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Notes: December 2002
Notes: November 2002
Notes: October 2002
Notes: July 2002
Notes: May 2002
Notes: April 2002
Notes: March 2002
Notes: February 2002
Notes: December 2002
The AYA Assembly of October 24-26, 2002, was titled "Your
Ideal Yale College Curriculum," and required choosing 24
courses from the "Yale College Programs of Study 2002-2003"
as preparation for the Assembly. Also, you had to select a
major but you were not required to pick the specific 12
courses within your major.
It is mid-October as I write these notes and of the 77
possibilities for major fields of study, I found nine were
sufficiently appealing to be real choices. Choosing 24
(non-major) courses, even with the inevitable distribution
requirements, was a challenge. It is remarkable that these
decisions are made every year by young people, and generally
made very well. I wonder how many of us would change our
majors if we had it to do all over again, with our current
life experiences. The Assembly discussion should be very
interesting.
The football team is off to a good start, in spite of a
tough loss to Dartmouth. Robert Carr, Donald Walker
Scholarship beneficiary, and introduced in this space last
year, broke Yale offensive records in our first two wins
over Cornell and Holy Cross. He accounted for over 200 yards
in each game, using all of the five feet, seven inches, at
his disposal — "low center of gravity," as the sports page
reports.
You've received Alan Hockstader's information on
next spring's trip to Eastern Europe, including a trip down
the Danube. Everyone who has been on one or more of these
class trips has given rave reviews. Early interest is
strong, so make your reservations ASAP. Alan's phone number
is (914) 761-3488.
Classmates' notes are stuck in limbo between New Haven
and Washington, DC, so real news of us is delayed a month.
Fortunately, I received an e-mail from Don Miller
that I really enjoyed and will pass on, uncut:
"As you know, I returned to Kentucky in '95, having been
away since '51 when I trooped off to Williston. My mother's
lawyer was making off with her money, and I went home to
help recover what could be recovered. Having accomplished
that, I managed to get breast cancer and survived two
operations. A year later Mother died and I settled in
without a great deal of enthusiasm.
"Last Christmas I realized that I didn't want to spend my
waning days in Louisville, and I started looking for an
alternative. I always wanted to be near the water and have
access to clams, crabs, and oysters. For some reason the
eastern shore of Maryland struck the right note. I wandered
around the area and finally settled in the small town of
Crisfield, Pop. 2,700.
"I think I may have found what I have been looking for
the last 50 years. Crisfield was once a thriving oyster- and
crab-providing town. The Chesapeake Bay oyster business died
and seemingly so did the booming nature of this town.
However, its spirit thrives. The people are hard-working and
hard-laughing. The local high school, the Crisfield
Crabbers, have excellent sports teams, no football, and send
a goodly percentage of its graduates on to college.
"Crisfield is a town without pretension. The VP and
manager of the local branch of Peninsula National Bank is
married to my charming mail carrier. We have a hospital of
which we are very proud and have had one since the 1920s.
There seems to be no political rancor and certainly no
social stratification.
"People laugh, people cry. We have a first-rate pharmacy,
not part of a national chain, that gives friendly and
reasonable service. People are kind to children and old
folks.
"We are a far way from almost everything. Annapolis is
two-and-a-half hours away. We are situated at the farthest
southwest point of the eastern shore of Maryland, surrounded
on three sides by water.
"Of important note, in this small, isolated community,
the response to 'thank you' is 'you're welcome.' I have yet
to hear and pray to never hear, 'No problem.' I am happy, at
long last, as a clam."
Essays and short notes are equally appreciated. Keep the
news and views coming, they will be shared.
—Ellsworth Davis
Notes: November 2002
Last week was September 11, 2002, and it was impossible
to stop the cascade of thoughts which that day, and the
following days, produced. The many articles and books I have
read in search of understanding (Islam, terrorism, etc.)
have filled me with information and theories and support for
the fight for freedom that we have actively undertaken. I
also feel confused and unclear about the motivation and
goals of our enemies.
At our 45th class reunion, I had an enjoyable
conversation with Denny McGill's spouse, Irene, and
learned that all their children were actively involved in
"saving lives" as the critical component of their vocations:
one nurse, one doctor, and one fireman. The idealism that
led them to their career choices represents a vivid contrast
with the idealism that inspired the terrorists responsible
for 9/11 and other suicide bombings and attacks throughout
the world. Congratulations to the McGill family for finding
ways to demonstrate the force of love in a difficult and
dangerous time.
An important chapter of the Class Project is being
written at the Lincoln Bassett School, a pre-K through
fourth-grade public school in New Haven. Many of the
teachers have participated in ETM (Education Through Music)
training in NYC, and all the students will participate in
classroom curriculum, learning to play instruments,
attending music performances, etc. We look forward to
hearing much more about this as the school year goes on; our
Music in Schools Web site will be a good source of ongoing
news.
Nancy Mongillo has invited the class, once again,
to party at the Mongillo home — corner of Central and
Oliver — after the Princeton game. Thank you, Nancy.
Yale University is proud to announce the expansion of its
online course offerings through AllLearn, the Alliance for
Lifelong Learning, a consortium of Stanford, Oxford, and
Yale universities. Exciting courses created by faculty from
Yale and its sister institutions range from psychology to
Shakespeare to global politics, and are flexibly designed to
fit your busy schedule. Fall term courses began October 7.
