Class Note 1934

The last of the giants of the good class of 1934, Carl B. Hess, died on February 15 at his longtime home on Sutton Place in New York City. His wife, Ludmila, was at his side. Carl and his first wife, Juliet, were divorced years ago. They had two children who survive him, Eric ’66 and Karen. Carl’s second wife, Desanka, died of cancer. Carl was a quiet and wise man who was tremendously successful in business almost from the time he graduated, but was extremely modest, an attribute that added to his charm. Carl wore many hats for Dartmouth through the years: as a member of the Alumni Council from 1952 to 1958, the Dean’s Council 1993 to 1997, the major gift committee 1979 to 1991 and the President’s Leadership Council from 1998 until his death. He remained a major part of the financial backbone for the class of 1934 throughout his years and contributed generously to the Carson Building project (named for the Sam Carson family) to provide one floor to honor 1934’s beloved and exceptional classmate Bob Michelet, who had died of pneumonia in their senior year. Carl was a member for the last 30 years of the Rockefeller University council (Sam Carson’s son Russell is the current chairman of the university). The university wrote a stirring tribute to Carl, part of which I quote: “A true gentleman and a man of deep character, integrity and compassion, Carl left the world a better place.” Carl founded American European Associates in the late 1960s and was president and CEO. He relinquished his title a few years ago but continued “to go to the office every day,” as Ludmila said recently. “He feels one shouldn’t be lazy.”


—Gerry Scherman Day, 2850 Classic Drive, Apt. 1203, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126