In October, I had the privilege to attend the Dartmouth Alumni Council’s 215th Meeting in Hanover. The meeting’s theme was “A Sense of Place, A Sense of Purpose,” and numerous sessions with leaders from across the institution provided a view into many new developments as well as challenges the College faces. I am writing to share what I learned and to invite your feedback and questions.
- One of the Council’s tasks is to nominate candidates for alumni-nominated seats on the Dartmouth Board of Trustees (there are two openings in 2018). After inviting suggestions from all alumni and a thorough review process over the past year, we nominated Jeff Crowe ’78 P’08, ’10, ’15 and Elizabeth (Liz) Cahill Lempres ’83, Th’84, P’11. Read about the trustee candidates and process.
- President Hanlon recently convened an Enrollment Task Force to explore increasing the size of the undergraduate student body by 10 to 25 percent. The task force will study the pros and cons of growth and will release a report in mid-March. President Hanlon said to the Council that no decision has been made. Please share your comments with enrollment.taskforce@dartmouth.edu or with me.
- We were among the first to visit the newly rededicated Moosilauke Ravine Lodgewhere we explored the concept of sense of place and discussed ways students (and alumni) come together as a community through our experiences of place. We’ll share our report – including feedback sent by many of you– with the Offices of Alumni Relations, Communications, and Admissions. A highlight was Professor Don Pease at Moosilauke reading Green Eggs and Ham.
- The Dartmouth leadership team outlined a strategic vision for Dartmouth that was developed by campus leaders, faculty and trustees over the past year. The vision is based on what makes Dartmouth distinctive – the fusion of a best-in-class undergraduate college and a dynamic research university. With emphasis on liberal arts, the teacher-scholar model, the sense of place associated with our unique location, and the adventuresome spirit embodied by students and alumni, the strategic plan outlines a path that prepares Dartmouth and its graduates to play a larger role in improving the human condition globally. President Hanlon described a series of initiatives aimed at attracting student and faculty talent, fostering a pioneering spirit, and creating a campus without boundaries to advance the plan. A panel discussion discussed the competitive opportunity for Dartmouth, early signs of success, and why it is important to act now. We learned about communications and fundraising plans to mobilize the community around the vision and plan in 2018. The Council shared ideas with leadership for how alumni can become engaged, and we’ll share more as things progress. Among the presenters and panelists were President Hanlon, Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Sciences Elizabeth Smith, Senior Vice President for Advancement Bob Lasher ’88, Vice President for Communications Justin Anderson; and alumni leaders from the campaign planning committee including Trustee and Campaign Co-Chair Ellie Loughlin ’89, Aly Jeddy ’93, Scott Stuart ’81, and Anne Kubik ’87.
- The Council feted this year’s Alumni Awards recipients for their contributions to Dartmouth. Sherri C. Oberg ’82, Tu’86 and Arthur M. Kelton ’61 were awarded the Alumni Award, and Kevin C. Hudak ’07 and Heiyab F. Tessema ’04, Th’05, Th’06 received the Young Alumni Distinguished Service Award. Read more.
- The Alumni Liaison Committee has recently released its annual report to the Board of Trustees for 2016-2017. The report, which you can download here, details feedback received by the Council over the last year.
During the meeting, we also discussed progress made on Moving Dartmouth Forward and learned the College’s position on DACA. We were also informed of the investigation of three professors for alleged sexual misconduct. And President Hanlon assured us that although the College is considering the future of the Hanover Country Club, it will continue to fully support its golf program and has no plans to sell the land where the golf course currently sits.
I’m happy to hear your feedback and answer any questions you may have. If you’d like more details, the full meeting minutes are available here and you can view photos – including of the new Moosilauke Ravine Lodge here. I also hope you’ll save the date for the annual Alumni Day of Service on May 5, 2018.
Warmly,
Laura