Course listings and easy online registration are available
at: (
http://www.AllLearn.org/Yale2/).
Brian Kelly and Ingrid Smyer-Kelly have
produced a new book, Best Little Stories from the Wild
West, number six in the Best Little Stories
historical book series, which includes "Women of the Wild
West." Signed copies are $15 each (plus $4 shipping). Send
check or money order to: Montpelier, P.O. Box 3384, U
Station, Charlottesville VA 22903.
We're glad to hear from Stephen Mottus: "Writing
this from Palm Desert, California, where Jill and I have
spent most of March for the past five years. Palm Desert is
within easy driving range of son Kevin in West Los Angeles
and son Keith in Capistrano Beach.
"Had a visit and a nice time with Don and Lori
Lowe, who drove here from their home in Murrieta,
California, only an hour and a half away. Don and Lori are
both 'retired' from their careers in the computer industry
and have been applying various talents in interesting ways
for their local police department, Don as a volunteer and
Lori as a part-time employee.
"Back in a few days to Baltimore where I have managed
money for clients at Gruntal & Co. for the last nine years
after spending six years as a securities analyst at Legg
Mason. Daughter Karin is a VP at Legg Mason, which is only a
few minutes walk from her home in the Otterbein section of
downtown Baltimore."
We received a short note from Richard LaGanya, who
enjoys receiving the YAM down under. Write again,
Richard, and tell us stuff about Australia.
The Montreal Canadiens, in the National Hockey League
draft in Toronto, selected Christopher Higgins '05 of
Smithtown, New York, on June 22. He became the first skater
out of Yale to be picked in the first round. Yale athletics
are on an upswing.
Hope to see you all this fall. Dues are just coming in,
so there should be more news next month.
—Ellsworth Davis
Notes: October 2002
Don Roberts was a terrific class secretary, and
the class has selected a worthy successor in Steve
Hopkins. Steve has retired as director of government
relations for Citicorp (25 years) and has been spending some
of his volunteer time on the class project, and now he is
really in trouble! I have known Steve since the eighth grade
when we were neighbors; we played basketball in each other's
driveways and baseball in nearby Elizabeth Park. I look
forward to serving with him on behalf of YC'57.
Don will continue his efforts for the class as a leader
of the Music in Schools Initiative (the class project), and
chief fundraiser, cook, and bottle-washer. Don's commitment
to Yale, and our class, is inspiring. He had a great career
as a banker, and he has an excellent record as husband,
father, and friend. His report card shows all As, with an A+
in generosity — in the broadest sense of the word.
We have one final report on the reunion weekend
activities, Joe Clayton's introduction to the class
project presentation. The panel on the class project (Music
in Schools Initiative) was led by Don Roberts and Malcolm
Mitchell, and brought us up-to-date on the considerable
progress made in putting flesh on the body of our efforts to
bring quality music education to U.S. public schools. A real
highlight was Joe Clayton's story of music in his life.
Starting with Mary Alice Weidemeier, his third-grade
teacher, to his introduction to Debussy and other Romantics,
to his decision to choose Yale over Harvard and Princeton
because of the Whiffenpoofs, and the continuing positive
influence of music in his life. There will be lots of
opportunity for involvement in the project and everyone who
can should review our Web site and see what he might want to
do. There are activities well suited to couples as well as
individuals.
I'm sorry to report that Pierre Bourquin
succumbed, on July 4, to an illness that was just too
powerful, even for him. Carl Hoffman and John
Tyson may have already established celestial hockey and
lacrosse teams and have welcomed Pierre in the hereafter.
Pierre's obituary in the New York Times noted his
devotion to, and support of, Yale hockey. No one has equaled
him as a fan and supporter. Memorial gifts may be made to
Yale hockey. Our condolences and deep regrets go to Shirley
and the family.
Margaret Gillespie wrote to let us know of
Roy's untimely death on January 30, 2002, in an
automobile accident. Don Roberts, Graham Tebbe, and
Phil Derby were Roy's freshman roommates, and Don has
written to Margaret to express the shock and sorrow that he
felt upon receiving this bad news. Everything we have
learned indicates that Roy had a very good life.
Denis McWhan writes, "I am sorry to report that
Phil Hepner, who was captain of the wrestling team,
died quite unexpectedly in late May. He had retired but
continued to do consulting. He had a massive heart attack
while on a business trip to Japan. His wife Claudia and son
Toby have been devastated by the sudden loss. A group of us
occupied the top floor of an entry in TD our senior year,
and Phil is the first of our roommates to pass on. In recent
years Phil and I would pass each other while sailing in our
catboats on the Sheepscot River in Maine. I retired a year
and a half ago and refer to myself as a 'gentleman
scientist,' i.e., I collaborate on research projects with my
friends from Harvard and Brookhaven National Laboratory and
serve on a number of committees in the physics community."
We're glad to hear from Denis, and very sorry to learn about
Phil's passing. We extend our condolences to his family.
Bart Vincent informs us, "Supposedly, I took my
retirement vows on December 31, 2001. But child psychiatry
is so popular nowadays, and the encores so many, that I have
extended my act for as long as the play will run. In any
case, I have more time for my lovely wife Beverly and my two
delightful daughters, their husbands, and my three
grandchildren. Best regards to all."
