Class secretary Marshall H. Cohen reflects on the historic 65th class reunion. “We had a near record 35 participants, a large turnout for our class size. We all enjoyed near and on-campus activities and meals and perfect spring weather. A class newsletter is in the printing process and will contain details and photographs. Here are a few highlights: Class Treasurer Frank Wezniak reported that our class set a new record for a 65th reunion with a gift to the Brown Annual Fund of $162,701 (as of May), a team effort with special thanks to Paul Benedum, Roy Gainsburg, Al Petteruti, and Frank Wezniak. The class enjoyed receptions and dinners and luncheons (between lectures and campus visits) at the Hope and University clubs. Brown songs were sung by the ’54- Freelancers” (any classmate remembering the lyrics) seated and between food courses, with encouragement and emotion enabled by an open bar. Class officers were voted into office for the next term of service. New officers are: President Ed Bishop, Vice President Ron Abdow, Treasurer Frank Wezniak, and Secretary Marshall H. Cohen. Warm appreciation was extended to outgoing president Red Judkins. Special thanks were extended for the generosity of Betty and Jon Berberian for hosting a “ninth inning” reception to our class attendees at their home following the commencement activities. As secretary, I join all my classmates in thanking Jill Stange and her assistants from the Brown Alumni Relations Office for enabling all the activities to run smoothly and solving the problems before they occurred. As to rumors that were circulated during the reunion weekend: (1) A special van was commissioned from Pembroke or Brown class treasuries to finance transportation from the Van Wickle Gates to the gambling casino in Connecticut, thereby avoiding walking round trip on College Hill during the long commencement procession—Not True; (2) My photographs are somewhat blurry because I was forced to shoot with one hand, holding up tux trousers that were provided one size too large—Absolutely True; (3) The class is optimistically planning a mini reunion cruise prior to our 70th reunion—Very True.”
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Class of 1954