A Sense of Place, A Sense of Purpose
Dear Class of 1996,
This past October, I attended the Dartmouth Alumni Council’s 215th Meeting in Hanover: “A Sense of Place, A Sense of Purpose”. When I arrived back to the Green, I was welcomed at an Orientation for New Councilors followed by a meet and greet reception with current students. It was a wonderful opportunity to find out first hand about their experience at “the College on the Hill” and how the physical “space” though markedly enhanced over the years continues to inspire a sense of purpose in the student population.
There were numerous highlights from the weekend that I wanted to share to invite your feedback and any questions you may have.
The Alumni Council were among the first to visit the newly rededicated Moosilauke Ravine Lodge. It’s spectacular and while we were there, Professor Don Pease showed up to read Green Eggs and Ham.
The Council nominated two trustee candidates for alumni-nominated vacancies on Dartmouth’s Board of Trustees. They are Jeff Crowe ’78 P’08, ’10, ‘15 and Elizabeth (Liz) Cahill Lempres ’83, Th ’84, and P’11. Read more.
President Hanlon recently convened an Enrollment Task Force to explore increasing the size of the undergraduate student body by 10 to 25 percent. President Hanlon informed us no decision has been made. You can read more and share your comments with enrollment.taskforce@dartmouth.edu or with me.
President Hanlon and his leadership team outlined a strategic vision 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 outlined a path that prepares Dartmouth and its graduates to play a larger role in improving the human condition globally. We learned about communications and fundraising plans to mobilize the community around the vision and plan in 2018. Look for more details this spring.
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 the Young Alumni Distinguished Service Award was given to Kevin C. Hudak ’07 and Heiyab F. Tessema ’04, Th’05, Th’06. 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 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 am also a member of the Council’s Alumni Day of Service Committee, so shameless plug: Please save the date for the annual Alumni Day of Service on May 5, 2018.
Thank you, Kelii Opulauoho '96