We received an informative note from Bill Reimann
with a sketch of some of his recent activities: "One man
exhibition, Sand in Your Eye, Crosstown Gallery,
Boston, May/June '01; Completed commission works, Rev.
Williams Park, designated artist, city of Cambridge,
Massachusetts, July '01. Currently working on five project
commissions. Rowing: U.S Master's, National Rowing Champion
ships, Indianapolis, August '01. Pair-oar, men's "G"
Division, FISA world veteran's competitions, Montreal,
Quebec, Canada, August '01; first place finishes, five out
of six events, including men's single. Will retire from
teaching at Harvard, June '02, to work full-time on
sculpture, commissioned work, drawings, and book on basic
drawing pedagogies." Bill's energy continues to astound!
Walter Loesche notes, "I recently retired from the
University of Michigan School of Dentistry and am now an
emeritus professor of dentistry at the Dental School and
emeritus professor of microbiology and immunology at the
medical school. We spend six months in Ann Arbor and six
months at our home in Matunuck, Rhode Island."
Just catching up with news of last winter from Robert
J. Smith: "Retired as a college professor in 1999
(French history), moved from Brockport, New York, to
Guilford, Connecticut, near Yale, and just published a book
on a French industrial family (four generations — a good
read, really!). Haven't yet identified a useful (not
necessarily remunerative) non-academic career for the time
ahead, but am working in it. This winter, after back
surgery, I'll complete a UCLA certificate program in
financial planning. My wife Sumiko has also retired from
college teaching (film history), but I expect her to
continue writing on American film or cultural history. We
left teaching to have more time for family, caring for aging
parents, but we had no idea how hard it would be to lose
professional identity. Old and rediscovered friends have
made it less painful."
A positive note from John Ryan tells us, "Recently
spent three weeks in southern Africa, partly to visit Mary's
daughter in the Peace Corps in Namibia. Beautiful countries.
I came away more optimistic about the future of this
region."
I'm sorry to hear from Jack Ferguson that his wife
of 43 years, Mary Anne, died last August. Jack has returned
to La Jolla, California, and would like to hear from
resident classmates.
Gil Kennedy reports that his beloved wife of 44
years, Caroline McDermott Kennedy, died of metastatic breast
cancer on July 31, 2002, at the Indian River Memorial
Hospital in Vero Beach, Florida. Caroline knew all the crew
people, Reed Rubin, et al, and grew up close to Joe
Clayton and Eddie Cook in Oklahoma. There she was a
famous athlete, having made the 1952 Olympic team as a
hurdler. She had many Yale friends from our law school days
and from the years we lived in Manhattan, where children
were born, schooled, etc., and I worked at Morgan Stanley
and ran the Singer Company's venture capital subsidiary. She
is survived by Gil, their daughter Sarah, son Gilbert, and a
grandson, Dylan. Gil is presently managing director of the
Indian River Institute, Inc., a foundation engaged in basic
science, research, and technology development.
Please keep us informed of your "news," also, news about
classmates that you would like to have disseminated.
Reminders: Class luncheon the third Tuesday of each month
at the Yale Club in New York. Our class Web site is (www2.aya.yale.edu/classes
/yc1957/). If you go to our reunion site at this address
you will find a number of photos from the 45th Reunion,
courtesy of Webmeister Jim Ziegler.
—Ellsworth Davis
Notes: July 2002
The 45th Reunion activities swamp all of the usual news,
so let's try to deal with that event and see what else is
possible.
There was plenty of music, performed by members of past
Whiffs (we were represented by Carl Myrus, John Shaw, Joe
Clayton, Ken Sharp, Gerry Neary, Todd Hendrick, and
Reid White), and Glee Club members. Eli's original
chosen six, under the leadership of Dick Voigt,
performed Friday night at dinner and after, and sounded
great. I'm glad to report that though some of us age,
Bill Bogert can still dance all night.
Faculty lectures by Professors Donald Kagan, Paul Bloom,
Paul Kennedy, and Gerard Bowering were well attended,
provocative, and informative. As usual, our own class panels
represented real high points of the weekend. Sam
Chauncey, Vernon Loucks, and Bud Trillin
addressed the topic "major decisions at Yale since 1957" —
changes in admissions, and thus changes in the makeup of the
student body. The discussion was very lively and
participation broad and diverse. The question of the
enormous resources that have gone into upgrading the
physical plant at Yale was discussed, and virtually everyone
agreed that the changes were both necessary and terrific.
The panel on the class project (Music and Schools
Initiative) was led by Don Roberts and Malcolm
Mitchell, and brought us up-to-date on the considerable
progress made in putting flesh on the body of our efforts to
bring quality music education to U.S. public schools. There
will be lots of opportunity for involvement in the project
and everyone who can should review our Web site and see what
he might want to do. There are activities well suited to
couples as well as individuals.
Howie Gillis was a great reunion chairman, and the
food and drink were excellent. Luncheon on Saturday was at
the Pine Orchard Club (arranged by Howie, who is a member)
and featured a boat tour of the Thimble Islands as well as a
delicious lunch.
Twenty-one classmates and wives (or "others") signed up
for golf and gave the Yale Golf Course their best efforts.
Gil Merritt had the lowest score (84), and the
youngest wife (less than half his golf score).
