The Dartmouth Commencement & Reunion 2018 06/09/18 by The Dartmouth Newspaper

VOL. CLXXV NO.48

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2018

HANOVER, NEW HAMPSHIRE

VARSHA IYER AND SAMANTHA BURACK/THE DARTMOUTH STAFF

www.thedartmouth.com

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THE DARTMOUTH COMMENCEMENT & REUNION 2018

EDITORS’ NOTE

ZACHARY BENJAMIN/THE DARTMOUTH SENIOR STAFF

One of the first things freshmen at Dartmouth see when they arrive on campus is an enormous banner emblazoned with the words “Welcome Home.” For four years, Dartmouth has been home to the Class of 2018. The ’18s have set a new precedent for progress in academics, sports and extracurriculars. They have fostered a dialogue on campus that acknowledges Dartmouth for both its shortcomings and its successes. But the most significant impact the Class of 2018 has made at the College is undoubtedly the mentorship they so kindly provided to the classes below them. Their willingness to lead by example — whether that be on Trips, in the classroom or through a sports team or student organization — has made Dartmouth a better home for all of us. Now, the members of the Class of 2018 are all off to find new homes. The diversity of their experiences at Dartmouth will lead them to an equally broad range of exciting opportunities. They will be spread across the globe: conducting research, volunteering, working a variety of jobs or continuing to pursue their studies. There is no doubt that they will thrive just as much at their new homes as they did here at Dartmouth. But they will also always have a home to come back to here at the College on the Hill. To the Class of 2018: thank you for every friendly wave in the hallway, every late night study session and every meal. Thank you for sharing your criticism of Dartmouth and your love for it. Thank you for being friends to the three classes younger than you, and know that you will be missed here at home. We cannot wait to hear about everything you accomplish out in the world.

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ANTHONY ROBLES, Issue Editor ZACHARY BENJAMIN, Editor-in-Chief IOANA SOLOMON, Executive Editor ALEXA GREEN, Managing Editor PRODUCTION EDITORS MATT BROWN & LUCY LI, Opinion Editors MARIE-CAPUCINE PINEAU-VALENCIENNE & CAROLYN ZHOU, Mirror Editors MARK CUI & SAMANTHA HUSSEY, Sports Editors BETTY KIM & EVAN MORGAN, Arts Editors MARGUERITE IREFIN & ALEXA TUCKER, Dartbeat Editors DIVYA KOPALLE & MICHAEL LIN, Photo Editors

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SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2018

Table of Contents Dartmouth ‘made me feel like a big shot,’ Kaling ’01 says

Dartmouth to award six honorary degrees

Modiﬁed majors allow students to pursue various interests

Senior class gift supports ﬁnancial aid

Honors theses make student theater projects possible

Seniors on men’s soccer team leave legacy of success

TTLG: Lessons Learned from the Dartmouth Community

Class of 2018: Senior Survey

10-11

Kawano: Embracing Identity

Lee: On Taking Up Space

Lu: Knowing Nothing

Rasansky: Reevaluating the Victory Lap

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THE DARTMOUTH COMMENCEMENT & REUNION 2018

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Dartmouth ‘made me feel like a big shot,’ Kaling ’01 says B y RACHEL PAkianathan The Dartmouth Staff

This article was originally published on Apr. 24, 2018. In five words, Mindy Kaling ’01 would describe her own Dartmouth experience as, “Indian girl enjoying the forest.” Now this June, Kaling will return to Dartmouth to deliver the Commencement address for the Class

of 2018 this June. Described by her professors as having a clever and biting sense of humor, Kaling spent her time on campus as the “Badly Drawn Girl” for The Dartmouth; a member of the improvisational comedy troupe Dog Day Players and the a capella group the Rockapellas; a writer for the humor magazine the Dartmouth Jack-OLantern; and an actress, director and playwright in the theater department.

