I had the pleasure of traveling to Hanover on Friday, September 25, for Class Officers Weekend. Needless to say, it was awesome. The oldest class, class of 1929, was represented by Mr. Hal Ripley ’29, who is the newsletter editor, head agent and gift planning chair for ’29—a truly remarkable individual. There were a total of 275 alumni gracing the Dartmouth Green. Class of 1929 was followed by 1938, 1939, 1942 and so on.


On Friday evening, following dinner, Jim Yong Kim, Dartmouth’s new president, emphasized the importance of tradition in his first address to class officers—he made comparisons between then and now.


On Saturday I participated in the “decades discussion” with the classes of 1929 to 1949 in the Haldeman Center, a new building dedicated in November 2006. The majority of time was spent on discussing those alumni associated with Tom Brokaw’s “greatest generation.” Thoughts were given on preparing a publication detailing a list of alumni who made significant contributions to this generation. This is something that will be looked into. Also, it is my understanding that there is something in the works dealing with Dartmouth at war. Class projects were also discussed. If any of you have any knowledge of a class project please get in touch with me.


I have not heard from any class members. I do hope you are all well and that your holiday season was both happy and healthy. Stay warm in the East and watch the sun in the South. 


—Jean M. Francis, 29 Decorie Drive, Wilbraham, MA 01095; jmf3116@charter.net