We invite you to visit us online for the latest class news and information on activities, reunions, and trips. There are links to university, sports, and PP55 websites. You can contact our class officers with questions, ideas, suggestions, and opinions. Please send us news of your family and activities.
Let us know your current e-mail address and/or telephone number to insure our prompt reponse. Go to "My Profile" to up-date your information. Many thanks!
Besides the usual events at our Scully Courtyard headquarters, some special events are planned:
McPherson Battlefield Tour
Thursday afternoon, Professor James McPherson will lead a tour of the Trenton and Princeton Revolutionary War battlefields. For those interested in attending a reading "Washington's Crossing" by David Hackett Fischer would be rewarding.
Lunch Thursday with our Grandchild Class '05
A table will be reserved for classmates who would like to lunch with members of the Class of '05. If you would like to participate, email or telephone Pete Weiland (petevaw12@aol.com; tel. 609-466-1982) and let him know whether a spouse/companion will be with you and whom of the Class of '05 you wish to see.
PP 55 Anniversary Dinner
And, Thursday evening a gala reception and dinner will be held at The Westin in honor of Princeton Project 55's Twentieth Anniversary.
Single Sculls
Flix Kloman is going to bring his single scull shell to the boathouse and invites classmates and spouses will make use of it. He - and we - hope others who have shells will do the same.
More Crew Matters
The family of our late classmate Jerry (Jeremy) Johnson, who was a member of the lightweight crew, has donated a shell in his honor. It will be dedicated at the boathouse on the morning of May 29th. Friends and teammates will want to be there.
Attention Musicians
Friday afternoon of Reunions The Battle of the Alumni Bands takes place. Bands made up of musicians from each major reunion class play and compete for fun and applause. If you can still pick up an instrument and see or hear your music, contact Bill Webster '73 at wgwebster@yahoo.com and he will fill you in on the whats and hows of the event.
Map Exhibit
An exhibit of Henry Wendt's maps, "Envisioning the World", will still be at Firestone Library. Maps published from 1472 to 1700 showing how the relationship of the earth to the known universe was seen in those times.
Our class continues its remarkable string of activities culminating in May, 2010. Through the efforts of so many members the class encourages the youth of the nation to become involved in making this world a better place, takes care of classmates in need, nurtures longtime friendships, and continues to have a lot of fun.
Last year’s activities included a Harvard game dinner in Princeton, the Alumni Day dinner in Princeton with the annual class achievement award to Olev Trass, a 54th Reunion dinner at the new Springdale Golf Club, and a fascinating trip to the Galapagos.
This year we plan one trip as well as the traditional events in Princeton:
1- A cruise to Malta, Sicily, and the Amalfi Coast and Naples, Sept. 13-23, 2009 2- Dinner following the Yale Game, November14, 2009 3- Alumni Day Dinner and presentation of the Class Achievement Award, Sat., Feb. 20, 2010 4- Our 55th Reunion, May 27-30, 2010
Our Reunion Committee, headed by Harry Berkowitz and Dodie Mapes, is well along in planning the best Princeton 55th reunion ever. Project 55 will be culminating its 20th Anniversary year at the time of our 55th, a coincidence that will be truly special for us.
The Princeton Alumni Weekly board and staff are pleased to announce the new PAW website, www.paw.princeton.edu. The new site makes it easy for alumni to comment on PAW’s articles and letters, and allows readers to post personal remembrances of deceased classmates to run along with memorials online. The site's appearance and navigation have improved dramatically, so it will be easier for you to find what you’re looking for. There’s additional content, including multimedia offerings and a regular column on Princeton history by Gregg Lange ’70.
During the period from 1952 to 1954, Stan Rubin's Tigertown Five recorded three albums containing 22 of their most requested tunes. With Stan's concurrence I converted the 33 LP records to compact disk (CD) technology. The conversion process removed all noise and distortion resulting in a very special and remarkable finished production.
I have distributed over 500 of these CD's to family, friends, classmates and to other Princetonians. I would now like to enable every classmate to have one of these terrific CD's.
