Dave Loring leads this time, since he corresponded with me about his anticipation of the 55th reunion in June, and since this is the last of these columns that will appear before that event, I think we should take personal accounting of the unique joys a Dartmouth class reunion provides. Do that while I first clarify that our email exchange originated with Dave’s question about the passing of his former roommate, our respected and accomplished classmate Col. Burt Quist. I confirmed for Dave that the College had sent notice, whereas Dave’s sources had been another former roommate, James Henle, via Gary Horlick. Dave has been in touch with Burt’s widow and plans to make a donation to the College in the late Marine’s name.

John Engelman and crew (see last edition) continue their energetic work on reunion plans and schedules. Be sure to maintain frequent contact with the class website, where Jim Lawrie posts up-to-the-minute additions and changes. Also check for emails from class president David Peck and the reunion committee. As of this writing at the end of February, there are still speaker confirmations pending and we’re awaiting word on the availability of President Beilock for an appearance. A couple of things look quite likely: Our tent will be at the McLaughlin Cluster, as with the 50th, and we’ll tour the new west end buildings (with ’63s) on Monday afternoon. Bob Ross will lead a memorial service on Tuesday morning at the recently renovated Rollins Chapel. I’ll mention right now that we’ve also recently lost another ’68, Psi U brother and soccer team member Steven Franzeim. We’ll reverently recall and honor all our deceased classmates at the reunion, but, as I’m certain would’ve been their collective wish, we’ll also look forward and celebrate our continuing brotherhood as a very active and purposeful group of gents. We’ll do that with music: On Tuesday evening after dinner, class rockmeister Peter Wonson will lead the Better Days Band at the tent, and the next night the Aires will perform at our class dinner, which will also feature the presentation of this year’s Give a Rouse awards. Finally, with regard to reunion, the class committee has made discreet financial assistance available to facilitate attendance and be advised that there will be no solicitation of donations during our visit. Please see Parker Beverage’s recent correspondence about the class’s Dartmouth College Fund goal this year and the dedication of our gift in memory of a most admirable, recently deceased ’68.

Peter Hofman and Jim Lawrie report that the Community Service Project (CSP) is now positioned to help classmates and their families initiate community service, enhance current activities, or help those who are moving contribute to their new community. Through focused communications, opening “viewer” status in the CSP catalogue to anyone who’s interested and sharing content quickly, these revisions will encourage participation by classmates, partners, spouses, and children. At the class website homepage, find “Community Service Project” and select “request password.”

—Jack Hopke, 157 Joy St., River Ridge, LA 70123; (504) 388-2645; jackhopke@yahoo.com