Class Note 1953

Max Culpepper, director of band and wind symphony at Dartmouth, became the newest member of our class at a recent event celebrating the occasion of his retirement. He has taught for 25 years at Dartmouth. John Kennedy presented a pin to Ginger Culpepper, after which class president John Springer welcomed Max into our class and presented him with a lovely citation. Donald Carpenter Goss then presented classmate Max Culpepper ’53A with a personal gift. Welcome, Max! We are honored to have you as our classmate, joining just five illustrious honorees previously honored in our 60 years of existence.


Speaking of honors, Robert Derzon was able to attend and enjoy an event at which he was recently honored by NYU and the Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service for “his vision, his passion, his generosity and his commitment to public service.” Having dedicated most of his life to creating and shaping some of the most significant institutions and policies in U.S. health care, Bob was honored with the creation of the Robert Derzon Chair in Health and Public Service. “His extraordinary leadership is matched by his humanity and integrity. The example he has set will continue to inspire our faculty and students,” they proclaimed. Sadly, I must report that he died shortly thereafter.


Under a beautiful sky and with idyllic weather conditions, the Dartmouth Wind Symphony serenaded students, faculty and guests with its annual concert on the Green. Marine Reserve 1st Lt. Bob Simpson presented a beautiful citation written by the director of the Marine Band in Washington, D.C., the U.S. president’s band, to President James Wright in recognition of his efforts in support of all veterans. President Wright’s visits to Washington to encourage marine veterans as well as others to continue their education are legendary. We all concur and join in thanking you, President Wright. This has been a most difficult two months for our class, as we have lost five of our outstanding members: Richard Buell, Bob Derzon, Burt Dorsett, the Hon. William Johnson and David Siddall. They will be sorely missed by us all. On behalf of our classmates, I offer to their families our sincere condolences and profound regrets at their passing.


—Mark H. Smoller, 4 Schuyler Drive, Jericho, NY 11753; (516) 938-3616; dartmark@gmail.com