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The Dartmouth
November 6, 2025 | Latest Issue
The Dartmouth
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Class of '34 returns for 65th reunion

By Jen Taylor | June 13, 1999

Sixty-five years have passed since the Class of 1934 was gathered for their own Commencement ceremonies, but 40 members reconvened this weekend for their 65th class reunion. Reunion Chair Bill Wilson '34 said a total of 70 people will be housed in The Lodge for the event - 40 Class members and their wives and widows. Activities for the weekend commence tonight with a dinner and concert by the Glee Club at the house of College President James Wright. Tomorrow will include a Memorial Service for the members of the Class of 1934 that have passed away since the last time a reunion was held five years ago. The 65th reunion class will join the Class of 1949 - who celebrate their 50th class reunion - for a lecture by Michael McGean '49. At a banquet tomorrow night, Professor of History Jere Daniell will address the group. The evening will end with the second choral performance of the weekend when the Dartmouth Aires sing. The 65th reunion class is also invited to attend the Commencement ceremonies today where the Class of 1934 can greet the new alumni into the extended College community. Wilson said the College is also hosting a symposium on issues of the 21st century "for graduates and their parents" that the '34s will also attend. In his vision for the future of the College, Wilson did not mention any personal objections to the Trustee Initiative, although he said that others may have had concerns. "One person who signed up decided not to come because of the Initiative," Wilson said, acknowledging that the effects of the Trustee decision are still permeating through alumni circles. The Class of 1934 holds reunions every five years officially, but "at the 65th, you wonder if it might be the last one," Wilson chuckled. The class also gathers annually at the first football game in the fall. He said that those fall reunions are usually smaller, attracting 30-35 people.

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From drunken chefs to Secret Service agents -- Commencement has had its share of memorable moments

By Sarah Rubenstein | June 13, 1999

Other than the fact that the names and faces change, commencements, no matter where they are or when they take place, all seem to be very similar. Each year, a number of students clad in caps and gowns walk down an aisle to music, receive advice about the "real world" from some speaker, are handed their diplomas and throw off their caps while expressing some sorts of emotions, whether they be joy or sadness. But the repetition can be deceiving, especially when it has been accompanied, in Dartmouth's case, by Commencement happenings that have included, among other things, drunks, gamblers, secret service agents and a Native American standing on the branch of a pine tree. The first Commencement The College's first Commencement in 1771 - an event celebrating the graduation of four students, all of whom had spent only one year at Dartmouth after having received the first three years of their undergraduate education at Yale University - was characterized by debauchery initiated by College founder Eleazar Wheelock. To celebrate the graduation, Wheelock planned a large banquet and provided rum for his guests, who included New Hampshire Governor John Wentworth.

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Extra work goes into ten day C & R period

By Jeffrey Tanenhaus | June 13, 1999

In order to make the grass greener, the food more exquisite and the accommodations more comfortable during this emotional and symbolic time, various groups tackle the preparatory measures necessary to ensure the success of the ten days of Commencement and Reunion. Just steps from the ceremony, the Hanover Inn braces itself for a swarm of guests and diners.

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Plus Ce Change...

By John Stearns | June 13, 1999

Dartmouth differs drastically from the college my father ('08) and brother ('37) attended, and from the college that I went to as well.

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Seniors to establish their own scholarship

By Andrew Marnell | June 13, 1999

The Class of 1999 will create a $15,000 scholarship fund to be administered by the Office of Financial Aid as this year's senior gift. Jeff Sassorossi '75 Deputy Director of the Alumni Fund Office, the department that raises the money for the gift each year, said they are asking students to consider making a two year pledge toward the creation of the fund. The Alumni Fund interns who are coordinating the project are seniors Debbie Bender, F.

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