In other words, she did a lot. Kaling entered Dartmouth as a prospective Latin major but graduated with a degree in playwriting, according to the College’s website. “I got so much confidence as a writer and a performer going to Dartmouth,” Kaling wrote in an email interview. “I would write these little plays and sketch shows, and they would all sell out, because there was literally nothing else to do in town for entertainment. It made

COURTESY OF LAURA EDMONDSON

Mindy Kaling ’01 honed her craft by participating in various Dartmouth student productions.

me feel like a big shot, and confidence She additionally wrote and directed continued on after college.” a collection of short plays for her Theater professor Dan Kotlowitz culminating senior project entitled said that he remembers an incident in “Shocking Appalling Terrible Awful,” which Kaling put on an illicit after-hours an experience she lists among her performance at the Bentley Theater in favorite memories from Dartmouth. the Hopkins Center for the Arts. “I loved swimming in the Connecticut “We’re sort of careful with who River [during] sophomore summer, we give keys to our theaters, and one which I did almost every day,” Kaling of the reasons is [Kaling],” Kotlowitz wrote. “I loved writing and performing said. “She had keys to the Bentley my senior project, a series of short Theater and she did a performance in sketches, at the Bentley. I loved driving the middle of the night that none of us with my a cappella group to Fort knew about.” Lou’s at midnight T h e a t e r on a weekday. I “I wish I had taken professor James loved traveling Rice, who taught more classes! I from one frat party Kaling in Theater to another on a was always so 30, “Acting 1,” said freezing cold night he recalled Kaling involved with my hoping you might as being frequently extracurriculars that see a cute guy you involved in her own went to class with self-driven projects. I didn’t focus enough — I forget if I ever “I remember on my schoolwork.” attended class.” that [K aling] Kaling added that seemed subversive because she spent — at least very -MINDY KALING ’01 the bulk of her i n d e p e n d e n t l y time engaged in spirited,” Rice said. activities outside “She always had a lot of things going of her classes, she believes that she on at once and attracted a group of neglected some of her academic work. very talented, smart actors around her “I wish I had taken more classes!” that coalesced into what they called the Kaling wrote. “I was always so involved Short Attention Span Theater.” with my extracurriculars that I didn’t Kaling had roles in several theater focus enough on my schoolwork. I don’t productions while on campus, including think I took a single film course, which Jack’s mother in “Into the Woods” is insane!” and Maria in “Twelfth Night.” Her According to Kaling, her favorite own one-act play, “Happy Endings places to study on campus were Sanborn for Rueful Masses,” won the Eleanor Frost Playwriting contest in 1999. SEE KALING PAGE 13

Dartmouth to award six honorary degrees

health practitioner and surgeon William Holmes ’79; Sylvia Kaaya, psychiatrist, researcher Dartmouth will award honorary and dean of the School of degrees to six individuals at Medicine at Muhimbili University the upcoming Commencement of Health and Allied Sciences in ceremony on June Dar es Salaam, 10. Each recipient “A couple of Tanzania; actor, will be awarded p r o d u c e r a n d months ago, a Doctor of w r i t e r M i n d y Humane Letters. [College President] Kaling ’01; and The recipients’ Phil Hanlon tipped co-founder and p r o f e s s i o n a l c o - e x e c u t i v e experiences cover me off and asked chairman of the several industries, the rhetorical C a rl y l e G ro u p r a n g i n g f r o m David Rubenstein. question if I was entertainment to K a l i n g w i l l public service to willing to have this also deliver the medicine. Commencement honorary degree The honorary speech. imposed on me. degree recipients “A c o u p l e are Dartmouth Of course, I’m o f m o n t h s trustee and retired a g o , [ C o l l e g e honored.” Goldman Sachs President] Phil p a r t n e r Pe t e r H a n l o n t i p p e d Fahey ’68 Th’69 -PETER FAHEY ’68 me off and asked T h ’ 7 0 ; f o r m e r t h e r h e t o r i c a l congressman and TH’69 TH’70 question if I was r e p r e s e n t a t i v e willing to have to the United Nations Frank this [honorary degree] imposed G u a r i n i ’ 4 6 ; g l o b a l p u b l i c on me,” Fahey said. “Of course,

B y sunny drescher The Dartmouth Staff

I’m honored.” Fahey, a self-described “uber Dartmouth supporter,” is perhaps best known on campus for being the namesake of the dorm on Tuck Drive, but he supports all sorts of endeavors across campus. A former Big Green basketball player and two-time Thayer graduate, Fahey is the chair of the Friends of Dartmouth Basketball and on the Board of Advisors for the Thayer School of Engineering. He is also the president of the Class of 1968, which celebrates its 50th reunion this year. Corresponding with his career in politics and inter national relations, Guarini is a longtime s u p p o r t e r o f i n t e r n a t i o n a l study and travel and endowed Dartmouth’s Guarini Institute for International Education. He has subsequently been recognized as the namesake for the Frank J. Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies after making a substantial gift to support its formal creation for “The Call to Lead” capital campaign. Holmes has worked for nearly

four decades in global health. Originally trained as a general and plastic surgeon, Holmes has gone on to provide clinincal services and training on all seven continents. He has worked with a wide variety of governments and health agencies to provide service around the globe. Kaaya, a leading psychiatric researcher at MUHAS, is one of about 60 mental health specialists in Tanzania who focuses on developing practices that can benefit countries with limited resources. She connected with Dartmouth through the DarDar partnership, which was founded in 2001 to connect Geisel and Muhimili University to tackle global health issues. Kaling, former cartoonist for The Dartmouth and Dog Day Players improvisational performer, is well known for her work as an actor, director, producer and writer on the television show “The Office.” She has also written two New York Times bestsellers and is next appearing on screen in the upcoming film “Ocean’s Eight.”