If you do not currently own this CD simply send your request to me via email at rherbruck@earthlink.net or by US mail to Rich Herbruck, 1211 Chelmsford St NW, North Canton, OH 44720.
There is no charge for the CD; it is not for purchase. Shipping is prepaid.
Class of 1955 Alumni Weekend Annual Reception and Dinner -- February 20, 2010
6:00 PM Nassau Club, 6 Mercer St.
The Class of 1955 Award for Distinguished Achievement will be presented to classmate Lud Gutmann, noted neurologist and Chairman of the Department of Neurology at West Virginia University. In additionto his medical career, Lud is a noted author. His recent book, "The Immobile Man" is a memoir and collection of stories from his practice, told with interest, grace, and humor.
Cost is $60/person, cash bar.
To read the President's letter to the class, click here(.doc format)
To read the Alumni Association letter, click here.
Class of 1955 Mini Reunion to Peru and the Amazon - September 10 - 19, 2010
Fly to Lima, fly to Iquitos, drive to Nauta, seven days fabulous Amazon River cruise on the deluxe river steamer La Amatista.
Opportunity to extend trip to include Machu Picchu and Cusco.
On June 1, Co-chairs Harry and Dodie were pleased to report that 55th Reunion plans are taking shape to make this reunion one of our most interesting and compelling. Headquarters will be at Scully Hall (the location of our 50th). Venues for our receptions, cocktail parties, and dinners will take place in the wonderful sites made possible by classmate Peter Lewis . . . the Lewis/Sigler Genomics Building, the new Science Library,and the Contemporary Wing of the Art Museum. There will be events and dinner in association with the celebrations surrounding the 20th Anniversary of Princeton Project 55. Stan Rubin and his band will keep us dancing into the wee hours! Please remember to take advantage of the discount to those who pay these two years' Class Dues, $55 each year for a total of $110 . . . making the 55th less expensive than the 50th!
See you May 27 -30, 2010!
Organizational meetings are being held regularly, and the Committees listed here are hard-at-work! Please contact Dodie Mapes and Harry Berkowitz, co-chairpersons, for more information.
'I'll tell you one thing, if things keep going the way they are, it's going to be impossible to buy a week's groceries for $20.00.'
'Have you seen the new cars coming out next year? It won't be long before $2,000.00 will only buy a used one.'
'If cigarettes keep going up in price, I'm going to quit. A quarter a pack is ridiculous.
'Did you hear the post office is thinking about charging a dime just to mail a letter?'
'When I first started driving, who would have thought gas would someday cost 29 cents a gallon. Guess we'd be better off leaving the car in the garage.'
'Kids today are impossible. Those duck tail hair cuts make it impossible to stay groomed. Next thing you know, boys will be wearing their hair as long as the girls.'
'I'm afraid to send my kids to the movies any more. Ever since they let Clark Gable get by with saying DAMN in GONE WITH THE WIND, it seems every new movie has either HELL of DAMN in it.'
'I read the other day where some scientist thinks it's possible to put a man on the moon by the end of the century. They even have some fellows they call astronauts preparing for it down in Texas .'
'Did you see where some baseball player just signed a contract for $75,000 a year just to play ball? It wouldn't surprise me if someday they'll be making more than the President.'
'I never thought I'd see the day all our kitchen appliances would be electric. They are even making electric typewriters now.'
'It's too bad things are so tough nowadays. I see where a few married women are having to work to make ends meet.''It won't be long before young couples are going to have to hire someone to watch their kids so they can both work.'
'Marriage doesn't mean a thing any more, those Hollywood stars seem to be getting divorced at the drop of a hat.'
'I'm afraid the Volkswagen car is going to open the door to a whole lot of foreign business.'
Thank goodness I won't live to see the day when the Government takes half our income in taxes. I sometimes wonder if we are electing the best people to congress.'
'The drive-in restaurant is convenient in nice weather, but I seriously doubt they will ever catch on.'
