Class of 1971
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Excerpts from Six Class of 1969 50th Reunion Yearbook Essays

 

 

“Amazingly it has been 54 years since we arrived at Princeton, a time span roughly equivalent to the gap between the surrender at Appomattox and the end of World War I. So here we are, older, grayer, carrying a few more pounds and a little less hair, but perhaps a bit more knowledgeable about what is truly important in life. The challenges of the 1960s are now a distant memory, but we still live in a perplexing, dangerous world.”

 

“Life can be frustratingly random. I thought I was strong, but not so much when life turned seriously adverse …. It turned out that trying to be warm, kind, humorous and human, giving myself, but accepting help, and balancing a little vulnerability with stoicism about people and things I cannot control, is the way for me to live. I fail at this as often as I succeed, but mostly I keep at it.”

 

“Recent classes are larger, more ethnically, economically and geographically diverse, and globally smarter. This spring, when we march through the ranks of the younger alumni, will they view us as relics from another era and beneficiaries of male privilege and an elite meritocracy? Perhaps. Will they take the time to understand how the Vietnam War and the music affected our generation? No …. We played the cards that we were dealt as best we could. So, when we march in the P-rade, let’s puff out our chests, hold our heads high, and give ourselves a heartfelt locomotive.”

 

“I grew up with a single mother. Economic insecurity cast a deep shadow over our daily lives. The possibility of attending a prestigious Ivy League college was never on our radar. However, in 1964, I was introduced to Princeton’s legendary football coach, Dick Colman, who encouraged me to apply ….I am amazed at the good luck I had in being admitted … and overwhelmed with a profound sense of appreciation for the magnificent and unlimited intellectual opportunities.”

 

“Other than traveling the world [working for airlines], I’ve pretty much led a laid back and uneventful life. Of singular importance, however, has been the privilege of being the husband of my spouse. We both worked for marriage equality after marrying in Canada in 2003. The rest, as they say, is history.”

 

“Princeton has been in my life for over 75 percent of my life. It is no wonder that this milestone is important. I have had a blessed life with Linda at my side. We are both retired. We find time to do something for others, as well as for ourselves …. The opportunity (at Reunions) to be among this group of classmates, spouses, partners, children, grandchildren and friends is a blessing. I look forward to reconnecting and maybe ‘first time connecting.”

 

Upcoming Events

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53rd Reunion

May 23-26, 2024


Future Class Reunions

54th Reunion, May 22-25, 2025

55th Reunion, May 21-24, 2026


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