Class Note 1981
Issue
May - Jun 2019
The “Big Questions” series responses revolve around gratitude, healthy introspection, and appreciation for the thoughtful influences of our alma mater and each other. The latest installment focuses on an interest sparked at Dartmouth that has become a core part of one’s life.
Peter Oudheusden was clear: “Rowing. I first learned to row as part of the Dartmouth crew team, and during the last 10 years have raced on a team and solo in many different types of events, from 1,000 meters to 300 miles. I am always in preparation for some race.” Mike Steinharter used some of his patented pivot ability from the soccer pitch, recognizing that“one of my regrets was not going overseas. That has stayed with me, and when I had the opportunity to spend time traveling overseas and then living overseas, I embraced it with all I had. It is way too easy to get insulated in the United States and lack appreciation for the world at large, the cultural messiness that makes the world fun and all the cross-cultural skills that make us better world citizens. I have now lived on three continents, spent eight years overseas, and done business in more than 40 countries. Best of all, my kids have a greater appreciation for the world than I did at their age.” Linda Gundal had two answers! “I had my first experience with computers at Dartmouth, and became a software engineer because of it, majoring in math modified with computer science. President Kemeny and Scott Drysdale were my heroes. But I originally wanted to major in foreign languages, so I spent my sophomore fall foreign study program in Toulouse, France, and winter language study abroad in Mainz, Germany. I loved my stay in Germany so much that I moved here in 1988 and am living here still. I would tell people that my decision to become a software engineer made it possible to fulfill my dream of really learning a foreign language and moving to Europe, where I am still working as a software engineer!” Anthony Desir responded, “Music—and in the strangest way. Jazz teacher Bill Cole announced to his rabble of disciples that if I ever dared to take his class he would fail me just to make a point. When I found that out, I signed up for his next class right away. The weird part: Despite our disdain for each other, I actually learned something about music, not just jazz, but all forms of music. Today I can listen, distinguish, and enjoy almost any kind of music, from classic and country to rock and jazz. I have to thank the challenge from Bill Cole for that.” Allen Smith has recognized his devotion to “running and regular exercise after running Rip Road many times at Dartmouth.” Grace Macomber Bird knew she was a “mountain girl,” but her time at Dartmouth expanded her interest to “spending time on the water. My time at Ledyard was new and wonderful.” Her spell on them remains.
—Emil Miskovsky, 520 Seneca St., Suite 312, Utica, NY 13502; (802) 345-9861; emilmiskovsky@gmail.com; Veronica Wessels, 224 Buena Vista Road, Rockcliffe, ON K1M0V7, Canada; (613) 864-4491; vcwessels@rogers.com
Peter Oudheusden was clear: “Rowing. I first learned to row as part of the Dartmouth crew team, and during the last 10 years have raced on a team and solo in many different types of events, from 1,000 meters to 300 miles. I am always in preparation for some race.” Mike Steinharter used some of his patented pivot ability from the soccer pitch, recognizing that“one of my regrets was not going overseas. That has stayed with me, and when I had the opportunity to spend time traveling overseas and then living overseas, I embraced it with all I had. It is way too easy to get insulated in the United States and lack appreciation for the world at large, the cultural messiness that makes the world fun and all the cross-cultural skills that make us better world citizens. I have now lived on three continents, spent eight years overseas, and done business in more than 40 countries. Best of all, my kids have a greater appreciation for the world than I did at their age.” Linda Gundal had two answers! “I had my first experience with computers at Dartmouth, and became a software engineer because of it, majoring in math modified with computer science. President Kemeny and Scott Drysdale were my heroes. But I originally wanted to major in foreign languages, so I spent my sophomore fall foreign study program in Toulouse, France, and winter language study abroad in Mainz, Germany. I loved my stay in Germany so much that I moved here in 1988 and am living here still. I would tell people that my decision to become a software engineer made it possible to fulfill my dream of really learning a foreign language and moving to Europe, where I am still working as a software engineer!” Anthony Desir responded, “Music—and in the strangest way. Jazz teacher Bill Cole announced to his rabble of disciples that if I ever dared to take his class he would fail me just to make a point. When I found that out, I signed up for his next class right away. The weird part: Despite our disdain for each other, I actually learned something about music, not just jazz, but all forms of music. Today I can listen, distinguish, and enjoy almost any kind of music, from classic and country to rock and jazz. I have to thank the challenge from Bill Cole for that.” Allen Smith has recognized his devotion to “running and regular exercise after running Rip Road many times at Dartmouth.” Grace Macomber Bird knew she was a “mountain girl,” but her time at Dartmouth expanded her interest to “spending time on the water. My time at Ledyard was new and wonderful.” Her spell on them remains.
—Emil Miskovsky, 520 Seneca St., Suite 312, Utica, NY 13502; (802) 345-9861; emilmiskovsky@gmail.com; Veronica Wessels, 224 Buena Vista Road, Rockcliffe, ON K1M0V7, Canada; (613) 864-4491; vcwessels@rogers.com