Class Note 1980
Issue
November-December 2023
Our relationship with one another is based in the now. Forty-seven years have slipped away, but time has left us with more than boring stories of glory days. We still have one another. In a culture where loneliness and isolation are epidemic, our connections are precious.
Scott Osman, CEO of 100 Coaches, proposed “80Connect.” Todd Young agreed to coordinate and serve as a group facilitator. In addition to Todd, Scott trained Kate Laud, Debo Goth, and me. All five of us led 80Connect groups.
Chris LaRocca shared his experience of 80Connect: “It was amazing how, in a short period of time and at great distance, real bonds were formed, strengthened, and made manifest as we shared setbacks, uncertainties, and challenges but also joys, laughter, and successes.”
Alec Clarke reflected, “I was unsure whether it would have any value, but I could not be happier that I accepted. My group ranged from one good friend to some acquaintances to two people I did not know at all, but now I feel like I have seven other people that I could talk to any time about anything.”
Rob Rough wrote,“We shared life experiences and concerns we face as we age. I received valuable feedback from the group on a number of items. We really bonded and were sad when the process ended.”
Reported Lies Sapp: “Although I have had almost no contact with things Dartmouth since I left Hanover in 1979, I thought—with nothing to lose—why not accept the offer of forming new connections and rekindling old ones? I am so glad I did. It forced me to look backward through the mists of time to re-examine myself, my experiences, and the College. I feel far more engaged and connected with my undergraduate experience and my classmates than before.”
Brian Boyer concluded, “I think 80Connect is one of the most important initiatives our class has taken to promote class spirit and connection. It comes at a perfect point in our lives where we all may need a boost to counteract the isolation associated with aging and retirement. 80Connect is especially enriching in that we all have our common Dartmouth experience as a basis for sharing about our lives.”
John Ribaudo said, “It allowed me to connect at a deeper level with some alumni I knew at Dartmouth as well as those I didn’t. It also gave me a deeper appreciation of my life path as well as the life paths of others.”
According to Jeff Demers, “The 80connect experience was a surprisingly intense and enjoyable experience. We shared very personal details, which before the session I would have said that there is no way we would get to this level.”
Mere Adelman observed; “Although I knew almost all the people in my group, I learned so much more about them and myself from my involvement. I appreciate the help each of them gave me and miss our sessions.”
Consider signing up next time. Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.
—Wade Herring, P.O. Box 9848, Savannah, GA 31412, (912) 944-1639; wherring@huntermaclean.com; Rob Dinsmoor, 14 Rust St., South Hamilton, MA 01982; (978) 269-4069; dinsmo@earthlink.net
Scott Osman, CEO of 100 Coaches, proposed “80Connect.” Todd Young agreed to coordinate and serve as a group facilitator. In addition to Todd, Scott trained Kate Laud, Debo Goth, and me. All five of us led 80Connect groups.
Chris LaRocca shared his experience of 80Connect: “It was amazing how, in a short period of time and at great distance, real bonds were formed, strengthened, and made manifest as we shared setbacks, uncertainties, and challenges but also joys, laughter, and successes.”
Alec Clarke reflected, “I was unsure whether it would have any value, but I could not be happier that I accepted. My group ranged from one good friend to some acquaintances to two people I did not know at all, but now I feel like I have seven other people that I could talk to any time about anything.”
Rob Rough wrote,“We shared life experiences and concerns we face as we age. I received valuable feedback from the group on a number of items. We really bonded and were sad when the process ended.”
Reported Lies Sapp: “Although I have had almost no contact with things Dartmouth since I left Hanover in 1979, I thought—with nothing to lose—why not accept the offer of forming new connections and rekindling old ones? I am so glad I did. It forced me to look backward through the mists of time to re-examine myself, my experiences, and the College. I feel far more engaged and connected with my undergraduate experience and my classmates than before.”
Brian Boyer concluded, “I think 80Connect is one of the most important initiatives our class has taken to promote class spirit and connection. It comes at a perfect point in our lives where we all may need a boost to counteract the isolation associated with aging and retirement. 80Connect is especially enriching in that we all have our common Dartmouth experience as a basis for sharing about our lives.”
John Ribaudo said, “It allowed me to connect at a deeper level with some alumni I knew at Dartmouth as well as those I didn’t. It also gave me a deeper appreciation of my life path as well as the life paths of others.”
According to Jeff Demers, “The 80connect experience was a surprisingly intense and enjoyable experience. We shared very personal details, which before the session I would have said that there is no way we would get to this level.”
Mere Adelman observed; “Although I knew almost all the people in my group, I learned so much more about them and myself from my involvement. I appreciate the help each of them gave me and miss our sessions.”
Consider signing up next time. Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.
—Wade Herring, P.O. Box 9848, Savannah, GA 31412, (912) 944-1639; wherring@huntermaclean.com; Rob Dinsmoor, 14 Rust St., South Hamilton, MA 01982; (978) 269-4069; dinsmo@earthlink.net