As the saying goes, “Friends don’t tell friends that 1981 was 40 years ago,” or at least a version of that. I gotta say, what is in a number anyway? Seems to me that there is a revolution of energy and commitment in this group of the great class of 1981. Our course through the pandemic displaced our plans for an in-person reunion, but no matter, we created a new network project called the “8-One” network, reinvigorated our connections through nearly monthly programs via Zoom, gave a rouse often on the class Facebook page, and answered emailed big questions with poignant responses. Rusty we are not. Just getting going would be more like it. Going “On(ward),” as Dumbledore would conjecture.

Laurel Ritchie has officially moved on from her role as chair of the board of the College after the usual eight-year term plus one year for good measure. She describes the post as “being first amongst equals” and “one of the best experiences of my life.” We give her a standing ovation collectively for her wise and steady leadership through a series of challenges, all the while advancing the objectives of enhancing the College experience of all students.

Our reunion committee and the 8-One network (Vaughn Halyard and Danielle Dyer) created a virtual 40th reunion program that included a now and then virtual tour of the campus set to the singing of the Aires, a crafty and humorous reunion poem (Rick Silverman and Lynne Hamel Gaudet), a multiple-choice 1981-themed trivia program (led by Kim Young), and a presentation from our senior year beloved professor Don Pease. Pease emphasized the virtuous circle created by the student and teacher, each awakening the teacher in each other, thereby creating confidence in the student and renewed insight in the teacher. He credits our class with refining this relationship concept with him. Look for the video recording on the class page—quite invigorating. Jill Martin had a fantastic run at the trivia game and tied with Chris Goff and Robert Goldbloom for most correct responses.

Having said all that, get calendar and Sharpie in hand because there will be an in-person collection of ’79s, ’80s, and ’81s on October 9-11 on the Dartmouth campus, complete with tailgate before the Homecoming football game against Yale. Also, Elliott Davis will be hosting an in-person ’81 get-together at Mine Hill distillery in Roxbury, Connecticut, on October 16. There are plans for a group signing of the 81st barrel of whiskey, already started by Jake Winebaum.

Happy and joyous 40th to you all and cheers to continuing our shared special experience in Dartmouth.

—Emil Miskovsky, P.O. Box 2162, North Conway, NH, 03860; emilmiskovsky@gmail.com; Ann Jacobus Kordahl, P.O. Box 470443, San Francisco, CA, 94147; ajkordahl@gmail.com