Class Note 1979
This is our last chance to remind you to plan for our October 5-8 Homecoming 60th birthday celebration. Go to the “Mini-Reunions” tab on our class website (1979.dartmouth.org), where you will find event and registration information as well as a regularly updated attendee list. Enough business; on to more perspectives on turning 60.
John Currier: “As we launch into our seventh decade of this project called growing up, I’m first and foremost very grateful to be ‘in the game!’ Five years ago an oncologist from Dartmouth-Hitchcock called and informed me I had lung cancer. That’ll get your attention. It also pushed me to sort out what’s most important. Family and faith top that list, and then comes you—my incredible group of friends, colleagues, contacts, confidantes, inspirations and business associates who welcomed me into the ’79 circle 42 years ago. Each year has brought opportunities to get better acquainted with more of you. As I reflect on how much my Dartmouth classmates have expanded and enriched my world since coming off the farm in Vermont, it gives me a profound appreciation of what a game-changer Dartmouth has been for me.”
Doug Rice: “For my 60th I went to Caneel Bay in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, with my wife of 38 years, Karen, our two sons, my sister and her family and my brother. We celebrated one college and two high school graduations. We also spread my mother’s ashes in her favorite spot. All and all a very nice way to spend my milestone birthday.”
Ellen Gomprecht Oppenheim: “Sixty?! How did this happen? As they say, time flies when you’re having fun, and I am doing just that. My life has been truly blessed. I have an amazing spouse, five incredible children, a divine son-in-law and a fantastic daughter-in-law, family and friends I adore—if this is what aging is all about, then bring it on! Originally I intended to celebrate 60 by running away from any parties or celebrations and go camping with my husband not far from the Dartmouth Grant, but that plan got nixed when I discovered that I have a board retreat for our local land preservation organization. Nonetheless, I am looking forward to a weekend getaway with about 15 of our female classmates for a joint 60th birthday blowout! These amazing women, so many of whom I was introduced to thanks to Dartmouth, make me the luckiest person I know. Thanks to all of you (my not-too-shabby male classmates included) who enrich my life!”
Priscilla Miller turned 60 on June 10. Though she didn’t exactly run away from parties or celebrations, she sounded as if she’s taking a low-key approach to her milestone birthday. “The big 6-oh! Easier to swallow knowing that most of my classmates are in the same boat, so I am in good company. No real news to speak of; family is well and we hope to get to Maine this summer, but otherwise it’s a sedate year for a change.”
—Stanley Weil, 15 Peck Road, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549; (917) 428-0852; stanno79@gmail.com; John Currier, 82 Carpenter St., Norwich, VT 05055; (802) 649-2577; john.h.currier@dartmouth.edu
