Class Note 1961
If you were among the 26 classmates and 24 spouses or significant others who attended the class mini-reunion in Charleston, South Carolina, in April of this year, you were treated to an outstanding three-plus days in a truly historic area of this country. Congratulations and thank yous are in order for Dave Prewitt and his wife, Joan, who organized and executed a fantastic few days of events, eating and libations and intermingling. During a break in the festivities class president Denny Denniston held an invigorating class meeting attended with active participation by both classmates and their spouses/significant others. Attendees came from as far away as California, Colorado, Arizona, New Hampshire and even Sweden.
One of the issues discussed during the class meeting was a report that the current net value of the Class of 1961 Legacy: the American Tradition in Performance fund amounted to just shy of $950,000 in early April of this year. The account consisted of contributions from classmates during a period of approximately 12 years, plus investment income and appreciation, less funds expended each year to underwrite the payments by Hopkins Center to bring high-quality performance acts to Dartmouth College. As you will recall, our class goal was to have $1,000,000 accumulated within the fund. We are very close to that goal now and would appreciate any and all contributions so that the class can finally reach its goal this year (by June 30). Based on current market values, $50,000 does it. Thanks to Dave Birney, Oscar Arslanian and the many other classmates who assisted in this endeavor through the years.
Congratulations are in order for Rog McArt, our immediate past class president, who was recently elected by the class to be its representative to the Alumni Council for a three-year term.
Finally, back in the class news is Doug Zipes, who this summer will be receiving the Gold Medal from the European Society of Cardiology, as well as the President’s Award from the Heart Rhythm Society. As if this wasn’t enough for Doug, at age 73, he also remains a distinguished professor at the Krannert Institute of Cardiology at the Indiana School of Medicine. Apparently Doug still has free time, so he has written another medical mystery novel, Ripples in Opperman’s Pond, which was just published and is now available at Amazon. If this book is as good as his prior mystery novel, The Black Widows, Doug may be able to give up his career in medicine to become a full-time novelist.
I hope you have signed up or are planning to sign up for our class’ fall mini-reunion in Hanover scheduled for October 11-13, which this year coincides with Dartmouth’s Homecoming Weekend. The football game that weekend is against Yale. While Maynard Wheeler, our at-home mini-reunion chair, cannot guarantee a football win, he will guarantee a great event-packed weekend. To see the class schedule and make reservations, go to the ’61 website (www.dartmouth.org/class/61/). If any questions: e-mail Maynard at (mbwheeler61@alum.dartmouth.org) or call him at (603) 863-3206.
Who currently has the Tanzi Plaque? Let me know, please.
—Victor S. Rich, 5 Red Ground Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568; victor.rich@rsmi.com
