Class Note 1956

Our 55th is history, but at this writing it has yet to happen; so on to other things not so time sensitive. Living so close to the College provides lots of opportunities for engagement with students, faculty and administration. During a recent webcast President Kim announced the record 22,000 applications received from students wanting to be a part of the class of ’15. The 9.7-percent acceptance rate was our most demanding yet, a sure sign of how favorably Dartmouth is perceived by both high school students and their parents. More than one half of those accepted were either valedictorians or salutatorians. Clearly, the competition is stiff! Then four seniors shared their experiences and their hopes for what lies ahead. One was waiting hopefully for the NFL draft and a chance to continue to play before entering medical school. Another is anticipating her career in the not-for-profit world of social enterprise. One will continue his education in digital design sparked by a yearlong engagement with the Big Green Bus that runs on vegetable oil. The fourth is hoping for a career in professional sports, and before the webcast was finished discovered an alumnus had arranged an interview for her with the Mets. Wow! Four of the best and brightest had been picked for this event, but they clearly love Dartmouth and cherish the gift these four years have been for them.


Don’t miss the chance to listen to Harry Sheehy talk about Dartmouth athletics and the hopes for his tenure as athletic director (AD). His presentation to the Dartmouth Club of the Upper Valley was nothing short of sensational. A graduate of Williams, Harry spent 17 years as their basketball coach and another 10 as their AD, during which time that college was regularly at the top of the game in every sport in their division. The hunger to repeat that in Hanover was clearly evident.” Excellence is never accidental.” It comes from acting intentionally to make things better while creating a culture of high expectations, he said. “Dartmouth athletics is no longer a whining zone!” Both club sports and their intercollegiate partners are remarkable teaching opportunities. Most faculty get three hours a week with their students while coaches get more like 20 hours a week. It’s an unbeatable teaching opportunity. 


Harry Nutting’s efforts to get each of us behind the animal shelter where he volunteers each week was dramatically successful, obtaining $1,000 for its continuing work. He is very grateful for each of you who participated.


Word of the death of three classmates has come from the College. They are Harvey Jay Hambleton,who died February 1; Bill King, who died February 5;and Dean Hofe, who died February 11. Obituaries can be found online at the DAM website. Karen Merrels has responded to each of their widows, expressing our concern for each of them.


Make your plans for Homecoming and the Columbia game, October 22.


—R. Stewart Wood Jr.,P.O. Box 968, Quechee, VT 05059-0968; (802) 295-8912; stewwood@aol.com