Doris Zoebel Fraser ’59 and Richard (Dick) Shorten ’57
Doris Zoebel Fraser: Some friendships begin with a spark, others with a surprise. Ours began with a kiss. It was 1955, and several of us new Alpha Phi pledges gathered in excited anticipation. Representing our brother fraternity, Sigma Chi, was junior class president, Dick Shorten — confident, charming, and full of Puget Sound spirit. After welcoming us, he came to each of us, shook our hands, and gave us each a kiss on the lips. It was certainly memorable.
Dick Shorten: I maintain it was purely in the name of diplomacy.
DZF: Whatever the reason, it worked. That evening sparked a friendship that would travel through decades — and continents. After graduation, Dick went on to Stanford for his MBA. I moved to San Francisco to work and study. Years later, by one of those inexplicable “Godwink” turns, Dick appeared on my San Francisco doorstep — neither of us can recall how he found me. Over tacos and laughter, we caught up as if no time had passed.
DS: I mentioned my Australian friend from Stanford — a fellow named Don Fraser — and insisted Doris meet him. She did, and the rest, as they say, is history. I stood beside them as best man when they married in January 1964.
DZF: Across the years, Dick and Don kept in touch through their globe-trotting careers — Don in international retail and Dick in global business consulting. Dick went on to lead companies in the U.S. and France and spent three decades as chairman for Vistage International. Now 91, he serves as chair-emeritus, mentoring leaders around the world.
DS: Though oceans apart — with Doris in Australia, me in New Jersey — our friendship continues. Two years ago, another “Godwink” arrived. Both our beloved spouses passed away within days of each other.
DZF: Seventy years on, we still write, console each other, laugh, and give thanks for that College of Puget Sound meeting that set everything in motion. Some call it coincidence. We call it our “Godwink.”