Tom Perkins announced at dinner Friday night that
class participation in the 45th Reunion gift was 12
percentage points higher than the 40th gift, and a total of
$11 million had been given or committed. Amazing effort by
Tom and all who participated. Total attendance was 291,
including 171 classmates and widows.
Steve Hopkins was elected class secretary for the
next five years, Tom Chittenden is our new class
treasurer, and Don Roberts and Malcolm
Mitchell are coordinators of the class project. I have
agreed to continue with the class notes for now and look
forward to all of your news.
On Friday night John Leinenweber read the list of
classmates deceased since the 40th, and it was very
sobering. Thanks to John for making this profoundly moving
contribution. The memorial service at Battell Chapel on
Sunday honored all Yale men deceased since the 40th and
that, too, was moving and appropriate.
I heard many classmates express the sentiment that "this
was the best reunion ever." In addition to our own efforts,
a critical factor was the University's staff support and
greater involvement than in the past. On to the 50th!
For those who attended, and all others, some jackets and
wine glasses are available. Jackets are $35.00 plus shipping
and handling. Four wine glasses are $18.00, plus. If you are
interested, contact Howie Gillis.
I have other class news which will have to wait for the
next YAM. I am sorry to report the death of Walton
Sumner on May 1, 2002, and Merle Tom on January
23, 2002. We will hope to have more details in the next
publication. Hockstader's next class trip is
scheduled for late May/early June, 2003, to Poland and
Eastern Europe. More details will be forthcoming.
As one of those who is single, I particularly appreciated
the friendship and charm of the class mates who were in
attendance. Thanks for coming. Those who attended (*guest):
Mrs. Charles Abuza, Adams, Agnew, Almond, Anderson Jr.*,
Atkeson*, Austin*, Bab*, Banner Jr.*, Berger*, Bingham*,
Boasberg*, Bodkin Jr.*, Bogert III, Bowman*, Breslav, Briggs
Jr.*, Brown, Bullwinkel Jr.*, Cannell, Capra, Carlisle,
Carothers Jr.*, Charlton, Chauncey Jr., Chevigny, Mrs.
Hope Childs, Chittenden*, J. Clark III*, M. Clark*,
Clayton*, Clinton, Conkey, Cooke*, Correll, Cronin Jr.*,
Curlett Jr.*, Curran Jr., Dalton*, Davies*, Davis, DeLuca,
Dial, Diefendorf, Drake III*, Dunton Jr.*, Ellis*, Farnum*,
Flagg*, Fleming, Foote*, J. Freeman*, O. Freeman Jr.*,
Fritzsche*, Gignoux*, Gillis*, Glass*, Goddard*, Graff*,
Greer, Griffith*, Grinnell*, Guggenheim*, Halpern, Harrison
Jr., Heller Jr.*, J. Herrmann Jr.*, L. Herrmann*, Hochman*,
Hockstader*, Hopkins*, Hughes*, Hutchinson III.
Also: Inglis*, P. Jackson, S. Jackson Jr.*, Johnson,
Jonas*, G. Jones II*, R. Jones*, Joost*, Jordan*,
Kalkstein*, Kaplan*, Katz*, Kellogg, Kelly*, Kendrick*,
Kenefick*, Kimball*, Kner*, Kosto*, Kramer, Kulleseid,
Laventhol, Lee Jr.*, Leinenweber, Loucks Jr., Lovins*, Lowe
Jr.*, Ludington*, Ludwig, Marchesi, McEligot, McGill*,
McLanahan, Melhorn Jr., Merritt*, Meyer III*, Mininberg*,
Mitchell*, Mrs. Nancy Mongillo, Mottus*, Muggia*,
Myrus, Nassau*, Neary*, Neff*, Newman*, Norton Jr., O'Hearn
Jr.*, Pace, Palmer*, Peet Jr.*, Pegg*, Pendergast III*,
Perkins III*, Peters Jr.*, Philpott*, Quander Jr., Quirk,
Raker*, Richards*, Robbins*, Roberts*, Rohner Jr.,
Rosefsky*, Ruhm*, Ryan*, Sargent, Savin*, Schaller*,
Schragger*, Sharp*, Shaw Jr.*, Sheffield*, Shiff*, Smith,
Sonne*, Strasburger*, Sweedler*, Taylor*, Trillin, Trippe*,
Turben*, Voigt*, Walker*, Walsh*, Ward*, Watling, Webb*,
Wendt, West*, Weymouth Jr.*, White, Wittenberg*, Wolf,
Wolpaw*, Wrean*, and Ziegler.
—Ellsworth Davis
Notes: May 2002
A record turnout (105 moderately warm bodies) for the
annual 1957 class meeting and dinner at the Yale Club in NYC
on March 14 was our version of March Madness. Good will was
on display everywhere I looked, and our own talent
brightened up the evening. Brian Walsh made sure we
were going in the right direction, with a blessing of our
food and our gathering that must have assured our maker that
we had some humility left, even after being members of
Yale's best class for almost 50 years.
After a fine meal (Bern Kosto made sure it was
healthy, as well as delicious) Don Roberts reported
on the class council meeting that preceded cocktails and
dinner, and here are some highlights: The 45th Reunion class
book has gone out and Andy Kner and Dave
Laventhol were congratulated for doing an excellent job.
