Class Note 1975

Dateline: Cambridge, Massachusetts. April 23. Harvard Yard. Headline: “Harvard Concedes Defeat.” Yes, it’s true. After 245 years of competition Harvard finally and publicly concedes the primacy of green with banners throughout campus proclaiming “The Greening of Harvard” and “The Greening of the Yard.” At first I have to admit that I thought these banners were simply acknowledging my presence on campus, but then I asked some undergraduates what the banners meant and was told, “Being green is the only way to be in the 21st century.” What more can I say? We’ve won, end of story.


Now on to the mailbag. Bob Sullivan, our own award-winning writer, author and commentator, sent word of two new projects he’s working on—one a nonfiction memoir and the other a Christmas reminiscence. Sully’s body of work is incredible, as is his lifelong commitment to journalism. He is a 31-year veteran of Time Inc. publications and is now the editorial director of Life Books, based in New York City. Prior to joining Life, Bob was a reporter, writer and editor at Sports Illustrated for 12 years. 


I also heard from Rickey Jamerson, who sent a note that he has fully recovered from prostate cancer. That is great news.


On a much sadder note, I just received notices of the untimely death of two classmates, Rick Walker of Elkins, New Hampshire, and Al Finn of Stafford, Vermont. 


Rick spent his life trying to make life better for those around him, most recently having founded with his wife, Cass, the Road to Responsibility, a nonprofit that helps support individuals with developmental disabilities. In 1998 they were recognized for this work as Entrepreneurs of the Year for the New England region. Our thoughts are with Cass and Rick’s three children, Alec, Lydia and Emma.


Al spent his life teaching—first at the Nichols School in Buffalo, New York, then on to Governors Academy in Byfield, Massachusetts, the Blue Mountain School in Strafford, Vermont, and most recently to Oxbow High School in Bradford, Vermont. Al loved Strafford and was a leader in his community. Our prayers go out his wife, Courtney, and his family. 


The message for all of us should be clear—we need to make the most of everyday. Nanc sends her best, as do I. We hope to see you this summer if your travel brings you to New England.


—Jim Bildner, 5 Boardman Ave., Manchester, MA 01944; (617) 737-1100; jim_bildner@hks11.harvard.edu