Open Letter: Reflections From the Class of ’61
To: Ms. Sandra Fellman
Hugo, Minnesota
Dear Sandi:
Thank you for organizing our 65th reunion of the Alexander Ramsey High School class of 1961.
We were an economically diverse public high school. There were lots of middle-class kids coming from families living in GI-loan houses (like me). The daughter of a Nobel Prize-winning chemist attended. Loni Anderson (WKRP in Cincinnati and movies) was at our school and graduated two years later. We might have been some of the last of the Silent Generation, but we represented the American ascendant middle class.
A published novelist taught us literature, and a former 3M engineer taught us chemistry. Many of the faculty had served in the military, including under the UN flag (Korean War). But importantly, none of the faculty were easy on us, and all expected high levels of accomplishment. In the main, we delivered. Our class filled out a questionnaire for the reunion. Here are some of the results:
1. Most important lesson you learned?
Of the 29 responses, all but four answered not with the weariness of old age, but instead urging kindness and a love of learning. One respondent learned so much at Ramsey, he wished he was still there.
2. Who was your favorite teacher?
In the Class of ’61, 20% of the respondents identified a coach or band/choir leader. Most surprising: 10% singled out Ted Molitor as their favorite teacher. Molitor was the chemistry teacher who had a schoolwide reputation as a hard grader. He later became the 1969 state teacher of the year. Perhaps he is best known because of his famous nephew, Paul, who is in the baseball hall of fame. No grade inflation evident!
3. What do you wish you knew when you graduated that you know now?
Almost all respondents had some variation of “Life is short, enjoy the moments.” One respondent said, “The list is long.” Apparently, one never quits learning. Ten percent of respondents indicated facts impacting marriage. As one insightful respondent suggested, they wished they had known “the difference between lust and love.” There may be an interesting short story here.
4. Have you ever had a near-death experience?
Two respondents had Vietnam-related near-death experiences. One survived two near-death experiences, which led to a deeper religious faith. (It would for me too!)
5. Most exciting place you have been?
Most of the respondents have traveled extensively, including a remote native village on the Bering Sea.
6. What would you do differently if you could?
Fifty percent of respondents said they would do nothing differently, that they were happy with their “incredible” life. One respondent wished they had been a “more strict parent” (Tiger mom!). Thirty percent of the responses related to marriage—not marrying the person they married, waiting longer, “marrying a straight man,” or generally being more selective in choosing partners.
7. What are your hobbies?
This very active group of 83-year-olds have hobbies ranging from (usual) golf and (the usual) reading to fishing, SilverSneakers, and playing with grandkids. As one respondent summarized, “Life is fun.” Volunteer work was mentioned by approximately one-third. Lastly, one respondent has as their only hobby “stock market investing” (hopefully Nvidia!).
It appears that as people get older, they’re more content with their life. This reaffirms much of the academic literature. It is certainly true of the Alexander Ramsey class of ’61.
There are some other lessons here. Teachers make a lasting impact that people recall into their 80s. Mistakes in mate choice do not prevent a person from being content with their life. Resilience appears to be a human characteristic.
The education we received free at Alexander Ramsey High School was outstanding. Interestingly, teachers known for tough standards are often remembered as role models. I hope that’s true today. Perhaps we need more “strict” parents.
As a final note, some of us would spend our weekend evenings at the Ten O’Clock Scholar in Dinkytown, which featured a barely articulate folk singer wearing a harmonica brace. His name was Bob Dylan. We may be the Silent Generation, but Dylan remains, even today, one of the most consistent noisemakers. These were glorious days to be a senior in high school.
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Thank you again for putting this reunion together and for all my classmates who filled out the questionnaire.
Still learning,
Vance K. Opperman
Looking forward to our 70th
