Class Note 1953
Issue
May 25 was a bittersweet day for the class of 1953. We learned and reflected. We remembered and rejoiced, and after 17 years of planning our class saw its longtime vision of a permanent, physical on-campus legacy fulfilled with the dedication of the Class of 1953 Commons, forever symbolizing our lifelong dedication to Dartmouth.
From the first edgy moments we felt as freshmen, hearing cries of “’53 out!” our class has collectively joined in a unique bond. This undeniable and inscrutable bond between classmates is no longer so much a mystery thanks to the efforts of Tom Bloomer and Bonnie Siegal, whose survey and subsequent analysis has provided rich material for us and for future classes to use to understand the etiology of this relationship.
The sun shone brightly through the stained-glass windows into Rollins Chapel in the afternoon as more than 200 guests gathered there to share the joyous celebration of the life of our late president, John Springer. Emotions flowed easily and copiously as Alan Shumway and Joanne Whiting gave moving renditions of “The Three Bells,” “Sanctus” and “On Eagle’s Wings.” We joined in singing the Lord’s Prayer and sang out heartily in “Men of Dartmouth.” There were various presentations to the family by Allen Collins, Robert Simpson and Dr. Joseph Stevens (a family friend) and through it all came the reassuring, dulcet and inspirational tones of Donald Carpenter Goss, who orchestrated and presided over the entire program. There was even a letter of thanks and condolence to Jane Springer and their daughters from President Obama.
As if these were not sufficient activities and emotional gymnastics, we adjourned to what was arguably the day’s most climactic event. After a highly laudatory talk by Provost Carol Folt in which she detailed how our $12 million gift to the College would modernize and improve the former Thayer Hall, the building’s new name was unveiled to great cheers and delight from the assembled classmates. The Class of 1953 Commons was now, finally, a permanent fixture on campus. And so we headed to Collis for a reception, a celebration never more in order than on this Tuesday.
—Mark H. Smoller, 4 Schuyler Drive, Jericho, NY 11753; (516) 938-3616; dartmark@gmail.com
Sept - Oct 2010
May 25 was a bittersweet day for the class of 1953. We learned and reflected. We remembered and rejoiced, and after 17 years of planning our class saw its longtime vision of a permanent, physical on-campus legacy fulfilled with the dedication of the Class of 1953 Commons, forever symbolizing our lifelong dedication to Dartmouth.
From the first edgy moments we felt as freshmen, hearing cries of “’53 out!” our class has collectively joined in a unique bond. This undeniable and inscrutable bond between classmates is no longer so much a mystery thanks to the efforts of Tom Bloomer and Bonnie Siegal, whose survey and subsequent analysis has provided rich material for us and for future classes to use to understand the etiology of this relationship.
The sun shone brightly through the stained-glass windows into Rollins Chapel in the afternoon as more than 200 guests gathered there to share the joyous celebration of the life of our late president, John Springer. Emotions flowed easily and copiously as Alan Shumway and Joanne Whiting gave moving renditions of “The Three Bells,” “Sanctus” and “On Eagle’s Wings.” We joined in singing the Lord’s Prayer and sang out heartily in “Men of Dartmouth.” There were various presentations to the family by Allen Collins, Robert Simpson and Dr. Joseph Stevens (a family friend) and through it all came the reassuring, dulcet and inspirational tones of Donald Carpenter Goss, who orchestrated and presided over the entire program. There was even a letter of thanks and condolence to Jane Springer and their daughters from President Obama.
As if these were not sufficient activities and emotional gymnastics, we adjourned to what was arguably the day’s most climactic event. After a highly laudatory talk by Provost Carol Folt in which she detailed how our $12 million gift to the College would modernize and improve the former Thayer Hall, the building’s new name was unveiled to great cheers and delight from the assembled classmates. The Class of 1953 Commons was now, finally, a permanent fixture on campus. And so we headed to Collis for a reception, a celebration never more in order than on this Tuesday.
—Mark H. Smoller, 4 Schuyler Drive, Jericho, NY 11753; (516) 938-3616; dartmark@gmail.com