Diane Dreyfuss Lennox

Nancy and I were hallmates our freshman year and roomed together at Occidental College our sophomore year. Of course, the first thing anyone ever notices or remembers about Nancy was that powerful, mature-beyond-her-years voice that simply exploded out of her. Beyond that she was funny, serious, disciplined and full of confidence, yet a normal, sloppy, silly kid. She was also the best napper on the 2nd floor of Orr Hall. She tried (but failed) to teach me her technique. Much more successful was her effort to convince me I could sing in the renowned Oxy Glee Club. I had never sung in choirs, but she was certain I could do it and pushed me in there. Singing with the choir became the anchor and joy of my college years, and to this day is one of my great pleasures. Her later education career only adds to the legend. A special person to have known and shared a world with. Condolences to her family.

I have wondered, over the years as we gathered for reunions, "where is Karen?" She was part of our little crew, always in the same classes as I was, all knees and elbows and fun, fun, FUNNY! Did I say she was funny? I don't remember a lot, but we laughed all the time. I hope she carried that joy and delight through life and I am sorry we never got to reconnect.

It's been such a pleasure sharing all your wonderful memories of Alan. Like many, I mostly lost touch with him over the years, though I always enjoyed him on the rare occasions we were in the same space. What's more important is that Alan embodied our class of 1969 in so many ways - smart, funny, serious, edgy, adventurous, irreverent. We chose him as our "leader" - if a class president really has much opportunity to lead! - because we could all identify with him and because he represented the moral and spiritual core of a class that was crossing a social threshold. Not just form childhood to adults, but from the 50s to the 60s, from traditionalists to counterpunchers, from compliant to defiant. Today, with 45+ years in our tail lights, some of it looks a bit precious. But that was our energy, and Alan was our guy. His loss is for all of us, and I hope to toast him at our 50th.