Class Note 1975
Issue
September-October 2026
Class Note 1975. And now something different: We have a guest columnist, Robbin Derry. Robbin is a stalwart communicator and connector, so I thought I would let her rip. The remaining column are her words with some minor editing.
“In early March my husband, Don, and I drove north from home in Northampton, Massachusetts, for five days of cross-country skiing at Craftsbury Outdoor Center (COC) in Craftsbury Common, Vermont, the wonderful skiing and rowing camp and rustic resort that Judy Geer and her husband, Dick Dreissigacker, ‘own’ and manage as a nonprofit organization. They also still oversee the Concept2 business that manufactures rowing ergometers found in gyms and YMCA exercise spaces [Secretary’s note: They’re in the Gray house as well, although Emily is the rower!] Craftsbury is a truly remarkable place, with cozy accommodations in cabins and bunk houses and outstanding food at the all-you-can-eat dining hall. Top-level (national and international) competitors in both sports are there for training and, in exchange, put in hours in the dining hall service and various other work-service roles at the COC.
“We had reserved a cabin a year in advance as the COC is well booked for a long cross-country ski season. Michael Caldwell lives six miles away in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont and drove across to join us for a day of skiing while we were there, so it was a lovely opportunity to spend time with Judy and then later in the day with Michael. Judy and I have been friends since we both started at Smith College in 1971. Since we hadn’t had time to meet up during graduation on campus and Judy’s honorary degree ceremony last June, I was especially happy to have a long visit at Judy’s home while she was caring for her newest grandson.
“Unfortunately, in the early afternoon of that same first day, I fell backwards on an icy hill and clunked my head, ending up with a concussion. I recovered that bit of memory quickly, but the concussion wrecked my plans for five long days of skiing. I went out on a few flatter fields after that and then settled for walking in the woods instead. I spent a few weeks feeling ashamed and stupid for falling, until friends pointed out that Norwegian skier Johannes Klaebo had also sustained a concussion and went on to win six Olympic gold medals last winter—so no shame!
“Life in Northampton continues to provide us with a lovely retirement experience. It will probably feel more like an actual retirement when I submit the book manuscript I’ve been working on for several years. I’ll let you know when it comes out, in case anyone is interested in a book about business ethics and supporting equity in organizations. Best wishes to all! I’m still enjoying the rich connections that were remade during our reunion.”
Vox clamantis in Florida.
—Stephen D. Gray, 4396 NW 53rd Court, Ocala, FL 34482; (650) 302-8739; fratergray@gmail.com
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More of 1975 Class Notes
“In early March my husband, Don, and I drove north from home in Northampton, Massachusetts, for five days of cross-country skiing at Craftsbury Outdoor Center (COC) in Craftsbury Common, Vermont, the wonderful skiing and rowing camp and rustic resort that Judy Geer and her husband, Dick Dreissigacker, ‘own’ and manage as a nonprofit organization. They also still oversee the Concept2 business that manufactures rowing ergometers found in gyms and YMCA exercise spaces [Secretary’s note: They’re in the Gray house as well, although Emily is the rower!] Craftsbury is a truly remarkable place, with cozy accommodations in cabins and bunk houses and outstanding food at the all-you-can-eat dining hall. Top-level (national and international) competitors in both sports are there for training and, in exchange, put in hours in the dining hall service and various other work-service roles at the COC.
“We had reserved a cabin a year in advance as the COC is well booked for a long cross-country ski season. Michael Caldwell lives six miles away in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont and drove across to join us for a day of skiing while we were there, so it was a lovely opportunity to spend time with Judy and then later in the day with Michael. Judy and I have been friends since we both started at Smith College in 1971. Since we hadn’t had time to meet up during graduation on campus and Judy’s honorary degree ceremony last June, I was especially happy to have a long visit at Judy’s home while she was caring for her newest grandson.
“Unfortunately, in the early afternoon of that same first day, I fell backwards on an icy hill and clunked my head, ending up with a concussion. I recovered that bit of memory quickly, but the concussion wrecked my plans for five long days of skiing. I went out on a few flatter fields after that and then settled for walking in the woods instead. I spent a few weeks feeling ashamed and stupid for falling, until friends pointed out that Norwegian skier Johannes Klaebo had also sustained a concussion and went on to win six Olympic gold medals last winter—so no shame!
“Life in Northampton continues to provide us with a lovely retirement experience. It will probably feel more like an actual retirement when I submit the book manuscript I’ve been working on for several years. I’ll let you know when it comes out, in case anyone is interested in a book about business ethics and supporting equity in organizations. Best wishes to all! I’m still enjoying the rich connections that were remade during our reunion.”
Vox clamantis in Florida.
—Stephen D. Gray, 4396 NW 53rd Court, Ocala, FL 34482; (650) 302-8739; fratergray@gmail.com