Class Note 1969
Our 50th reunion shook the windows and rattled the walls in Hanover this past June, and although debate continues regarding record-setting attendance, the numbers were quite extraordinary. To those who couldn’t make it, we genuinely missed you. We encourage you to be there next time around. Here are some more highlights since Steve Larson, my gifted predecessor as secretary (15 years!), and I summed things up in the last column.
With nearly 300 of us on campus, we can’t mention everyone, but thanks to all who’ve sent me emails and texts. Jay “Yogi” Glaser rounded up legendary swimmers from our era, toasting Ron Keenhold, the freshman and diving coach who ultimately became head coach. Among those attending were Jud Graves, Al Petersen, Tom Greist, Clint Harris, Charlie Hodgson, Don Lofty,and Jim Becker.
The ’69 freshman hockey team rallied around Peter Schaeffer, who also helped organize an afternoon seminar on what matters most to us as Dartmouth old-timers. Jim Kenney delivered a memorable keynote at the baccalaureate service. In summary, we are a lively bunch, and we made the most of one more big weekend in Hanover. We even raised a lot of money.
The reunion book, What a Long, Strange Trip It’s Been, clearly is the finest class memoir ever published at Dartmouth. If you’ve not received your copy, let me know. The original 1,000-plus pages will soon include updates and addenda as well. David Prentice, Henry Allen, and Dudley Kay did the heavy lifting. Thanks as well to the many others who contributed so much to an anthology that will last forever.
Our memorial service during the reunion was held in Rollins Chapel, where tears and laughter reflected our loving memories of departed classmates.
Graduation found us marching in with the class of 2019, and they seemed pleased to have the somewhat rowdy ’69s cheering them on. Some things never change. As one might expect, the most common statement during the morning was, “I can’t believe it’s been 50 years.” Speaking of legacies, Tom Hunt has worked tirelessly to help us understand estate planning and the Bartlett Tower Society. Consider including the College in your estate plans!
Past president Sandy Alderson received an honorary degree alongside graduation speaker Yo-Yo Ma, who favored us with a mellow folk tune on his favorite instrument. John Mathias, who just turned over class president duties to James Staros, seemed to be everywhere. His leadership in every aspect of ’69 life has been exceptional.
As part of the dramatic Parkhurst recap, Bill Yellowtail and Dennis Young presented a stirring and memorable discussion of the experience of African Americans and Native Americans at Dartmouth, and the conversation has continued through emails, calls, and essays.
In the literary world, attorney and investigative reporter John Segelbaum has authored Panama, a story of Vietnam-era tropical intrigue that reminds readers of Hemingway. Great read!
We elected new class officers and enthusiastic appreciation poured out for the work of the executives who made such a great reunion possible. Their combined effort was beyond description during the past five years.
—John “Tex” Talmadge, 3949 Maple Ave, Suite 300, Dallas, TX 75219; johntalmadgemd@gmail.com
