Class Note 1974
Issue
January-February 2023
Classmates, at the peak of fall foliage season, six of us made the trek to Hanover and spent three days meeting with administrators, faculty, and students of the College and Medical School. Mike Thomas, Bill Geiger, Rocky Whitaker, William White, Peter Haffenreffer,and I met with Bob Holley from the development officein regards to fundraising for our multiple class projects. We met with Geisel Medical School dean Duane Compton (a huge fan) regarding his support for the newly launching Class of 1974 Health Equity Fund. We were joined by Tom Lanzetta, for a celebration with the faculty and administration of the health equity advocacy laboratory (HEAL) and listened to comments from the dean and lead researchers. The expectation is to build the structure for our new program during this academic year with a full launch this fall with our first student researchers.
The following day we had an extensive planning meeting with the HEAL team (they are awesome!), followed by an introductory meeting with 2024 class leadership. They look forward to building a relationship with us during the next 18 months before their Commencement, when we will march across the Green together at our 50th reunion. Jerry Bowe and Peter DeNatale are working hard to make it the best ever.
On October 18 Duncan Todd, Tom Guidi, and I attended the Boston celebration of the Call to Lead campaign. Duncan sent: “Speaking on behalf of Dartmouth’s leadership team was Duane Compton. As an example of how Dartmouth alumni work to make the world better, Dean Compton highlighted the Class of 1974’s health equity initiative. He related its origin in our recognition of the disparity in longevity between our Black and white classmates and that insight ultimately leading to the establishment of HEAL at the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice. Dean Compton specifically mentioned HEAL enabling undergraduates to work with Medical School researchers as one more link between the College and the Medical School. It was a proud moment for us ’74s in attendance.”
You’ve already read Duncan’s report from the Alumni Council meeting with its emphasis on mental health. The College is attempting to improve its resources and services for students, but, like the rest of the country, this is a difficult, longstanding, and worsening problem. From my personal experience as a family physician for 40 years, there is always a shortage of providers for these services (counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists). The pandemic has exacerbated this for students, particularly those away from home. An increasing proportion of the College’s budget is being earmarked for this, so I encourage those of you who are able, to give generously to the Dartmouth College and health equity funds.
I would be remiss if I didn’t also include a plug for our Class of 1974 Scholarship fund that (even though not yet fully funded) is already supporting one or two students every year. If you have any questions regarding donations, please contact Chris Pfaff.
Wishing you all merry holidays!
—Philip Stebbins, 17 Hardy Road, Londonderry, NH 03053; p.stebs@gmail.com
The following day we had an extensive planning meeting with the HEAL team (they are awesome!), followed by an introductory meeting with 2024 class leadership. They look forward to building a relationship with us during the next 18 months before their Commencement, when we will march across the Green together at our 50th reunion. Jerry Bowe and Peter DeNatale are working hard to make it the best ever.
On October 18 Duncan Todd, Tom Guidi, and I attended the Boston celebration of the Call to Lead campaign. Duncan sent: “Speaking on behalf of Dartmouth’s leadership team was Duane Compton. As an example of how Dartmouth alumni work to make the world better, Dean Compton highlighted the Class of 1974’s health equity initiative. He related its origin in our recognition of the disparity in longevity between our Black and white classmates and that insight ultimately leading to the establishment of HEAL at the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice. Dean Compton specifically mentioned HEAL enabling undergraduates to work with Medical School researchers as one more link between the College and the Medical School. It was a proud moment for us ’74s in attendance.”
You’ve already read Duncan’s report from the Alumni Council meeting with its emphasis on mental health. The College is attempting to improve its resources and services for students, but, like the rest of the country, this is a difficult, longstanding, and worsening problem. From my personal experience as a family physician for 40 years, there is always a shortage of providers for these services (counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists). The pandemic has exacerbated this for students, particularly those away from home. An increasing proportion of the College’s budget is being earmarked for this, so I encourage those of you who are able, to give generously to the Dartmouth College and health equity funds.
I would be remiss if I didn’t also include a plug for our Class of 1974 Scholarship fund that (even though not yet fully funded) is already supporting one or two students every year. If you have any questions regarding donations, please contact Chris Pfaff.
Wishing you all merry holidays!
—Philip Stebbins, 17 Hardy Road, Londonderry, NH 03053; p.stebs@gmail.com