Class Note 1970
Greetings, fellow ’70s. As your incoming class secretary I would like to introduce myself: I’m the guy (actually one of six) “awarded” a D in English I by prof Arthur Dewing in the fall of 1966. Thanks to the tenacity of Tom Peisch, chair of the class’ nominating committee, and a total lack of willing and qualified candidates I have accepted the challenge. Who knew that waterboarding is legal in New Hampshire? Seriously, it’s an honor and privilege to pick up the pen so ably wielded for the last 10 years by my friends Jon Oplinger and Scott Holland.
A benefit for new class secretaries is that they have just attended a reunion and been handed a surfeit of material to cover the first few columns. Without further ado here we go: “It was a dark and stormy night”—and then the sun came out on Monday, June 14, as nearly 100 classmates plus assorted spouses and partners assembled at the tent on Tuck Drive. For the next three days we were beneficiaries of the work done by Star Johnson, John McCravey, Denny Brown and a host of other reunion committee members. Kudos to all and especially to Star, who has shouldered this burden willingly for many years. That’ll teach you to move back to Hanover and get involved!
Tuesday morning many of us heard President Kim deliver an inspiring account of his first year in office and his vision for the future of the College. If there are any who still doubt that Al Mulley and his search committee found the right person to lead Dartmouth, go meet Jim Kim and your doubts will quickly fade.
Later that day a panel including classmates Sir Paul Gambaccini, Harvey Katz, Jim Chartrand and Holly Sateia, wife of our own Michael Sateia, discussed their personal and professional journeys from the 1960s to the present. They were bookended by professors emeritus Jeffrey Hart ’51 and Jere Daniell ’55, who offered their perspectives. When Jeff Hart affirmed that he had voted for Barack Obama the audience knew that this was going to be a great discussion. And it was.
Another highlight of the brief time together was an act that says more about our bond than any reunion bulletin could ever convey. Dick Whitney and fellow Tri Kap Bob Joy ’71 arranged to have Sam Crocker transported in a medical van from Hartford, Connecticut, to Hanover so Sam could join us for a few hours on Wednesday afternoon. Sam is battling MS, is confined to a wheelchair and resides in an assisted living facility near Hartford. And he’s sharp as a tack! Thanks, Dick and Sam, for showing us the meaning of class.
Also on Wednesday afternoon, Brent Coffin led a memorial service honoring the 53 classmates who have died since our matriculation. By involving many of those in attendance Brent put a very personal face on what, for me, is an inspirational moment of our quintennial gatherings.
These are just a few highlights of three days well spent—more to follow in the next issue of this magazine. In the meantime please go to the class website for reunion pictures. Speaking of which, once the glow of reunion has faded I’m going to need your story so send it now and avoid the rush.
—Bill Wilson, 85 Blueberry Lane, Concord, MA 01742; (978) 369-8689; wilson8689@aol.com
