“In pursuit of excellence, Dartmouth recognizes with deep appreciation the extraordinary achievements of David Halloran ’53 as 2013 Class Webmaster of the Year.” The citation continues by enumerating all the wonderful aspects of the website, stating, in part, that it was heartwarming and inspiring. We expect nothing less from the most honored class in Dartmouth’s history. Add this to our sensational class newsletter, of which David is the editor, and one begins to appreciate the effort, love and commitment David has for our class and the College. Congratulations, David! President Allen Collins reports that the class itself garnered some well-deserved kudos. We hosted the highest number of classmates ever at a 60th reunion as well as the largest total attendance including spouses. We also now hold the record for the largest Dartmouth College Fund figure ever achieved at a 60th reunion, with a staggering, record-breaking participation percentage of 75.2 of our class.
And while we are recognizing awards, Bill Freedman called my attention to a dinner, the autumn leaves gala benefiting two of New York’s premier not-for-profit, independent, enriched living communities for older adults, which was held at the University Club in New York City and at which Phil Beekman was honored with a lifetime achievement award. We salute Phil for all of his eleemosynary activities throughout his life.
Rummaging through a library looking for a book to read, I came across a volume titled Me and Ted Against the World. What drew my attention was the author, Reese Schonfeld. Though it was published in 2001 and would obviously not be considered news today, for me it was news. For anyone interested, it is a fascinating history of the founding of CNN. In it Reese transports us through the formation of the news network as it germinated from a far-out idea of his to the full-fledged, successful network it became. He pulls no punches as he relates all the machinations, wheelings and dealings and all the obstacles he overcame to bring CNN to what it was when he left the channel. I commend it as fascinating reading.
—Mark H. Smoller, 4 Schuyler Drive; Jericho, NY, 11753; (516) 938-3616; dartmark@gmail.com