Class of 1975

I have news from Dave Dunbar that our 50th reunion gift is a specially commissioned wall sculpture inside the main entrance to Kemeny Hall that will honor the College’s 13th president for his four transformational achievements: coeducation, year-round operation, student computer literacy, and a recommitment to the College’s original mission to educate Native Americans (details are on our class website, 1975.dartmouth.org, along with a link for donations).

Thanks to the efforts of Jim Bildner, 32 classmates and their 19 guests are bunking at the Moosilauke Ravine Lodge on Wednesday and Thursday nights prior to reunion, including a Thursday class hike up the mountain open to all ’75s. Speaking of Moosilauke, I received a great note from Tom Delancey reminiscing about his freshman trip. The note was a very good read but too long to include here. I might ask him to make copies and hand it out at our reunion or perhaps he can make a speech. He recently went on a hike (forced march) with a group of septuagenarians that jogged his memory. I am sure that many of us remember our freshman trip as one of, if not the, highlight of our four years in Hanover.

Other reunion updates: On Friday evening around 6:30 the Dartmouth Aires will perform a “sing-by” at the class tent. On Saturday evening after dinner honorary ’75 Livingston Taylor will perform at Rollins Chapel.

Don’t forget, the online reunion book is still open for contributions via our website. The latest tally—140 classmates have contributed stories and photos from their postgraduation journey through life. It’s easy, fun, free, and open only to our class.

I also heard from Scott Herriott,who is looking forward to returning for the 50th and who is vice president for academic affairs at Maharishi International University (MIU) in Fairfield, Iowa. Joining him on his trek will be Sam James, recently retired from chair of the sustainable living department at MIU, and Steve Harper and Jake Dann, both adjunct professors at MIU.

Many of you will be aware of the fires that devastated areas around Los Angeles this year. From Rich Clark comes this: “We are in West Pasadena and the worst damage was in East Pasadena and Altadena. Whole neighborhoods are gone. Lots of stories about people losing their homes. We are members of a social club, and 15 members and one staff member lost their homes. A local private school, Polytechnic, has nine teachers who lost their homes. Buildings, churches, and retail sites that have been mainstays for years are gone. We will get through this, but it is not a good way to start the year.” My last check indicated that Rich, his family, and his house are in good shape.

Vox clamantis in Florida.

—Stephen D. Gray, 4396 NW 53rd Court, Ocala, FL 34482; (650) 302-8739; fratergray@gmail.com