There is no sense going to Lincoln or Omaha anymore for a weekend, it costs nearly $15.00 a night to stay in a hotel.'
'No one can afford to be sick anymore, at $35.00 a day in the hospital it's too rich for my blood.''If they think I'll pay 50 cents for a hair cut, forget it.'
Fifteen good classmates and true, plus friends and/or spouses, found their way to the island of Malta last September 13th, where the good ship Le Ponant awaited us. With more than a few new canes and hearing aids, and pills and passports secure, the sixth 1955 travel adventure was under way.
For the next ten days, from Malta to Sicily, to the Aeolian Islands (dare you to find them!), to Capri, to Herculaneum, to the Rome’s posh Via Veneto, we enjoyed a non-stop kaleidoscope of sights and sounds and smells and tastes - and somebody else did all the cooking.
Our 54th Reunion was a great success, in anticipation of next year and 55's 55th!
Headquarters for the May 28 -31 weekend were at Princeton Stadium, courtesy of The Class of '54. This year the P'rade enjoyed the best weather that Princeton can provide. Our Annual Class reception and excellent dinner, Saturday evening, was held at Springdale Golf Club.
Highlight of our weekend was the Princeton Project 55 20th Anniversary Celebration kickoff, details of which will be posted soon.
Classmates, companions and friends who enjoyed the weekend activities:
Adkins, Win Altmaier, Don & Frannie Apostolakis, Nick Berger, Marge Berkowitz, Harry & Donna Dean Brown, Bob & Pat Buller, Carter & Joann Burks, Bill & Judy Cervone, Ed & Marian Crews, Frank Dillon, Dick & Susan Douglas, Gordo & Sheila Mahoney Fenlon, John & Jean Fish, John Fulmer, Dave & Carol Ann Funsch, Richard & Mary Hackl, George Hawryluk. Peter & Ann Herbruck, Herbie & Elva Hespos, Dick
Howell, John & Dottie Hueber, Dick & Rita Alles Jackson, Tom & Janet Kaufmann, Herb & Nancy Lee, Mike & Peg Lincoln, Win & Kyle
Mapes, Charlie & Dodie
McVay, Scott & Hella
Milano, Pete & Chris
Miller’70, JT speaker
Paul, Janet
Raeder, Paul h’55
Rubin, Stan & Judy
Thompson, Rich & Judy
Wallace, Jack & Happy
Webster, Kenly
Weiland, Pete & Mary Rose
Willemsen, Alan & Chris
Woolston, Rogers & Lorraine
To view a Thank You note and 2009 P-Rade presentation from Annual Giving, click here.
Please send any information you would like to share with the class to Ted Mack.
October 2009 George Kovatch locates an interesting photo Click here for a great picture of the Class of 1955 Chemical Engineers and their Professors. Jack Henn is in the group as are many other noted '55ers. He says: "There are some giant profs and a couple of accomplished grads." Possible caption: "Chemical Engineers in 1955--as we were 55 years ago!!"
Dave White reports from Spain Bob and Stella McCarty came down to visit Madrid last week from Finland and loved the change of scene, the weather, the museums and the tapa bars. They came for lunch at home one day and later on in the week Liz and I spent a long morning with them showing off some of our favorite places. Click here and here for photos.
Report from Kathleen Reilly, PP55 Executive Director In their 20th year, Princeton Project 55 has announced the new Board, which includes members of classes ranging from ’55 to ’08. KENLY WEBSTER has agreed to serve a second year as Chairman, and Bill Leahy ’66 will continue as President. CHARLIE MAPES will continue as Treasurer and JIM LYNN will continue as Secretary. ANTHONY QUAINTON will serve as a new board member this year. Please join us in honoring the founding members and meaningful impact of PP55 at the 20th Anniversary Gala at the Princeton Westin: May 27, 2010.
