Class Note 1961
Issue
January-February 2025
In mid-October 2024, Pete Bleyler, the producer and director of the class of ’61 mini-reunions for approximately the past five years, with three mini-reunions per year, recently completed his first mini-reunion program for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, with this one being a hybrid of live, on-campus meetings and Zoom offsite. As usual Pete was assisted by Harris McKee for his technical expertise and Maynard Wheeler for his executive and administrative talents. Once again, the subject matter considered for each segment and the classmates, faculty members, members of the College administration, or outsiders involved in each segment were all well rehearsed.
Much is happening these days, both on and off the Dartmouth campus, both within and outside of the Ivy League, and both within and outside of college education in general. The issues in question have all emerged at one level or another. However, most have not been fully resolved at a national level, state level, or perhaps not even a local level.
First, there is the issue and extent of “free speech” at Dartmouth and other colleges and universities, private and public. Where is this issue headed and how will it get there in final form, both in written form and in practice?
Second, there is the issue of future admissions procedures and restrictions at Dartmouth, other Ivy League colleges and universities, and other high-quality colleges and universities. Should preferential treatment be given, or even be allowed, with respect to minorities, outstanding athletes, legacies, students with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities, under-educated students, students with special other than academic abilities (such as professional actors or actresses), etc.?
Third, there is the issue of the unionization of student-athletes and perhaps other specialty students in the future (such as amateur actors and actresses).
Should these and possibly other issues be discussed at the class level now so that our understanding, thoughts, and opinions can be consolidated into viable recommendations at the proper time in the future?
—Victor S. Rich, 94 Dove Hill Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030; (516) 446-3977; richwind13@gmail.com
Much is happening these days, both on and off the Dartmouth campus, both within and outside of the Ivy League, and both within and outside of college education in general. The issues in question have all emerged at one level or another. However, most have not been fully resolved at a national level, state level, or perhaps not even a local level.
First, there is the issue and extent of “free speech” at Dartmouth and other colleges and universities, private and public. Where is this issue headed and how will it get there in final form, both in written form and in practice?
Second, there is the issue of future admissions procedures and restrictions at Dartmouth, other Ivy League colleges and universities, and other high-quality colleges and universities. Should preferential treatment be given, or even be allowed, with respect to minorities, outstanding athletes, legacies, students with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities, under-educated students, students with special other than academic abilities (such as professional actors or actresses), etc.?
Third, there is the issue of the unionization of student-athletes and perhaps other specialty students in the future (such as amateur actors and actresses).
Should these and possibly other issues be discussed at the class level now so that our understanding, thoughts, and opinions can be consolidated into viable recommendations at the proper time in the future?
—Victor S. Rich, 94 Dove Hill Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030; (516) 446-3977; richwind13@gmail.com