Welcome to 2022, a special year for ’72s, being that most of us will turn 72 this year and we will celebrate our 50th reunion June 10-14. I hope many of you will plan to join us for at least part of our reunion.

In mid-October there was a celebration of 50 years of rugby. Joining the festivities were Kirk Andrus, Joe Davis, Dave Engle, Peter Heed, Chuck Leer, Jack Manning, Wayne Young, and myself. Dave Engle drove over to see John Burke in Vermont after the celebration.

I received a nice note from Bill Weston describing a sailing trip along the Lycian coast of Turkey, where Bill captained a 42-foot yacht with Paul Boylan. Bill described a rich history of the Ottoman Empire and also snorkeling over remains of ancient villages and mosaics submerged by earthquakes centuries ago.

There was a wonderful virtual celebration of the dedication of the new Institute for Energy and Society (Irving) building on December 2. Arthur and Sandra Irving, adopted ’72s, made the leadership gift that has the potential to transform Dartmouth into a truly internationally renowned college.

Wayne Young has undergone a complicated back surgery and is in for a long period of rehabilitation. Many in the class have been kept updated on Wayne’s condition by Brendan O’Neill and Jack Manning. Brendan has a way of keeping things light but on point. By the way, Brendan’s son, Brian, has been awarded a very nice contract to keep up his stellar performance on the offensive line of the Minnesota Vikings. I think Brendan preferred the backfield.

On a sad note, I am aware of three classmates who recently passed away: Bill Bisbee, Bev Love, and Dennis O’Brien. Obituaries have been published. The only one I personally knew was Bev. Bev had a huge heart and a great sense of humor and rendered selfless service to his patients and community. All three were loyal sons of Dartmouth. The hill winds know their names.

Be well and set your sights for Hanover.

—Sheldon Prentice, 2311 Tradition Way, #102, Naples, FL 34105; shelprentice72@gmail.com