In addition to his work founding the Carlyle Group, a private equity and asset management corporation, Rubenstein serves as chariman of the Board of Trustees for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Smithsonian Institution and the Council on Foreign Relations, and as a trustee for several other organizations. He has previously served as co-chairman of the board of the Brookings Institution. According to secretary for the alumni committee on honorary degrees Meghan Ramsden ’87, the committee canvases the alumni body before forwarding three to five names to the faculty council on honorary degrees, which then makes the final decision of who receives the awards. Ramsden wrote in an email statement that the decision making process for selecting alumni nominees for honorary degrees is highly confidential, but deliberations regarding potential candidates are conducted throughout the year. SEE DEGREE PAGE 12

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Modified majors allow students to pursue various interests B y Eileen brady

The Dartmouth Staff

As her sophomore year at the College came to a close, AnnClaire MacArt ’18 was considering a psychology major and an education minor. She graduates this weekend, nearly two years later, having completed a slightly different academic trajectory — an English major modified with religion. MacArt is one of an ever-growing number of Dartmouth students choosing to modify their majors, an option that allows students to take courses in one primary field and one or more secondary fields as they pursue a degree. This option is intended to fit the needs of students who have an interest in one major program but are also interested in a specific problem or topic, the study of which depends on courses in related fields. Students pursuing modified majors take at least six courses in their primary department or program and at least four in a second field. This path results in a “Type A” modified major — for instance, “classical studies modified with history.” In some cases, however, students can spread the four secondary courses over different departments or programs, earning a “Type B” modified major. This appears on permanent records as, for example, “psychology modified.” In either case, students must submit a statement to the involved

departments or programs, as well as to the Office of the Registrar, explaining how their modified major represents an intellectually coherent course of study. MacArt decided to pursue her “Type A” modified major after taking a religion class on the New Testament, which she said showed her a new, more academic way of reading scripture. She said she had always enjoyed writing, and therefore decided to pursue an English major modified with religion. She added that combining her interests in religion and English developed into a more personal course of study. “I was interested in biblical texts, so I saw the overlap between studying religious literature and literature in the English department,” MacArt said. “That has, for me, gone in a direction where I can explore spirituality through writing.” This type of individual experience is exactly what the modified major option promotes, according to assistant dean of faculty for premajor advising Cecilia Gaposchkin. She said that modified majors are specifically designed to capitalize on the ways different disciplines overlap and “bump up against one another.” “We want students to pursue their own developing intellectual interests, and that might not exclusively be contained within a discipline,” Gaposchkin said. “We want them developing their own

DIVYA KOPALLE/THE DARTMOUTH SENIOR STAFF

Students can pursue modified majors to explore their academic interests across multiple disciplines.

interests and passions, and the modified major allows the flexibility to have a student find their own course of intellectual pursuits.” Madeleine Yi ’18, who pursued an engineering major modified with economics during her time at Dartmouth, echoed this sentiment. “No subject exists in a vacuum,” Yi said. “You can’t learn one subject without previous knowledge of others, and that’s why I think a

modified major is such a good thing that Dartmouth offers. It gives students the opportunity to bring out different sides of subjects.” Yi came to Dartmouth knowing she wanted to study engineering and decided to introduce an economics component to her coursework after taking Engineering Sciences 21, “Introduction to Engineering.” Throughout the course, she and a group of other students worked

on a design project, utilizing fields such as mathematics, economics, management and communication. “What I realized [in ENGS 21] is that there are so many other things involved in engineering besides being creative and coming up with the design,” Yi said. After her experience in ENGS 21, Yi decided to take some SEE MODIFIED PAGE 13

Senior class gift aims for 100 percent participation rate B y Zach gorman

The Dartmouth Staff

As they prepare to graduate from Dartmouth, seniors might feel the need to make a lasting impact on the college where they’ve spent four years of their lives. That is the basis for the senior class gift, the yearly tradition of pooling money through the Dartmouth College