Thanks from all of us! Tom Perkins and his
not-so-rough riders have already exceeded our original goal
of $8 million by 25 percent-plus and are not through.
Perkins has already set an NCAA record for number of
individual solicitations; he can use all the help you can
give him. Reunion plans are proceeding nicely. With a
healthy Howie Gillis's experienced hand on the
tiller, a flawless good time can be expected. The class
project is gaining momentum, with data coming in from around
the country (thanks to the efforts of Nick Tingley)
concerning various music programs in such disparate places
as Des Moines, Iowa, Johnstown, New York, Darien, Connect
icut, and Highland Park, Texas. As a direct result of the
efforts of Malcolm Mitchell, Don Roberts, and Gus
Kellogg, an Education through Music program is under
consideration in the New Haven public school system, with
involvement of the Yale School of Music. "This could be the
start of something big." Alan Hockstader gave a
detailed report on class trips to Turkey and IndoChina that
was the best non-slide show I ever attended. Great hotels,
meetings with moguls and ambassadors, clearly the only way
to go — anywhere. Next trip, Eastern Europe in April 2003.
More class activities and business was discussed but these
are the high points.
After dinner Bud Trillin took responsibility for
introducing our honored speaker, Richard Arnold. Bud
has not been the warm-up act for over 25 years and he was
clearly rusty. After 20 (according to Perkins) minutes of
amusing and irreverent remarks, some of which related to
Judge Arnold, Bud concluded with a reading of his famous
poem, "If you knew what Sununu," setting the stage for the
feature attraction. Dick opened his remarks with a
description of the process that led to his appointment as a
federal judge, not less amusing for these events taking
place in Arkansas. The wisdom and warmth that characterized
his remarks were greatly appreciated, as was the laughter
that greeted tales well told. Assignment: Compare and
contrast Arnold's "Ivy Ode" (the Latin "poem" he produced
for Class Day in 1957) with Trillin's "Sununu." Dick
concluded his remarks with some thoughtful counsel: be truly
aware of your fellow humans, and treat them all with respect
and care. Also, review each day at the end of each day, and
give each moment the reverence it deserves. "It is the
unexamined life which is not worth living." I think Plato
would join us in applauding Richard Arnold, for a life that
is continuing to be well lived.
Classmates who participated in the evening, not already
cited, included: Alan Hockstader, Alex Grinnell, Allan
Kaplan, Andrew Carothers, Art Diefendorf, Bern Kosto, Bob
Mobley, Bob Pegg, Charlie Grimes, Charlie Peet, Chris Sonne,
Dave Mininberg, David Christenson, Dave Bowman, Don Bab,
Doug Dial (and sons Rob '86 and Jamie '90), Doug
Almond, Ed Meyer, Frank Michel man, Gar Heller, George
Hutchinson, Gerry Neary, Hal Hochman, Jerry Farnum, Jim
Banner, Joe Clayton, John Watling, John Halpern, Larry
Bodkin, Leonard Katz, Merrell Clark, Mike Sweedler, Mo
Raker, Rex Robbins, Peter Hare, Peter Wolf, Phil Pillsbury,
Randy Guggenheimer, Reed Rubin, Rob Walker, Ron Savin, Russ
Goddard, Scott Cannell, Steve Hopkins, Tip Atkeson, Tom
Wroth, Tom Ruhm, Tom Chittenden, Tom Quirk, and
Wright Palmer. Ann Marden graced us with her
presence, and I'm grateful to her and the many attractive
and interesting wives (mainly original issue) who enlivened
the evening. Sandy Clark came up from Florida, just
for the evening (looking quite stunning with beard and tan),
to make sure we didn't screw up his annual production, and
gave us all good grades.
I'm glad to hear from Bob Weinmann that he is
still fighting for less bureaucracy in the delivery of
medical services. Sounds like a healthy lifestyle; you
wouldn't dare get sick with the HMOs as your sworn enemies.
Don Lowe writes that he and Lori met Steve
Mottus and Jill in Palm Desert, and really enjoyed their
stay. John Westcott was honored at a dinner on the
occasion of his retiring as vice president, campus
development, Northwestern Memorial Hospital. After retiring
from the U.S. Navy, John took on the challenging task of
building a new facility for Northwestern on the site of the
old hospital, at a crowded urban site. The project was
successful, and he is not contemplating a third career. I'm
grateful to Dick Jones for the above information.
I received program notes for a piano concert performed by
our recently retired AYA representative, Bill Ellis.
He played English Suite #4 in F major by J.S. Bach,
and Variations in F Minor by Haydn. I always wondered
what they did at those high-culture AYA meetings; practice,
practice, practice. As part of the tercentennial-year
activities Yale encouraged Yale clubs around the country to
make "for God, for country, and for Yale" awards to honor
service in each of the three categories. The only '57
honoree I have heard about is Phil Weymouth from the
Delaware Yale Club. Based on his exuberant performance on
the class trip to Turkey, I suspect his award fell in the
Yale category.
Come to reunion, call your friends, just do it.
—Ellsworth Davis
Notes: April 2002
I'm sorry to report the sudden death of Bob Corry
on February 11 at his Oakland, Pennsylvania, home. Bob's
death followed a serious auto accident a couple of days
before, but the cause of death is not determined at this
writing. Bob was a pioneer in pancreas transplant surgery
and had a major impact on the procedure and its acceptance.
