When you ask classmates who were members of Palaeopitus for their thoughts on leadership, you are lighting a Homecoming “fire.” Their responses are engaged and serious, with some light reflections.

But first a reminder: The “good humor” men in white represented the various governmental and social groups on campus. They were tasked with advising Dean Seymour and President Dickey on policy changes and defending the College’s traditions. As John Carpenter said, “These were serious discussions, not simply pro forma, and student opinions and ideas were examined and considered.” They all felt that the experience helped them become better communicators and more responsible leaders.

There were perks, including free burgers courtesy of the Hop and tickets at the Nugget, divulges Len Glass. He felt that those were the glory days, before the “brutality of medical school and inner-city internship.” Len goes on to note that the mutual respect held by members of Palaeopitus taught him a great deal about leadership. Perhaps that was their biggest perk.

What grade would they give their time in Palaeopitus? Despite the Undergraduate Council’s work on discrimination under the aegis of Palaeopitus, most felt that the effort was inadequate. Lou Goodman regrets, furthermore, that not more was done to rid the campus of its “Run, Girls, Run” masculine toxicity. In our day, few were mature enough to share that view.

Teaching leadership is an experiential process. We will have more from Palaeopitus in the next Class Notes column.

Dateline Hong Kong: Classmate Art Yama, an American citizen, has been doing business and living in Hong Kong for the last 22 years. He “supports the emerging desire for democracy” but believes that all the pain and disruption will be in vain and that “increased democracy in Hong Kong must await the movement in China.”

—G. Jay Evans, 274 New Aldrich Road, Grantham, NH 03753; gjevans222@gmail.com