Class Note 1974
Issue
September-October 2023
The 50th reunion class of 1974 congratulates President Hanlon on a “race well run.” Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service to others.” Phil, you have served the Dartmouth community with honor and integrity and leave it well positioned to face the challenges of the next 50 years. Please accept our sincere thanks and best wishes.
Andy Laszlo penned from Billings, Montana: “I retired a year ago, and I have some interesting news. I found out in my late 40s that my father was a Holocaust victim, the sole surviving member of his family. He kept it a secret for 50 years. In retirement I have worked on publishing his memoirs, Footnote to History, which are now on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. After the book’s release, I started to get calls to speak about his life. I am scheduled to talk in Cincinnati, Denver, Houston, and Butte, Montana; and I am working on Boise, Idaho, and Seattle. If anyone would like to attend or have me speak in their city, please email me (andrewlaszlojr@gmail.com). I am so lucky to have a passion in retirement. I can honor my father, travel, and spread an important message at the same time. I hope to see everyone at the 50th reunion.”
My favorite Laszlo memory is from senior spring, when during an intramural rugby tournament I got clotheslined by Andy as we ran down the field. He didn’t mean any harm, but I learned an important lesson that day. Never play rugby against a former football player! Hope to see you next June too, Andy!
Rick Ranger corresponded from Uganda last week as he headed to Tanzania. They met with the bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Biharamulo and will communicate with their contacts to generate missionary interest there. They will meet with a church there and then travel to the Diocese of Lweru to speak at a conference of diocesan leaders.
Peter Haffenreffer wrote, “I retired in 2019 to take care of my wife, Robin, who had Alzheimer’s. As we discovered, retirement is as busy as working. Caregiving her final years turned out to have been the most meaningful job I ever had and permitted me to thoughtfully consider what I would do after she passed. Now two years hence, I have landed on projects that involve things I love (family, singing, gardening) and things I feel deserve my full attention. One of those projects is the ‘Class of ’74 Health Equity Fund.’ Intrigued by the work that started after our 45th reunion, I nosed my way into the work group. It is notable that I did not know any of the other eight ’74s in the group during school. I now consider them all my friends. Retirement’s not so bad.”
Look for announcements for mini-reunions this fall. In September Matt Putnam, Dick Cates, and Greg Kelley will be hosting in the upper Midwest and Tom Csatari and I will be hosting in Hanover.
Blessings.
—Philip Stebbins, 17 Hardy Road, Londonderry, NH 03053; p.stebs@gmail.com
Andy Laszlo penned from Billings, Montana: “I retired a year ago, and I have some interesting news. I found out in my late 40s that my father was a Holocaust victim, the sole surviving member of his family. He kept it a secret for 50 years. In retirement I have worked on publishing his memoirs, Footnote to History, which are now on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. After the book’s release, I started to get calls to speak about his life. I am scheduled to talk in Cincinnati, Denver, Houston, and Butte, Montana; and I am working on Boise, Idaho, and Seattle. If anyone would like to attend or have me speak in their city, please email me (andrewlaszlojr@gmail.com). I am so lucky to have a passion in retirement. I can honor my father, travel, and spread an important message at the same time. I hope to see everyone at the 50th reunion.”
My favorite Laszlo memory is from senior spring, when during an intramural rugby tournament I got clotheslined by Andy as we ran down the field. He didn’t mean any harm, but I learned an important lesson that day. Never play rugby against a former football player! Hope to see you next June too, Andy!
Rick Ranger corresponded from Uganda last week as he headed to Tanzania. They met with the bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Biharamulo and will communicate with their contacts to generate missionary interest there. They will meet with a church there and then travel to the Diocese of Lweru to speak at a conference of diocesan leaders.
Peter Haffenreffer wrote, “I retired in 2019 to take care of my wife, Robin, who had Alzheimer’s. As we discovered, retirement is as busy as working. Caregiving her final years turned out to have been the most meaningful job I ever had and permitted me to thoughtfully consider what I would do after she passed. Now two years hence, I have landed on projects that involve things I love (family, singing, gardening) and things I feel deserve my full attention. One of those projects is the ‘Class of ’74 Health Equity Fund.’ Intrigued by the work that started after our 45th reunion, I nosed my way into the work group. It is notable that I did not know any of the other eight ’74s in the group during school. I now consider them all my friends. Retirement’s not so bad.”
Look for announcements for mini-reunions this fall. In September Matt Putnam, Dick Cates, and Greg Kelley will be hosting in the upper Midwest and Tom Csatari and I will be hosting in Hanover.
Blessings.
—Philip Stebbins, 17 Hardy Road, Londonderry, NH 03053; p.stebs@gmail.com