In all he performed more than 600 pancreas, kidney, and
liver transplants. He held some of the top leadership
positions in his field, serving as president of both the
American Society of Transplant Surgeons and the United
Network for Organ Sharing. He received virtually every award
his profession had to offer. The loss of someone who saved
and improved so many lives is particularly poignant. Thomas
E. Starzl, the eponymous founder of the Transplantation
Institute with which Bob was affiliated, delivered the
eulogy at Bob's funeral service. He spoke of Bob's living
his life by two codes that he strongly believed in: the
Hippocratic Oath and the principles of a committed
Christian.
Bob graduated magna cum laude from Yale and had a
distinguished record in his professional career as well as
in his schooling. His Yale football teammate, Peter
Fritzsche, attended the funeral, as did Larry
Kramer, who recently had a successful liver transplant
at the Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute. Bob had
introduced Larry to the Institute and visited him often in
the last two months. Larry is doing well (Fritzsche
commented on how well he looked) and was deeply saddened by
this tragic loss. Our condolences to Bob's family. We, his
friends, will not forget him, or his many acts of personal
kindness.
Art Diefendorf reports on the most recent
Hockstader guided Class of '57 tour. Considering that
this was the first time Art has ever been out of the New
York/New Haven axis, I found his account quite — worldly.
"Alan has done it again. Traveling on the January Indochina
trip were Suzy Abuza, Art Diefendorf, John and Anne
Herrmann, Alan and Birgitta Hockstader, Steve
and Judy Hopkins, George Hutchinson, Hal and Margo
Russell, Ken and Mary Sharp, Bill and Glenn
Sheffield, and Bill and Wendy Wrean.
The trip included extensive travel with knowledgeable guides
in Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. Highlights
included a dinner, hosted by Suzy, with Ambassador Burkhart
and his wife in Hanoi, and another dinner hosted by Tom
Vallely, a friend of John Herrmann, with members of the
Kennedy School, the Fulbright Foundation, and others in
Saigon. Angkor Wat was very special. Particularly memorable
were John Herrmann modeling his newly acquired silk
underdrawers (You have to have the legs!) in a textile shop
near Danang and later at an alfresco dinner in Bangkok; and
Ken Sharp fortifying his body with various vintages of snake
wine throughout the trip. There were lengthy Mekong River
trips in Laos and Vietnam, and a great afternoon cruise on
the Chao Phraya, and elephant rides up a mountain in
Cambodia at sunset. Great lodgings and wonderful dining, as
always, were hallmarks. Needless to say, the company was
superb. If you haven't been on one of these jaunts, you are
cheating yourself."
I heard from Johannes Somary and was amused by his
account of retirement. "I thought I was retiring, but find
that I have two-plus full-time jobs." He is still musical
director and organist for Amor Artis, the choral group he
founded many years ago (which is going strong); he is the
new music director at St. Patrick's Cathedral; and is still
involved with the arts education program at Horace Mann
School. It sounds like he'll really enjoy his retirement, if
as, and when.
Eddie Meyer writes, "Big move: Patty Ann and I are
building a house on a hill overlooking Long Island Sound in
Guilford, Connecticut, and have taken up temporary residence
in Wooster Square, New Haven, thanks to the good
recommendation of Sam Chauncey. We are involved in
many cultural and sports activities here and have greatly
enjoyed the company of Steve Flagg and Edie."
I see that Lehman is leading the movement back to wearing
suits to work, including Friday. Could it be that Allan
Kaplan is responsible for this action? Will this be a
new technical market indicator, to supplement the hemline
indicator? Stay tuned.
Howie Gillis is focused on the reunion and assures
us that a very good time will be had by all who attend.
Learning, and understanding Yale, your life, etc., will also
be included.
—Ellsworth Davis
Notes: March 2002
The sobering events of recent months, from Afghanistan to
Argentina, plus some personal losses (a roommate, Bob Davis,
see '55 notes, and another close friend) have made me
particularly receptive to positive stories about the present
and future. With Gordon Smith's consent I'd like to
tell you a little about the two students who are 2001-2002
Smith Scholars, Jonathan Malkin '02 and Ime Archibong '03.
Now a senior, Jon is working hard at the coursework for
his two majors, electrical engineering and computer science,
and making plans for post-Yale life. At last word, he
expected to attend graduate school and to pursue a doctorate
in electrical engineering. He has not yet decided whether he
will want to establish a career in academia or industry
thereafter. Continuing his active extracurricular life at
Yale, Jon has been a member of the Model Congress and the
Morse College Council, has served on the casino night
committee and as president of Tau Beta Pi, and has been
involved with the Yale Chinese American Journal
undergraduate publication. On a recent questionnaire form he
wrote: "There isn't anywhere near enough room here to
describe how I've grown and changed at Yale. ... The overall
experience has been invaluable."
Ime had a stunning high school career in North Carolina.
Vice president of the National Honor Society, he was
profiled in Who's Who Among American High School
Students and his academic achievements were numerous.
Captain of his basketball team as well as president of his
class, he was First Team All-Conference and First Team
All-State and Conference Player of the Year. At Yale, Ime
resides in Timothy Dwight College. Now a junior, he has
recently declared — like Jon last year — as a double major
in electrical engineering and computer science, and he hopes
to further his studies at the graduate level in both fields
and to pursue a career in programming or software design.
