Class Note 1972. Dear ’72s, Thomas Downing sent a note describing some career highlights. Tom embedded with the Palestinian National Authority in 2000, designing a free-trade zone run jointly with Israel. Tom relayed that it was hard to portray Yasser Arafat as the Margaret Thatcher of the Middle East, especially after the Second Intifada. Tom worked in 95 countries in a variety of consulting roles. He was the chief financial officer of the port authority of Liberia following turmoil. Tom was run out of two countries as he raced to the border to escape arrest. When Tom returned to his Virginia home after a stint in Uganda, he was grateful the rebels didn’t control his cul-de-sac. While not James Bond, Tom should join forces with a Hollywood producer to tell his story.
Energetic Peter Heed wrote that he has just come out of semiretirement to head up a struggling regional prosecution program in New Hampshire. Peter will be prosecuting bad folks full time for the next two years. Peter said he accepted the duties in a moment of weakness. Peter is an avid fan of Dartmouth rugby.
My niece and nephew, both ’96s, hosted a breakfast in Naples, Florida, for President Sian Beilock. Gary Shanley and Hans Stumm were in attendance. President Beilock is an engaging person with thoughtful plans for Dartmouth.
John Burke’s grandson, Jack Burke, 10, represented his Elks Club district of Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, North Carolina, and Virginia at the Foul Shoot Hoop finals held in Chicago for the second straight year. A young boy from Montana won the event with a perfect 25 foul shots, shooting 15 for 15 and then 10 for 10.
Jack Brooks sent a home video of the Artemis II launch as he and wife Mary Lou live in the vicinity. I reflected on the fact that our years at Dartmouth coincided with important aspects of the Apollo program, which landed the first humans on the moon in 1969 and wrapped up the endeavor in 1972. We are fortunate to see a resumption of our active space program and a potential moon landing in 2028.
I received notes from Brian Lawler, Steve Mayer, and Barry Abbott commenting on my quoting Calvin Coolidge. I note that Justice Clarence Thomas invoked thoughts from Coolidge in an inspirational speech Justice Thomas gave at the University of Texas in Austin.
Dr. Grover Baxley sent a note that he has a daughter at Dartmouth and another daughter who has been placed on the waitlist. We wish Grover’s second daughter luck in her college pursuits.
—Shel Prentice, 2311 Tradition Way, #102, Naples, FL 34105; shelprentice72@gmail.com