I am sad to report the loss of two classmates: Edward N.K. Patterson, Ph.D., from Destin, Florida, and John “Jack” Karr from Natick, Massachusetts. Deepest sympathies to both of their families.


I had the pleasure of being in Hanover for Class Officers Weekend in September; the theme of the weekend was “A Tradition of Leading.” President Jim Yong Kim discussed the budget and endowment, saying, “We’re done playing defense and we’re going to be on offense.” Expressing confidence in the College’s future, he said, “There is no place like Dartmouth” for developing the leaders of tomorrow. “We educate young people to deal with the major forces that will affect their lives through a fusion of scholarship, pedagogy and deep engagement with the world’s challenges.”


I’m so very glad to have the memories I have of Dartmouth through my relationship with the class of 1938 and, of course, from the love, devotion, dedication and appreciation for Dartmouth that Richard lived right up until the end. I understand it is a necessity to concern oneself with today and plan accordingly for tomorrow, but, quite honestly, I feel that all too often we forget about the yesterday. The past—the sophistication, knowledge and diverse personalities of the older classes that played an integral part of forming the foundation of what Dartmouth stands for, strives for and epitomizes—is sometimes forgotten. Yes, that was then and this is now—and, yes, we can’t live in the past, but when it comes to Dartmouth, if it wasn’t for her past, there wouldn’t be a present and a future. 


I am sending out a letter asking for your thoughts on my continuing being your secretary. It may be time for a class member to assume the role of keeping the flame of the amazing class of 1938 burning so as not to ever be forgotten. 


Know that I think of you often. May you have all the blessings of this holiday season.


—Jean M. Francis, 29 Decorie Drive, Wilbraham, MA 01095