You may be aware that Ime is a star basketball player at
Yale, and that, though not a senior, he was chosen as team
captain for this year. Ime is also a member of the Yale
Entrepreneurial Society and of the Student Activities
Committee. He is a volunteer with the Big Brother/ Big
Sister program. I don't know what else he does in his spare
time but he is currently on display at the Payne Whitney
Gym.
This year's Donald K. Walker Scholars are Matt
Lewis '03, for a third year, and first-year beneficiaries
Robert D. Carr and Eric M. Diamond, both members of the
Class of 2005.
Matt lives in Branford College. He plays varsity football
and is a history major. In addition to his studies and
athletic pursuits, Matt volunteers as a tutor/mentor at the
local Hillhouse High School through the Play it Smart
program, and he serves as pledge chairman for the Zeta Psi
Fraternity. How about that, a football player in Zete; times
have changed.
Robert Carr comes from Baytown, Texas, where he attended
the Robert E. Lee High School. He excelled scholastically,
notably in math and science, and was captain of the football
team. This fall he scored a touchdown against Cornell, the
first touchdown scored by a freshman running back since Levi
Jackson did the same in 1946. Wait 'til next year!
Eric Diamond came to Yale from Marshfield High School,
where he was at the top of his class scholastically, a
member of the National Honor Society, and played two sports
at the varsity level. He is a musician and won awards for
his poetry and creative writing. He was All-League and
All-Area as a running back and was captain of the football
team. He played JV football this year at Yale, is planning
to major in philosophy, and to further his skills in piano
and the guitar.
Our future is in good hands. It is gratifying to think of
the role our classmates have played in helping these
students.
Meanwhile, back among the mortals of YC '57, there is a
paucity of news this month.
Ric Pace advises that twin daughters, Lydia and
Christine, graduated this year from Yale College and
Williams, respectively. Both were Phi Beta Kappa. Charlie
Strong is enjoying central Florida retirement. He and
wife Melba have had some great trips and have enjoyed
working together in Universal Orlando seniors part-time peak
period program. John Curlett writes, "Anne and I
spend lots of time with Ann and John (roommate at
Yale) Shaw in Nantucket. We also spend time with
Laird and Reid White when they are here. Just
recently we all scalloped together. Great fun!"
Keith McEligot writes, "Very grateful everything
seems to be cool, except my golf score is approaching my
bowling score, and vice versa. When starting to get
complacent, I have to play my old Guy Lombardo record,
'Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think,' and g.o.m.a."
Jim Cunningham is finishing his two-year stint in
New York and is actually going to retire. After April 1 his
address will be 6 Sloane Gardens, London SWIW 8DL, England.
Give some thought to who you'd particularly like to see
at our 45th Reunion and let them know! There will be special
recognition for class members from the residential college
with the highest percentage of attendance. You might want to
keep this in mind as you diligently pursue classmates for
reunion attendance.
The monthly luncheon in NYC for Class of '57 at the Yale
Club is on the third Tuesday, not Thursday, as indicated in
the Yale Club of New York newsletter.
I hope to see many of you on March 14 at our annual
meeting at NYC Yale Club. Dick Arnold is our speaker
and he has some excellent issues to discuss. The annual
meeting will feature a discussion of the Yale '57 Music in
Schools Initiative; a lot is happening. Tom Perkins
will bring us up to date on the class gift effort, and we
will discuss plans for our 45th Reunion.
—Ellsworth Davis
Notes: February 2002
Abundant thanks to the Mongillos for another great
gathering both pre- and post-The Game. Nancy looks terrific
and it was fun to meet the new man in her life — even if he
is not a Yalie. There was a large turnout from YC'57 for the
game, meeting on the 45th Reunion, and other Yale activities
Thursday and Friday (dedication of refurbished Saybrook,
among other events).
At the risk of being incomplete, here is the lineup of
those who were in New Haven: Bodkin, Tom Chittenden,
Clayton, Sandy Clark, Correll, Davis, Flagg, Diefendorf,
Heller, Hockstader, Hopkins, Colin Jensen (in from
Iowa!), Kaplan, Dick Jones, Kosto, George Lee, Eddie
Meyer, Mitchell, Neary, Pillsbury, Perkins, Roberts,
Watling, Weymouth, and White. Oh, yeah. Harvard
won, 35-22. Yale played well against a strong opponent;
Harvard had its first undefeated season since 1913! Hyland
of Yale was magnificent, with total offense of 444 yards.
I had lunch with George White recently, and
enjoyed hearing about his 39 trips to Russia on behalf of
the Eugene O' Neill Theater Foundation (his baby), and also
his activities on behalf of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and
Service. George is a serious fan of Yale football, and if
you'd like to talk about starting a Yale Football Hall of
Fame (at Payne Whitney?), call him.
We received news from Bob Rosefsky, including the
following. "The eighth edition of my college textbook,
Personal Finance (John Wiley & Sons, NY), was just
published. That's 25 years on one project. It started out as
a book and now it has all kinds of bells and whistles — web
sites, PowerPoint, Internet links, etc. It has dragged me
into the high-tech age. To celebrate the publication we took
a three-week trip to East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania/Zanzibar)
and have just returned, jet-lagged and goggle-eyed at what
we saw. The cultural safari rivaled the wildlife safari. And
the outpouring of sorrow by the local people over the
September 11 tragedy was truly astonishing and moving."
