Twenty-five (25) Harvard ’60 classmates attended the luncheon at The Chateau in Waltham on Friday, May 3, 2019. Those in attendance included Bob Adams, Bob Bray, Peter Chen, Jeff Clark, Ed Cutter, Ken Deitch, Ron Goodman, Dave Hawkins, Dave Kopelman, Gerry Levenson, Bill Markus, me, Ken Marshall, Peter Mebel, Joe Murphy, you, Peter Papesch, Don Quinn, Larry Rappaport, David Ries, Richard Saval, Ed Tarlov, Steve Weddle, Peter Wilde, and David Wizansky.
Though a little difficult to get everyone seated – during our reception period, the din of camaraderie emanating from years of friendship was deafening --, everyone soon partook of one of three choices – Haddock St. Germaine; a turkey club wrap; or chicken, penne and broccoli – preceded by a fresh garden salad and followed by an ice cream cake roll.
Larry Rappaport led off our traditional go-round as he had been promised several minutes to present to the group some statistics about Harvard admissions. Larry has been Chair of the Schools and Scholarships Committee of the Harvard - Radcliffe Club of Northern Connecticut for 12 years running their program interviewing prospective students. Larry’s data was certainly timely – Operation Varsity Blues continued its newsworthiness and most everyone was aware of the lawsuit contending that Harvard’s admissions process discriminates against Asians – and he did not disappoint. The discussion included information about both the separate admissions process for recruited athletes – yes, coaches do submit candidates for whom they desire consideration (though all applications are reviewed by a large group of admissions staff et al) -- and the presumed bias in the early admissions process – e.g. candidates for early admission tend to be from schools with relatively extensive and experienced guidance capabilities. (Note: 13.4% of Class of 2023 early admission candidates were admitted while only 2.4% of the “regular” pool of candidates were admitted).
Henry announced that Ron Goodman had agreed to represent the Harvard Class of 1960 on the Crimson Society Council as it begins to plan for the new Crimson Society Reunion in May 2020. Bill Markus, as an ex-officio member of the Crimson Society Council, will represent the Class as well. Joan O’Connor of the Radcliffe Class of 1960 is also an ex-officio representative. We will begin to plan our 60th reunion (May 25 – 29, 2020) once the Harvard Alumni Association staff recovers from this year’s reunions (that is, in June 2019).
Our next event is the Tree Spread and HAA Annual Meeting on Commencement Day, May 30, 2019; followed by the BIG BASH @ The Country Club on Wednesday, June 19, 2019.
