Class Note 1970
Issue
January-February 2021
The October fall colors are waning rapidly here in Connecticut as the leaves build up outside. The 2020 election took place six days after the deadline for this column. The uncertainty of the past year due to the pandemic and political unrest has led many of us to rethink the way we work, our family relationships, and our goals and aspirations. I hope 2021 will bring a brighter and healthier future and the possibility of celebrating our belated 50th reunion.
Thank you to Wallace Ford for condensing his 897-word June 1970 Commencement speech into about half its original length for the September-October column.
Jeff Nordgren wrote, “Thank you so much for the Wallace Ford speech and Herschell Johnson poem in the September-October issue. I have no problem with reading about mini-reunions and anecdotes from fellow ’70s. In fact, each month I look at our Class Notes and those a few years before and after for some news of alums I knew and, sadly, very rarely see. However, sometimes extremely significant national events are much more important. I appreciate what you chose to do as it seems, from my perspective, that the movement for racial justice and equality is running into roadblocks. On a personal level, Herschell Johnson was my freshman year suitemate in Brown Hall in the room next door, and we remained close friends throughout our years at Dartmouth. Through him I also became friends with Wallace Ford. The downside of all this is that Wallace’s words, spoken more than 50 years ago, are so relevant today.”
Sam Pooley said the column was a great choice for the September class report. He was stunned to read those words 50 years later. He remembered Wallace giving his address but much of the detailed content was evidently missed by him then. Ditto for Herschell’s poem. Prescient.
Peter Logan wrote a thank you for printing the text of the speech by Wallace in our Class Notes. “The tenor and feeling made a still vivid impression, but I did not recall the words. It’s useful to read them now.” He asked Wallace to check his memory that the speech opened with a booming exhortation, something like, “Brothers (pause), Sisters (pause), Mothers, Fathers….” The opening was certainly a departure from the usual introductory format—and for good reason.
The Class Officers Association and alumni relations were happy to recognize our class during the welcome session of the 2020 virtual Volunteer Officer eXperience Conference on Friday, October 16. The recognition pertained to a letter our class president, Jeff Demerath, sent to the class of 2020 forging a meaningful relationship based on our shared experiences.
As of this writing, we do not have any firm information regarding the rescheduling of our reunion. While we wait, please go the reunion book website at Dartmouth70.org to add photos, an essay, or updated information.
—Gary Miller, 7 E Hill Road, Canton, CT 06019; garettmiller@mac.com
Thank you to Wallace Ford for condensing his 897-word June 1970 Commencement speech into about half its original length for the September-October column.
Jeff Nordgren wrote, “Thank you so much for the Wallace Ford speech and Herschell Johnson poem in the September-October issue. I have no problem with reading about mini-reunions and anecdotes from fellow ’70s. In fact, each month I look at our Class Notes and those a few years before and after for some news of alums I knew and, sadly, very rarely see. However, sometimes extremely significant national events are much more important. I appreciate what you chose to do as it seems, from my perspective, that the movement for racial justice and equality is running into roadblocks. On a personal level, Herschell Johnson was my freshman year suitemate in Brown Hall in the room next door, and we remained close friends throughout our years at Dartmouth. Through him I also became friends with Wallace Ford. The downside of all this is that Wallace’s words, spoken more than 50 years ago, are so relevant today.”
Sam Pooley said the column was a great choice for the September class report. He was stunned to read those words 50 years later. He remembered Wallace giving his address but much of the detailed content was evidently missed by him then. Ditto for Herschell’s poem. Prescient.
Peter Logan wrote a thank you for printing the text of the speech by Wallace in our Class Notes. “The tenor and feeling made a still vivid impression, but I did not recall the words. It’s useful to read them now.” He asked Wallace to check his memory that the speech opened with a booming exhortation, something like, “Brothers (pause), Sisters (pause), Mothers, Fathers….” The opening was certainly a departure from the usual introductory format—and for good reason.
The Class Officers Association and alumni relations were happy to recognize our class during the welcome session of the 2020 virtual Volunteer Officer eXperience Conference on Friday, October 16. The recognition pertained to a letter our class president, Jeff Demerath, sent to the class of 2020 forging a meaningful relationship based on our shared experiences.
As of this writing, we do not have any firm information regarding the rescheduling of our reunion. While we wait, please go the reunion book website at Dartmouth70.org to add photos, an essay, or updated information.
—Gary Miller, 7 E Hill Road, Canton, CT 06019; garettmiller@mac.com