Hail, noble ’72s, far and wide!


Winter has arrived in all its glory on the Hanover Plain and as I write this we are having a blizzard! Fortunately the College is closed for the holidays so only a few among my colleagues here are negatively affected. I’m sure our friends at the Dartmouth Skiway are regaling in nature’s bounty.


Let’s begin the New Year by congratulating our classmate John Collier, Th’77, who has been named the 2010 New Hampshire Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. John is the Myron Tribus Professor of Engineering Innovation at the Thayer School, where he has taught since 1979. John has turned Engineering 21 (“Introduction to Engineering”) into Thayer School’s signature undergraduate project-based course, and he teaches several additional courses in design methodology, machine design and biomaterials. John was selected from more than 300 top professors in the United States. And all this for a guy who has his own personal Zamboni machine to maintain the ice on his farm pond! Kudos, John!


I’ve also learned that our own Dr. William H. Schlesinger, president of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, has received the Renewable Natural Resources Foundation’s 2010 Sustained Achievement Award. Given annually, the award recognizes long-term contributions and commitment to the protection and conservation of natural resources by an individual. In accepting the award, Bill said, “I’m honored by the recognition. I’ve dedicated my career to researching environmental issues of concern and communicating research findings to decision-makers, for the betterment of society.” Before taking the reins at the Cary Institute Bill was dean of Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment, where he had been a faculty member since 1980. Among other honors he has been elected as a member of the National Academy of Sciences. Great and valuable work, Bill!


Ever an appreciated source of news, Bill Schur tells me he and Lloyd Ucko are in regular contact, the latter trying to mentor Bill’s squash game. Phil Cohen visited Bill during Thanksgiving weekend while Phil was in town for a radiology convention. They and Phil’s friend Anna watched the Grey Cup (Canadian football championship game) together and otherwise shared good times. Bill also tells me our classmate Stu Simms is doing well practicing law in Baltimore and Gaylord Toft has joined the ranks of our brethren who have become grandparents. 


Sadly, word has reached me of the passing of our classmate Michael E. Moore on November 14 after a long battle with cancer. Michael had served for 17 years as the solicitor general for the State of Tennessee. Our sincere condolences to his family, friends and coworkers. A more detailed obituary will appear online.


As another year draws to a close I would like to send warmest wishes for a safe, happy, healthy and prosperous New Year—and for more news from all of you!


Yours always in green.


—Lauren “Duff” Cummings, P.O. Box 580, Hanover, NH 03755-0580; lauren.cummings@ dartmouth.edu