August 2009 Jayne Barnard, s'55 sends a photo from Utah The Princeton '55 Rafting and Salsa Society met for the 12th time from August 5-9. Led by founder, organizer, equipment supplier and Chef de Cuisine Blaine Young, this years '55 five braved the rapids of Utah's San Juan river with minimal near death experiences. Shown here at trip's end are, from left, John Tucker, Jack Whelan, Warner Slack, Young and Jim Lynn. In back, Bob Druhan *82. "Seldom have the aged made such youthful pretense." (anon.)
Jerry Lambert sends a photo from Singapore Click here to view pic taken on 7-30-09 by his wife Sanda at the Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel, Singapore. He was in Singapore to attend a Global Crossing board meeting. Sanda, daughter Clare '08, and he then traveled to Bali before returning home. June 2009 Hans Scherer writes from home in Asperg, Germany The end of June my wife Ulrike and I attended the annual event of the Princeton Alumni Association of Germany. It was most enjoyable, and took place in Bremen, a picturesque, historic “Hanse League” City close the North Sea coast on the Weser river. We were also invited by the nearby JacobsUniversity, which is modeled upon the US University sytem, has students from about 80 countries and teaches in English. The Tigertones were there and entertained us. A really nice and impressive bunch of guys. Also along were a number of Princeton interns who are spending their summer in Germany working for German companies, institutions and so forth. Our group has been particularly active placing interested students as interns prior to starting their Junior year and we are helped by a wealthy and spry Jewish lady of 92 years, who survived the holocaust and funds those that do not get enough money from places like museums or publishing houses. Ulrike, daughter Franziska (22) and I are looking forward to the 55th!
An Interesting e-mail from Bill Ruckelshaus to Alan Willemsen "A belated thanks for your recent note regarding the Garden Club of American and my having seen Chris there. It was great to see her and get a little taste of Princeton, even if we were up the coast.
Your reaction to the natural beauty and burning opportunities in the Northwest tie into my current efforts. I am spending about 90% of my time as Chairman of a state agency charged with the responsibility of restoring the health of Puget Sound by 2020. The creation of the agency was a result of a commission the Governor and I co-chaired that called for a more serious attention to some of the problems besetting the Sound. We have been at the effort to implement the legislation for about two years and have created a massive Action Agenda which is really a plan to achieve our mission by 2020. We are now in the much more difficult phase of implementing all that we have promised.
Puget Sound, much like the Chesapeake Bay has been overwhelmed by human pressures involving development and the sheer number of people living here. There are currently Four Million people in Puget Sound and will be about Five and a half Million by 2020. Housing, transportation, treating the waste of and generally tending to all these new folks moving into this wonderful part of the country is a mammoth task and is going to take a change in our culture for preserving our place or it won't happen.
Whether we can do that in the context of a free society is in my mind an open question. I think we have as good a chance at doing it here as any where there is general appreciation of our natural beauty and a considerable amount of wealth, technology and know-how, all of which can be applied to the Puget Sound restoration effort.
Time will tell whether we are successful. In the meantime, it keeps me fully engaged.
All the best Alan and please give my best to Chris."
May 2009 John Roos sends us a humorous take on reunions Click here for full article March 2009 From Chet Safian -
Forgive the boasting of a very proud father. My son, Bob Safian, has just been selected as the magazine editor of the year. To read about it, just click here. His magazine, Fast Company, has also been nominated by the American Society of Magazine Editors for several prestigious awards. An article about his magazine can be seen here.
February 2009 Kenly Webster reports on Ralph Nader's latest achievement We are pleased to confirm that you have set the new Guinness World Record for 'Most speeches in 24 hours' and a certificate to commemorate has been sent to you by post today. Details of your achievement have been entered into our records as follows:
The most speeches in 24 hours is 21 and was achieved by Ralph Nader (USA) at venues around Massachusetts, USA, on 25 October 2008.
Although the certificate does not automatically guarantee an entry in our world-famous annual book, we do consider all new records for inclusion in all future Guinness World Records publications and products.
