Class Note 1969
Issue
September-October 2024
The 55th reunion of the class of 1969 shared perfect weather and three memorable days and evenings of memories and fellowship. Bill Stableford summed up our sentiments well: “I wish it hadn’t ended.”
More than 150 classmates and guests, more than we can possibly mention, road tripped to celebrate “the long, strange journey.” Dona Heller and Norm Jacobs produced and directed a gathering that we will remember for years to come. Dona received this year’s Class of 1969 Outstanding Service Award. (Norm was similarly honored in 2022.)
Dona joined two other remarkable first women, classmates Nanalee Raphael and Lynn Lobban. Nanalee is a fan favorite in our Zoom play reading group (another outstanding Arthur Fergenson production). Lynn sang with ethereal grace at the memorial service, accompanied by Sue Leavitt on piano in Rollins Chapel, and presented our 55th reunion class gift to President Beilock at the Bema dinner.
Peter Elias merits special recognition for his countless hours upgrading and maintaining dartmouth69.org, our class website. Peter has brilliantly curated ’69 treasures, announcements, and memories beyond description. Lots more news there!
At the official class meeting president Jim Staros and his band of merry pranksters were elected to another term as class officers. Your executive committee remains in high gear. We are always looking for energy and ideas, so join in!
Bill Stableford led a memorable session in which we shared memories related to Vietnam, including experiences other than military service. Dozens of somber reflections—humorous, touching, and inspiring—deepened the shared meaning of those passionate years.
Allen Denison joined Peter and Tex to moderate a conversation on flourishing in years to come, “Looking Through a Glass Brightly.” John Beck and John Mathias facilitated discussion of “What Issues Keep You Up at Night,” a session that was refreshingly intelligent, civil, and engaging.
An overflow crowd in Filene Auditorium enjoyed “A Conversation with President Sian Leah Beilock,” and we were awed and impressed. During the dinner at the Bema, President Beilock visited every table to speak with classmates and friends. She fits in very well. We like her.
Rick Willets presented the class survey, and he was better than ever. Rick deserves a slot on The Daily Show or SNL.
At the farewell dinner Roy Hitchings conducted a moving performance by our Glee Clubbers, including Allen Denison, Doug Woodruff, David Dunning, and Nick North. And in spite of good-natured protests and reservations, a class photograph was taken—pics will appear in the newsletter.
We are permitted only 500 words here, so watch for many photos and comments in the next newsletter. If you’ve drifted away from Dartmouth, as we all sometimes do, please get in touch. Join us on Zoom. Come back to the email list. Call up a classmate you haven’t heard from lately. We love you and we miss you.
—John “Tex” Talmadge, 3519 Brookline Lane, Farmers Branch, TX 75234; (214) 673-9250; johntalmadgemd@gmail.com
More than 150 classmates and guests, more than we can possibly mention, road tripped to celebrate “the long, strange journey.” Dona Heller and Norm Jacobs produced and directed a gathering that we will remember for years to come. Dona received this year’s Class of 1969 Outstanding Service Award. (Norm was similarly honored in 2022.)
Dona joined two other remarkable first women, classmates Nanalee Raphael and Lynn Lobban. Nanalee is a fan favorite in our Zoom play reading group (another outstanding Arthur Fergenson production). Lynn sang with ethereal grace at the memorial service, accompanied by Sue Leavitt on piano in Rollins Chapel, and presented our 55th reunion class gift to President Beilock at the Bema dinner.
Peter Elias merits special recognition for his countless hours upgrading and maintaining dartmouth69.org, our class website. Peter has brilliantly curated ’69 treasures, announcements, and memories beyond description. Lots more news there!
At the official class meeting president Jim Staros and his band of merry pranksters were elected to another term as class officers. Your executive committee remains in high gear. We are always looking for energy and ideas, so join in!
Bill Stableford led a memorable session in which we shared memories related to Vietnam, including experiences other than military service. Dozens of somber reflections—humorous, touching, and inspiring—deepened the shared meaning of those passionate years.
Allen Denison joined Peter and Tex to moderate a conversation on flourishing in years to come, “Looking Through a Glass Brightly.” John Beck and John Mathias facilitated discussion of “What Issues Keep You Up at Night,” a session that was refreshingly intelligent, civil, and engaging.
An overflow crowd in Filene Auditorium enjoyed “A Conversation with President Sian Leah Beilock,” and we were awed and impressed. During the dinner at the Bema, President Beilock visited every table to speak with classmates and friends. She fits in very well. We like her.
Rick Willets presented the class survey, and he was better than ever. Rick deserves a slot on The Daily Show or SNL.
At the farewell dinner Roy Hitchings conducted a moving performance by our Glee Clubbers, including Allen Denison, Doug Woodruff, David Dunning, and Nick North. And in spite of good-natured protests and reservations, a class photograph was taken—pics will appear in the newsletter.
We are permitted only 500 words here, so watch for many photos and comments in the next newsletter. If you’ve drifted away from Dartmouth, as we all sometimes do, please get in touch. Join us on Zoom. Come back to the email list. Call up a classmate you haven’t heard from lately. We love you and we miss you.
—John “Tex” Talmadge, 3519 Brookline Lane, Farmers Branch, TX 75234; (214) 673-9250; johntalmadgemd@gmail.com