Whenever I go about the city by bus, I always carry a bag labeled “42s 65th Reunion.” On more than one occasion it generates a conversation from a fellow passenger. Sometimes it will be someone who went to Dartmouth. The other day it was from a gentleman who said he had just been to his 50th at Cornell and his father had also graduated from Cornell. He would then ask if I had just attended the 65th—because the ’42 is not as evident as the 65th. The bag is worn but carrying it makes me proud and I do enjoy the conversations. Sometimes they crop up in medical waiting rooms.

Exciting news: Dartmouth has elected its first female president! Let’s all welcome Sian Beilock as Dartmouth’s new and first female president.

I had a letter recently from Ollie deFabio’s son asking if the living class members remember him and could tell him anything about his father during his Dartmouth years and about Dartmouth then. I tell you this story so that any of you who may remember him can get in touch with me.

I regret having to report that Stu Finch died July 26, just a little shy of his 101st. I have been chatting with him regularly and especially as I begin to file each column. He will be missed.

Jon Mendes continues his daily walks—alone—to Central Park, weather permitting. I have told him that I want to join him on one of those walks.

I just heard from Ginia Allison, who had a medical issue of her own that is being resolved. Most important, three of her children are fighting cancer.

I thought I had Covid, but after four negative tests, no. But I do have a virus—during the pandemic, we all forgot about the common cold.

You all will be reading this at or about Thanksgiving. Please each of you send your news. Nothing is too insignificant. There are only a few class members left.

—Joanna Caproni, 370 East 76 St., Apt. A 406, New York, NY 10021; caproni@aol.com