John L. Rueter

Thank goodness for this online and connected world we live in – I was looking forward to recording my thoughts and reflections in the 25th Anniversary Class Report, but inadvertently missed the deadline. So many thanks to the reunion committee who have provided an opportunity for me to submit a report after all.

Upon departing Harvard in 1983, little did I know that I would turn a Modern European History major along with an eclectic set of Liberal Arts courses including Norse Mythology, Architecture, and Shakespeare, into a wonderful career in Global Marketing in the High Tech sector. I may not be conversant in many languages, but knowing Odin, Loki, Le Corbusier and Hamlet have served me well as I traverse Europe on business. Additionally, it is such a joy to visit all the places that I read about in my textbooks.

I married a California girl 19 years ago, I love her even more today than the day we were married, and I expect to report in our 50th reunion notes that I love her even more than I did at our 25th. We are very fortunate to share our lives with our 9 year old twin boys, Josiah and Samuel, who make me smile every day and help me to stay grounded on what really is important in life.

For those who knew me well, it is little surprise that Barnstable on Cape Cod is still a treasured summer spot for me and my family. In Barnstable and Boston, my mother continues to serve as the dynamic matriarch of the family. Yet, sadness did creep into my life about a year ago when my dad (Harvard ’47) passed away. I think one of my fondest memories of him will be when he and I clasped hands and sang the AD song together on his 83rd birthday; he died the next day. Still, we find a way to carry on. His namesake grandson and my nephew, William G. Rueter IV, (Harvard 2009) rows on the Varsity Heavyweight Crew. The closest I ever got to crew was working the dorm crew, so not quite sure where he got his skills.

We all had our sets of friends and good times as undergrads, many thanks to those who made my life at Harvard so enjoyable. I hope to see Kerry, Adam, Harris, Mike, Pat, Gordon, Billy, Frank, Charlie, Steve and so many others at our 25th, and if we don’t somehow connect, please know you are all in my thoughts.