Fund to contribute to financial aid for the College’s incoming class. The Class of 2018’s class gift will support financial aid for the students of the Class of 2022, half of whom will be receiving financial aid from the College. Students can donate any amount of money they choose, though a common donation is $20.18 Alexander McDowell ’18 and Olivia Smith ’18 , this year’s student

co-chairs for the class gift, are excited for this gift to help out future Dartmouth students. “It’s an incredible cause that just goes towards allowing other students to have the same great Dartmouth experience we’ve had over the past four years,” McDowell said. “Being able to pay it forward and pass that down to the incoming class is probably the reason why most of us

DIVYA KOPALLE/THE DARTMOUTH SENIOR STAFF

If they haven’t already, members of the Class of 2018 may soon become very familiar with the Blunt Alumni Center.

[get] involved.” [the administration] is going to put However, recent classes have had it into the House Communities or some trouble raising money for their something with [the Class of 1953 senior class gifts. While 99.9 percent Commons], and that’s not really what of the Class of 2010 donated to I was interested in … and that’s what their gift, only 31.3 percent of the a lot of other people thought it was,” Class of 2016 McDowell said. participated. In “It’s an incredible “Once I heard it turn, the Class of cause that just goes was financial aid, 2017 set a goal of a lightbulb went just 50 percent. towards allowing off in my head. I S i m i l a r l y , other students didn’t know that, according to and I don’t think The Dartmouth’s to have the same people around Class of 2018 great Dartmouth the school noted Senior Survey, that.” experience we’ve had 47 percent of McDowell thinks D a r t m o u t h over the past four that the branding students said they years.” for previous were less likely senior class t o d o n at e t o gifts prevented Dartmouth after -ALEXANDER MCDOWELL students from graduation. knowing that the ’18, SENIOR CLASS GIFT McDowell gifts went toward b e l i e ve s t h a t CO-CHAIR financial aid. For recent low e x a m p l e, t h e participation is Class of 2017’s due to past seniors not understanding gift was dubbed “Forever Green that the gift supports financial aid. 2017,” an appealing name that “At first, I didn’t really want to SEE GIFT PAGE 12 get involved because I thought ...

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Honors theses make student theater projects possible of her fellowship. Throughout the month of May, all five of the students premiered their projects Each year, Dartmouth’s theater in the Hopkins Center for the Arts, department allows select theater where they shared their works to majors to undertake an honors audiences for the first time. thesis. A selective process, only A Senior Fellow, Celeste Jennings students who have completed ’18 underwent a less traditional at least five theater courses and route when she wrote and produced who have an her play average major “Citrus” with “As someone who GPA of at least the funding 3.4 or higher, thinks of themselves and support of along with an D a r t m o u t h ’s primarily as an actor, I overall GPA of S e n i o r at least 3.0, are think I gained a fuller Fe l l o w s h i p eligible to apply understanding of the prog ram. for the project. Intended to T h o s e w h o holistic play making assist students, a re a c c e p te d process. To write a regardless of are given the m a j o r, w h o full-length play in eight opportunity to wish to take on a sharpen their weeks is a challenge.” project of scope skills and enrich and breadth their knowledge that “goes -LELA GANNON ’18 in an area of beyond that interest through which can be a written thesis accomplished or a full-length play. In the Class of by taking courses offered in the 2018, there were four students — existing curriculum,” according Claire Feuille ’18, Lela Gannon ’18, to the program’s website, the Virginia Ogden ’18 and Matthew fellowship opened door s for Treiber ’18 — who presented their Celeste to create a truly multimodal honors theses this spring. Senior project. After applying to be a Fellow Celeste Jennings ’18 also Senior Fellow during her junior wrote and produced a play as part fall, she was accepted into the

B y JORDAN MCDONALD The Dartmouth Staff

program that spring and began writing the play that she’d always dreamed of. Informed, in part, by a College theater course in which she had the chance to work with playwrights, Jennings was excited to try her hand at playwriting. By her senior fall, the writing that would make up “Citrus” was complete. Inspired by the for mat of the choreopoem, a style of perfor mance popularized by playwright Ntozake Shange’s “for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf,” Jennings’ work tracks the experiences and stories of Black women from the mid-nineteenth century to the present with a similar poetic choreography. Merging poetry, visual arts, costume design and audio, Jennings used theater as a medium to convey a variety of experiences and the wealth of Black women’s histories. Through trips to museums in Washington, D.C. and New York City, Jennings was able to interact with the history and art that ultimately informed her work. In the end, she found the experience to be a process-heavy affair, requiring a lot of research, revision and time spent gathering the ideas and events she wanted to