I appreciated the following note from John Poinier
and Joe Mesics. "Sadly, we report the loss of J.
Richard (Dick) Golden, October 18, 2001, after a long,
courageous battle with Alzheimer's. His four-year Yale
roommates were Carl Hoffman (deceased), Joe Mesics,
and John Poinier. Goldie graduated from Tufts Dental School
and practiced in Medford, Massachusetts. After a tour of
active Air Force duty, Dick ran a Gloucester commercial
lobster operation with his sons. He was an accomplished
painter, pianist, and clarinetist. Always friendly, never
taking himself seriously, he was a devoted family man to his
wife of 42 years, Gretchen Haugh Golden, sons Kevin and
Shawn and daughter Kelly, and eight grandchildren. He will
be missed by all who knew him. The class sends condolences
to Gerry and her family."
We received obit notices for Gary Cann (May 19,
2001) and Earl Riter MD (November 9, 1999), with no
other information. Our condolences go to those concerned.
George Dunn had a close call on October 22 when he
had a heart attack aboard his boat while docked in
Barcelona. He was fortunate enough to have timely help from
a local industrialist he had befriended the day before: "Any
time I can be of help, please call me." George called. He is
doing well and hopes to be at the 45th Reunion.
I enjoyed the following e-mail from Bob Rachlin.
"I'm ashamed I've never contributed to the class ('57)
notes. Repentant, I do so now. I'm senior director of Downs
Rachlin & Martin PLLC, the largest law firm in Vermont,
where I practice in the firm's Burlington office. Other than
litigating, I'm active in music and holocaust research. In
the former incarnation, I play piano in one or two public
chamber music concerts a year. In the latter, I recently
contributed a chapter on the Jews in Finland during World
War II for a festschrift published by the University of
Vermont in honor of retired holocaust studies eminence
grise Raul Hilberg. As my wife Cathy and youngest
daughter Julia regularly spend Thanksgiving with Cathy's
mother in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, I take advantage of
proximity to lunch the day after the holiday with my old
friend, classmate, and fellow JE inmate, retired Temple prof
Bob West, who lives in Philadelphia.
"I chair the advisory board of the University of
Vermont's Center for Holocaust Studies and spend some time
each year in Helsinki doing archival research into the
Jewish community's life and woes during WWII. ...
"Like most lawyers, I resolutely repress the thought of
retirement. Never 'come to the office'? Unthinkable. Hope to
see old friends at the 45th next year."
Thanks to Larry Hermann for some new info: "Having
attended the Tercentennial celebration as the guest of my
former roommate, Richard Newman, I have a more profound
sense of identification with Yale and its noble purposes.
With my wife Eleanor, who was a professor for ten years at
the Yale School of Nursing, I live in a 1750 saltbox in
Cheshire, Connecticut, and still enjoy the practice of
criminal defense work in New York and Connecticut. Having
just been appointed an associate fellow of Pierson College,
I look forward to sharing insights and life experience with
the students."
Peter Grose, research fellow at the John F.
Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, has
received favorable comment recently from a number of people
who have reread his Allen Dulles biography. Today's
circumstances have influenced his publisher to reissue his
most recent book, Operation Rollback. He is currently
doing research for a possible book on the role of
corporations in American foreign policy history.
Bob Pelletreau was impressive talking about
central Asia on MSNBC (November 15, 2001). We may have a
rerun on intelligence and foreign policy for one of our
panels as part of the 45th Reunion.
Ted Welsher informs us that he is "now retired
three years from Lloyds TSB bank as SVP, corporate banking.
Mixed blessing; miss great position but also enjoy the
leisure time. Working part-time for Greenwich Associates
which I enjoy, and also love our house in Southhampton. My
wife Sandra continues as fashion director, Neiman Marcus.
Have periodic contact with classmate Richard Adams.
Four children and four grandchildren (all girls!)."
I've got some great biographical information on Matt
Lewis '03, Robert Carr '05, and Eric Diamond '05, our
Donald K. Walker scholars for this year. Details next
issue, as we are pressed for space.
Dick Jones used his recovery from a bout of
pneumonia to read John Grider Miller's The
Co-Vans: U.S. Marine Advisors in Vietnam. He gives it
high marks and his recommendation. Very amused by a note
from Zachary Sacks: "That prolific letter writer
Buck Jordan says he might come, and if my old (read
former) roommates Ken Gergen, Gus Kellogg, and
Jack Skillman deign to show with their wives or
significant others, then I and my bride of ten years and
perhaps even our 4-year-old will attend. I was back to the
campus in June of this year and while much has changed in 45
years (including me), much has remained the same. I regaled
my wife with the tale of being caught in the headlights of a
city bus as I was stumbling back to Silliman College late
one winter night, clad only in a mixture of Cornflakes and
grease, and fueled internally by far too many tequila
sunrises (all three courtesy of the Chi Phi fraternity). She
found it not amusing. Curious what we remember over time. It
will be good to see my friends after all these years."
Hooray for the original Animal House. I hate to
think how many classmates could have written a version of
Zach's note.
Class dinner, March 17, NYC Yale Club. Happier New Year.
—Ellsworth Davis
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