Class Note 1971
As I write this edition of our class column we are about six weeks away from the 2013 Commencement. I remember with great clarity our graduation on that hot and sunny June 13 in front of Baker Library 42 years ago; one of the things that stands out is the valedictory speech of classmate David Levy (e-mail me for a copy of his memorable speech). David earned the right to speak that day due to his perfect 5.0 cumulative GPA and took the opportunity to question the value of a Dartmouth degree, questioned the Dartmouth experience and why life was even worth living. Since 2001 David has been teaching in the information school at the University of Washington. He is integrating mind-training exercises such as meditation in his courses to get his students thinking about the impact of their use of digital tools. His interest and concern is about people disconnecting from themselves and one another as digital tools gained great popularity during the last decade. For the full article in The Chronicle of Higher Education, go to http://chronicle.com/article/youre-distracted-this/138079.
A number of us recently trekked to Cambridge, Massachusetts, to be part of the Dartmouth ’71 Team Zrike, walking in the annual Boston MS fundraiser for and with Steve Zrike and his extended family. This was the second annual fundraiser that our class has been involved with in support of Steve, organized by Michael Maynard. Along with Steve and Sara Zrike were Peter Pratt and wife Marsha, Tony Fitzpatrick and wife Julie and daughter Devan, Michael Maynard, Jeff McElnea and wife Judy, Garrett Orazem and son Tim, Dave Brooks and wife Pat, Russ Schleipman, Frank Batchelor, Pete Webster and wife Ree with daughters Emily, Maggie and new son-in-law Bryan Piccirillo. Along with raising almost $20,000 through Team Zrike’s efforts for a wonderful cause, this event grows each year and is great fun, with a group brunch afterwards in Harvard Square. We’d love to have a greater presence from Boston-area classmates in 2014!
Jim Rager is generously offering to host a class 65th birthday gathering at his home in Naples, Florida, next April 10-13. Golf, fishing, sailing, jet skiing, tennis and great camaraderie will be sandwiched around a Saturday night dinner at Jim’s sailing club. Contact Jim at ragerjim@gmail.com for details.
What do all five of the current living U.S. presidents and Mickey Stuart have in common? Mick was one of the invited attendees this past week at the dedication of the George W. Bush Library in Dallas. Unlike the living presidents, however, Mickey was not invited to speak. During the 2004 campaign Mickey was one of 40 recruits working for Karl Rove and the Bush 43 campaign, canvassing neighborhoods in that crucial state of Ohio.
I’m still working on a four-day gathering at Snow Lodge in Yellowstone Park during the last week of February, just prior to CarniVail. Activities to include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowcoach tours around the thermals, exploring the wildlife of this magnificent park and just relaxing in front of the fire in the lodge. More details to come in a future newsletter.
—Pete Webster,17 Woodbridge St., South Hadley, MA 01075; weebs71@gmail.com
