I had such a fun 'adventure' pulling out Russ' yearbook and memorabilia after Bob left. In the 40 years we have been together I have heard nothing but goodness, encouragement and praise for those Middlebury years. I have envied the connection I have felt from the Midd. friends of Russ' past. There was friendship and encouragement to become who you were destined to be, the sheer fun of that time in life, the clubs, sports and fraternities/sororities. It is people who appreciate hearing of their friend's worklife, marriages, divorces, passions and now, in these later years, how they are spending their retirement years, how they fairing in health.
What is it about these two guys, their shared fraternity experiences and shared friends, that forged a lifelong connection? They were witness to one another's lives during those Middlebury years and despite vastly different after-college years of lifestyle, work, travel and activity, they share a commonality from youth. It matters. They periodically check in with one another and of course they/we are of the era of snail mail Christmas cards which brings with it a few details of the previous year.
The 'Middlebury Bond' is real. The liberal arts school offered not only a high level of academic achievement, but cultural as well. I have known many Middlebury grads, of many ages, and they all espouse a commonality of intellect, creativity, and adventure. They have all found success on their terms and although many of the stories I have heard from Russ (Rusty / Heater) are lighthearted, many of these friends have provided an important support system in life.
In going through a few of Russ' Middlebury papers I could only gawk at the photos, amazed at what a college campus looks like today compared to 1950s and 1960s. Our grandchildren are nearing college age. I wonder what they make of this!