five years. Matt’s leadership and guidance, along with the other officers, helped deliver a very successful 50th reunion. As the new class president, I will make sure that we continue proving to the College that we are the great class of 1974.”

In October the Class Officers Association executive board recognized the class of 1974 for reducing its 50th reunion registration fee to $199 to allow as many classmates to attend as possible. The lower registration fees helped to generate near record attendance and ultimately a surplus for the reunion. Congratulations to the class for our leadership in reducing financial barriers and increasing class engagement.

The book Dick Cates has worked on for the past four years—A Creek Runs Through This Driftless Land: A Farm Family’s Journey Toward a Land Ethic—is now available on Amazon, in bookstores, from his publisher, Little Creek Press, or get a signed copy from Dick!

Health equity scholar program update: In October Mike Thomas, Jerry, Bill White, Peter Haffenreffer, Phil Stebbins, and I spent two days on campus during which we met with The Dartmouth Institute faculty, mentors, and scholars as well as key College faculty and administrative officers to discuss the program.

Bill White reports, “There are 10 scholars and mentors participating this academic year. The application and selection process are being refined and we are identifying ways to support these developments.” The program continues to attract the attention of students and support across the College.

Mike Van Buren continues to pursue his “lifelong passion for the study of World War II.” He has documented the stories of several WW II veterans for the U.S. Library of Congress and museums. Mike also now focuses his risk management practice on entertainers and professional athletes and recently connected with Rocky Whitaker.

Let me hear from you!

—Bill Geiger, 7521 Sheffingdell Dr., Charlotte, NC 28226; (847) 322-5920; 1974damnotes@gmail.com