As an official record holder, you can request further certificates and find out all about using our logo and trademark to let everyone know about your achievement or for any other commercial purpose.Welcome to the very select club of Guinness World Records holders. To join our fantastic community website, upload your videos and post your comments, please visit www.guinnessworldrecords.com/community and let everyone see your brand new record! January 2009
Sustainable Communities - Steve Boyd advises that his wife Susan has been working to promote Sustainable Communities for the past 20 years. She has been very pleased that recently this concept has become mainstream as witnessed by its success in the just completed competition sponsored by change.org. Also, as you probably know, Princeton University, among many others, now has an Office of Sustainability.
Previously, Steve had emailed most of the addressees of the earlier email to ask them to vote for NSS and to distribute info on the same to their family, friends, and colleagues.
The online voting was very tight, especially on Jan.15 up to the moment the polls closed at 5 pm. NSS and another proposal went back and forth between 10th and 11th place. At the end of voting NSS clung to 10th place, just 19 votes ahead of the 11th place group.
December 2008
In December Paul and Marcia Wythes enjoyed the company of David and Elizabeth White at dinner in Atherton, CA. As you can see from the photos, excellent food and wine was being savored by all!
On Sat., Nov. 15, a band of intrepid '55ers (Berkowitz, Burks, Douglas, Fulmer, Kelsey, Kaufnann, Milano, and significant others) braved foul weather in New Haven to watch a football game. The tail gate lunch was more like a water gate but delicious. Our lusty cheering echoed around the nearly empty stadium but was insufficient for the Tigers to stop the superb rushing of Malcomb McCleod and his Yale teammates. Afterwards, most of us retired to the tables down at Morys for a banquet in honor of Harry's 39th birthday. A fine time was had by all, bad weather and sad game not withstanding. Click here for the photos!
October 2008
P'55 Travels
Meredith and John Roos on a tour of Nova Scotia with John's sister and her husband, joined Barbara and Ted Mack for a visit to Grand Pre, from whence in 1755 the Acadians were expelled from their Nova Scotia homeland by the British (the tragic event immortalized by Longfellow).
Paul Wythes writes, "Marcia and I have just returned from Florida where we had the privilege of playing golf with the Princeton Golf Team, which was there for Fall Break playing at the T.P.A. Sawgrass courses at Ponte Verdra. The enclosed are photos of our playing partners. They all play very well and hit the ball "long and straight". Above all, they are fine young men. The 17th hole - the famous par three Island Green - brought me to my knees. There are four of my Princeton Logo balls resting quietly at the bottom of the lake!"
Baseball, baseball, baseball - Norton Jacobi writes from New South Wales, Australia to John Perkins
Great to hear from you. All season long as I watched Tampa top the standings published here in Oz about 3 times a week (no game coverage barring 4HRs or a no-hitter), I thought of you and how over-the-moon you must be feeling. I must admit I felt some trepidation when the miracle-spinning Redsox won games 5 & 6 -- but then all was put right again.
Your schedule sounds punishing! How did you manage to leave out going back to Philadelphia to see games 3 to 5 (if it lasts that long)? As for my baseball career -- which looks like being extended into next year as our team of old veterans goes for a threepeat -- I cannot resist a bit of braggery. I won the MVP this past season -- which earned me another engraved beer mug (I already had two for the 2005 & 2006 seasons). Speaking of our veterans -- this year we had 2 guys 70 & 66 playing OF, and the infield was 45, 44, 68, and 49. Our catcher at the start of the season was 62, but he was also manager of one of our major league clubs & could only make a few of our games. His replacement was a 16-year old -- to whom I actually preferred throwing I probably told you this story already -- but last year our team was playing away against a team of late teen to 20-somethings -- most of whom were top grade cricketers who wanted to keep their eye in during the off season. As I was warming up along the sidelines I heard one of them say to another, "Who are we playing, the fucking old men's home?" Of course, we whipped their ass. Can't beat experience (most of the time, at least).
Well, have a great World Serious. Leslie's sister & brother-in-law live just outside of Philadelphia and are rabid Phillie fans -- so I suppose I have to maintain a cautious neutrality.
