It was a very special weekend, from the boat ride in Casco Bay to the last cup of coffee at Sunday's brunch. What a terrific class we have, we '55ers.Ann Burnham Deering had a plan to make our 40th reunion one of the best, and for those who attended one or all of the planned events, we know she succeeded. Did we need name tags? Yes, at first, as we gathered in Portland to board the Bay Lady--but for the most part, we've all managed the 40 years with style and grace and, most especially, humor! The weather cleared as we came back to port, and many enjoyed the night life, browsing the specialty shops and the comfort of the Regency Hotel that night. Judy Orne Shorey commented that her smile hurt; we laughed, relaxed and just enjoyed. The Alumni Golf Tournament was great; the Waterville Country Club was the setting, and the winners were Oren Shiro '42, Judy Shorey, Jane Whipple Coddington and Jean Van Curan Pugh. Dave Palmer '57 has tried to get Larry '56 and Jean Pugh on the course many times and at last succeeded this year. They even played an extra nine holes.Lee Fernandez has donated Winslow Homer engravings to the stunning Colby Museum of Art. Many attended the opening reception for the exhibit Winslow Homer: Wood Engravings Portray America, 1854-1874.Two members of our class were honored at the All Class Awards Banquet.
David and Ruth McDonald Roberts received Colby Bricks for their years of service and dedication to the College. Sid Farr also received special recognition on his retirement. Dancing to the music by long-time favorite Al Corey followed the elegant
dinner at the Fieldhouse. Many of us reminisced at the old Zete House, now Pierce, our class headquarters. Dorm living was a challenge, but we survived. Dave and Ruth Roberts enlarged pictures from our 1951-1955 years--it was fun to try to place familiar faces. (Sid and I chaired chapel ushers--I'd forgotten that.)Through the efforts of Judy Holtz Levow's daughter-in-law, the class
proudly wore blue and white mule T-shirts ('55 and feeling alive) in the parade of classes. (Some '55 shirts are still available. Please call the Alumni Relations Office if you would like to purchase one.) Thanks to our dynamic duo Selden and Susan Biven Staples, fund-raising efforts paid off as they presented President Cotter with a check for $374,339 in annual and capital gifts. As of Reunion Weekend, 93 classmates had donated to the Alumni Fund
class gift, giving us a 44 percent participation rate. Special thanks to Jane Coddington and Jean Pugh for their generous gifts to the College.After the class picture was taken, we lined up for the traditional lobster
bake on an absolutely dazzling Maine summer day--and again great stories and laughter, particularly if you sat near Archie Anderson and Dino Sirakides.At our dinner at Millett Alumni House, Margaret Grant Ludwig spoke of our classmates whose memory we honor. Walter Zukowski, Marjorie Bither, Dot and Archille Biron, Marge and Bob Pullen, Betty and Don Koons, Ann and Mark Benbow and Ruth and George Nickerson joined us as 92 classmates and friends enjoyed another of Colby's fine dinners. Lou Zambello, master of ceremonies extraordinaire, was priceless in his remarks. His humor and his sensitivity brought tears of laughter and respect. The class gave recently retired Sid Farr a gold bag inscribed "Mr. Colby"--a term of endearment he has truly earned. Joe Perham regaled us with his wonderful Maine stories cleverly interwoven with hilarious asides and memories of his Colby days and classmates. When you next see Dick Bartlett, ask him to tell you of his
adventure when locked out of his dorm room at 2 a.m.--what a funny guy!Karl and I were so pleased to have most everyone come for brunch on Sunday. The sun didn't shine, but there was no lack of warmth and camaraderie as we concluded the best reunion so far. We missed those of you who were unable to join us; we encourage you to join us in five years. The enthusiasm was so high that Jean Hahlbohm Hampton has most of her committee lined up for our 45th in the year 2000. The experience of friendship, laughter and memories of
1951-1955 will lighten your heart and bring smiles of contentment to last a long time. Our 40th was truly special.--Jane Millett Dornish
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