Class Note 1968
Issue
May-June 2026
Class Note 1968. A recent column mentioned Dan Butterworth’s creative plans for this year but didn’t reveal the full content of his communication because the fascinating story he told of undergraduate daring (foolhardiness?) was too long to fit here. I’ve suggested he send it to Mark Waterhouse for publication in The Transmission, and I hope he does. You’ll want to read it.
Another unusual story comes from David Soren. Enter his name and the words “vampire burial” and “Lugnano” online and you’ll find out about the strange archeological dig he’s currently running in Italy. He’s still teaching at the University of Arizona Tucson, too, and just published his 26th book. Furthermore, his newest documentary, Life Along the Tiber River 2000 Years Ago, can be found on YouTube. David added, “I was very studious so few people will remember me.” Not true. I mentioned his name at a recent class committee meeting and most of the attendees smiled and nodded their heads. David recalled friendships with Middle Mass roommate John Stephens, Mark Nelson,and bandmates Gene Mackles,Steve Giddings, and Dave Seidman; also with fellow rocker Pete Wonson. Anybody remember the “girl in the window” of the Dartmouth Coop? David’s been married to her, a fellow classical archeologist, for 58 years. He’d love to hear from classmates, so hit me for his contact information.
The previous communication from Terry Lichty (and Susan) came three years ago from Cape Cod, Massachusetts; the latest arrived recently from Kihei, Hawaii, where they spent 2026 Valentine’s-Presidents Day-Mardi Gras week “enjoying sounds of the season.” (Send us a playlist!)
My Teaneck (New Jersey) High classmate Fredric Gruder and I have kept in touch. Ric wrote that he’s still practicing law full time on Long Island, New York, aided vitally by a recent kidney transplant from his daughter! We must assume he’s been one exemplary dad. Ric’s Dartmouth involvement comes also from frequent Zoom meetings and book club sessions with numerous Pi Lambda Phi brothers.
Speaking of the class committee and Pi Lam, several officers and members of both (Gang, Witten,Hofman, et al.) are starting to talk 60th reunion. Volunteer now!
—Jack Hopke, 157 Joy St., River Ridge, LA 70123; (504) 388-2645; jackhopke@yahoo.com
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Another unusual story comes from David Soren. Enter his name and the words “vampire burial” and “Lugnano” online and you’ll find out about the strange archeological dig he’s currently running in Italy. He’s still teaching at the University of Arizona Tucson, too, and just published his 26th book. Furthermore, his newest documentary, Life Along the Tiber River 2000 Years Ago, can be found on YouTube. David added, “I was very studious so few people will remember me.” Not true. I mentioned his name at a recent class committee meeting and most of the attendees smiled and nodded their heads. David recalled friendships with Middle Mass roommate John Stephens, Mark Nelson,and bandmates Gene Mackles,Steve Giddings, and Dave Seidman; also with fellow rocker Pete Wonson. Anybody remember the “girl in the window” of the Dartmouth Coop? David’s been married to her, a fellow classical archeologist, for 58 years. He’d love to hear from classmates, so hit me for his contact information.
The previous communication from Terry Lichty (and Susan) came three years ago from Cape Cod, Massachusetts; the latest arrived recently from Kihei, Hawaii, where they spent 2026 Valentine’s-Presidents Day-Mardi Gras week “enjoying sounds of the season.” (Send us a playlist!)
My Teaneck (New Jersey) High classmate Fredric Gruder and I have kept in touch. Ric wrote that he’s still practicing law full time on Long Island, New York, aided vitally by a recent kidney transplant from his daughter! We must assume he’s been one exemplary dad. Ric’s Dartmouth involvement comes also from frequent Zoom meetings and book club sessions with numerous Pi Lambda Phi brothers.
Speaking of the class committee and Pi Lam, several officers and members of both (Gang, Witten,Hofman, et al.) are starting to talk 60th reunion. Volunteer now!
—Jack Hopke, 157 Joy St., River Ridge, LA 70123; (504) 388-2645; jackhopke@yahoo.com