Class Note 1953
Issue
“Here it is! Our 18-year effort has finally come to fruition!” So began an e-mail from Bob Simpson, president of the class of 1953 trust, as he exuberantly relayed the exciting news of the creation of the 1953 Commons. In a later e-mail he wrote, “ ‘Her sparkling noons, the crowding into commons’—these words from the second verse of the song ‘Dartmouth Undying’ will soon have new relevance on the Dartmouth campus when the Class of 1953 Commons becomes a reality in 2011. Our unique class effort, started in 1992 to support Dartmouth through a charitable trust, allowed us to present $12 million to the College at our 55th reunion in 2008. These funds will help pay in part for the badly needed renovation and modernization of the Thayer dining hall while also providing expanded social space for student activities and the Paul D. Paganucci Conference Room. This building will then be named the Class of 1953 Commons, thereby ensuring that our presence on the Hanover Plain will be long remembered. Many, many thanks to President Jim Kim for making this happen!” Congratulations to all!
Our class president John Kelley Springer died February 4. His daughter Kelley posted the following note on their blog.
“The American flag at Hartford Hospital was ordered to half mast a little before midnight last night. Dad died surrounded by his five women—his wife, Jane, and daughters Kelley, Dana, Susie and Nellie—and his brother Bill. Dad’s last loving gift was a day to spend surrounding him with prayer, tears, well wishes from friends and messages from all 10 grandchildren.
“Safe journey, John, Dad and Mr. Springer! Thank you for your clear guidance. Thank you for the passion you have put into your family, friends and work. Dad’s heart and soul is in Hartford Hospital. He has so much pride for what it has become and will continue to be. It has been so beautiful to see the hospital that Dad cares so much about take care of him with so much love and respect!”
—Mark H. Smoller, 4 Schuyler Drive, Jericho, NY 11753; (516) 938-3616; dartmark@gmail.com
May - June 2010
“Here it is! Our 18-year effort has finally come to fruition!” So began an e-mail from Bob Simpson, president of the class of 1953 trust, as he exuberantly relayed the exciting news of the creation of the 1953 Commons. In a later e-mail he wrote, “ ‘Her sparkling noons, the crowding into commons’—these words from the second verse of the song ‘Dartmouth Undying’ will soon have new relevance on the Dartmouth campus when the Class of 1953 Commons becomes a reality in 2011. Our unique class effort, started in 1992 to support Dartmouth through a charitable trust, allowed us to present $12 million to the College at our 55th reunion in 2008. These funds will help pay in part for the badly needed renovation and modernization of the Thayer dining hall while also providing expanded social space for student activities and the Paul D. Paganucci Conference Room. This building will then be named the Class of 1953 Commons, thereby ensuring that our presence on the Hanover Plain will be long remembered. Many, many thanks to President Jim Kim for making this happen!” Congratulations to all!
Our class president John Kelley Springer died February 4. His daughter Kelley posted the following note on their blog.
“The American flag at Hartford Hospital was ordered to half mast a little before midnight last night. Dad died surrounded by his five women—his wife, Jane, and daughters Kelley, Dana, Susie and Nellie—and his brother Bill. Dad’s last loving gift was a day to spend surrounding him with prayer, tears, well wishes from friends and messages from all 10 grandchildren.
“Safe journey, John, Dad and Mr. Springer! Thank you for your clear guidance. Thank you for the passion you have put into your family, friends and work. Dad’s heart and soul is in Hartford Hospital. He has so much pride for what it has become and will continue to be. It has been so beautiful to see the hospital that Dad cares so much about take care of him with so much love and respect!”
—Mark H. Smoller, 4 Schuyler Drive, Jericho, NY 11753; (516) 938-3616; dartmark@gmail.com