incorporate. Ultimately, however, the senior project framework, she learned the most from her cast, Gannon was able to dedicate who worked alongside her to make the time and energy necessary to “Citrus” happen. Challenging her tackle an issue that was close to her as a writer, cast interpretations while building upon her theatrical of her work taught Jennings education. what it meant to maneuver as a “I just wanted to have a playwright. culminating experience that was “As a playwright, I went on a cumulative of all the things I’ve journey to write this,” Jennings learned in the theater department,” said. “The actors have to go on she explained. their own journey N e w t o too.” playwriting, Over the course “At some point t h e ex p e r i e n c e of the production, acting has to e x p a n d e d the all-female cast Gannon’s outlook stop being about and production on theater. team, made up of thinking and start “A s s o m e o n e women of color being about being.” w h o thinks grew close, thanks of themselves to their chemistry primarily as an and the “feedback -CLAIRE FEUILLE ’18 actor, I think I parties” held to gained a fuller encourage honest understanding of communication. the holistic play making process,” “It was a space I’d never been she said. “To write a full-length a part of at Dartmouth,” Jennings play in eight weeks is a challenge.” said. “I was honored to be with Per her creative process, she them.” plans to take a break from her work Chronicling the experiences of to gain new perspective, but in the a community in distress, Gannon future, she hopes to bring it back wrote her original play “The to the community at the center of Houses with Ramps,” about the play. a decade-long battle against “I think it would be really great environmental racism in her to do the play, at some point in the hometown of Dallas, Texas. Using SEE PROJECTS PAGE 20

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Seniors on men’s soccer team leave legacy of success said. “And it makes especially my class super happy to see that we were able to not just have success for one or two This year the men’s soccer teams or three years, but for all four years, to will bid farewell to its three graduating be able to really show that we’re the seniors: Wyatt Omsberg , Matt best class and this is the best team in Danilack and Tyler Dowse , who have the League.” won four consecutive Ivy League titles This year’s graduating seniors over the course of their athletic careers were key to this success. Hailing from . Their impact on the program has Scarborough, Maine, Omsberg has been immense, with the team finishing played a key role on Dartmouth’s at the very bottom of the Ivy League defense for the past four years. He was in 2013 and finding itself at the top named to the First Team All-Ivy team after their arrival sophomore year; in 2014 . This past titled Ivy League season, the three “It makes especially Defensive Player seniors served my class super happy of the Year while as co-captains, also ear n in g finishing of f to see that we were the honors of their Dartmouth able to not just have NSCAA Third soccer careers Te a m A l l success for one or without ever American and knowing what two or three years, First Team Allit’s like to be but for all four years, Ivy once again anything but the j u n i o r ye a r ; best in the Ivy to be able to really and was named League . an NSCAA show that we’re the With a record Second Team of 12-3-2 this past best class and this is All-American season , the team the best team in the and Hermann had an average League.” T r o p h y of 11.76 shots Semifinalist, in and 1.82 goals addition to First per game while -TYLER DOWSE ’18 Team All-Ivy they held their and Ivy League opponents to on Defensive Player average of 0.71 goals . In total, the team of the Year once again, in his final allowed 12 goals the entire season and season with the Big Green . In this year’s recorded 10 shutouts. Heading into the Major League Soccer SuperDraft, he NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament for was the 15th overall pick, going to the fourth consecutive year, they were Minnesota United FC and becoming seeded at 15 and earned a first-round the highest drafted player from the Ivy bye. League. While Omsberg is a member “We can be really proud that for of the Class of 2018, he graduated four years we developed a culture and in the fall of 2017 and signed with an expectation that that’s what our Minnesota on February 28, debuting team is going to do every year,” Dowse in his first game on March 24.

B y caitlyn mcgovern The Dartmouth Staff

ISHAAN JAJODIA/THE DARTMOUTH STAFF

Wyatt Omsberg ’18 made history as the first Ivy League player to be drafted in the first round of the MLS SuperDraft.

Danilack, a midfielder from Rockville, Maryland, is also no stranger to success. He was named an Ivy League Honorable Mention freshman year he made the First Team All-Ivy sophomore year and he earned honors to the NSCAA All-East Region and First Team All-Ivy for both his junior and senior years. He scored six goals and tallied four assists in his last season with half of them coming as game-winning goals in matches against Brown University, Harvard University, and Princeton University. During his time at Dartmouth, he tallied 16 goals and 13 assists. At the 2018 SuperDraft, he was selected by Philadelphia Union as the eighth pick of the fourth round,

COURTESY OF THE MEN’S SOCCER TEAM

The men’s soccer team has won plenty of intense matches over the last four years as four-time Ivy League champions.

making him and Omsberg the sixth transition from humor to complete and fifth players, respectively, to be seriousness in the locker room,” Rudich drafted from Dartmouth’s men soccer said. program. Not only did the team lose three Dowse, a defender and midfielder invaluable players at the end of this from Senoia, Georgia, has also left season, but coach Chad Riley also his mark on the team during his time departed the program to become the with the Big Green. He was named to head coach at the University of Notre the All-Ivy Second Team sophomore Dame after four years in Hanover . He year, he was an Honorable Mention will be replaced by Bo Oshoniyi, who All-Ivy junior year and he was named served as the head men’s soccer coach to the First Team All-Ivy as a senior. of East Tennessee State University Dowse picked up the sport when he from 2014 until this past winter. He was was around 10 years old after seeing a goalkeeper for Southern Connecticut his twin sister play. Apart from soccer, State University with a record of 67Dowse is involved in Chi Heorot 8-7 and played in the MLS for eight fraternity and Thetford Mentors, seasons after . With the arrival of Coach a one-on-one mentoring program Oshoniyi and a new group of players between student-athletes and students from the Class of 2022, the program at Thetford Elementary School in will look to continue to build on the Thetford, VT. After graduation, success fostered by the seniors and Riley Dowse, an economics major, hopes to as the team pursues its fifth consecutive work in either finance or consulting in Ivy League Championship title. Boston. Dowse reflected on the deep bonds Looking to the future, this is time forged by his time with the team. of transition for the team, as the “I have forty or fifty guys [who presence of the ’18s will be missed. have] shared this experience and Dawson McCartney ’21 emphasized the successes and the struggles of it, the significance and any one of of the seniors’ “I have forty or fifty those fifty people impact on the are basically a guys [who have] team. brother for life, “ T h e i r shared this experience which I think is leadership roles and the successes and really cool,” he really showed said. “I grew up the struggles of it, and what it takes to be with two sisters part of the team, any one of those fifty and I never really and they were all had an actual people are basically a captains and they brother, so for all were really brother for life, which I me that’s a huge easy to look up think is really cool.” piece of what’s to,” McCartney been so special said. about this team Aron Rudich -TYLER DOWSE ’18 and what this ’21 spoke to how program means the seniors will to me, and the also be missed both on and off the field. fact that we were able to be successful “I will miss how well the ’18’s makes that bond a little bit stronger.”

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Through The Looking Glass: Lessons Learned from the Dartmouth Community anything about myself beyond the basics. Over time, though, that changed. When I was looking at colleges, I pushed myself out of my comfort I asked current students a lot of zone, I said yes to everything, I said questions. Their responses were what I really thought and felt and I plentiful, varied and usually helpful. found little pockets of community. But when I asked Dartmouth students Cordiality turned to vulnerability and what stood out about their school and inclusiveness, and I started to learn why why they seemed new friends held to love it so much, “When I was looking certain values, I got one answer what kept them over and over and at colleges, I asked up at night and over again: they current students who and what loved Dartmouth was important a lot of questions. because of the to them. Their responses were people. There wasn’t This answer plentiful, varied, a particular was generic, but moment where and usually helpful. when they said I truly started to it, their faces But when I asked feel at home here, softened, or their but I remember Dartmouth students eyes lit up, or they how grateful I launched into a what stood out about felt the first time story. Students their school and why someone really from other opened up to me schools usually they seemed to love about their life searched around it so much, I got one with the intention fo r a n s we r s. of including me answer over and over “Oh, you know, in their future. t h e c l a s s e s . and over again: they This started The professors. loved Dartmouth happening with There’s really more people because of the good food in new places, here.” This was people.” usually when I different, and I threw myself was sold. into something Once I got here, everyone was new or reached out to someone out friendly — cloyingly so, sometimes, of the blue. In a Greek house filled a result of the heady combination of with diverse, inspiring women; in an anxiety and eagerness to make new impressive professor’s office hours; friends that characterizes freshman fall. or as a member of a First Year Trips I got to know so many people so quickly, specialty croo I had no business being and yet I was left with the feeling that on, unexpected people in unexpected I didn’t know them at all. I had the places have make Dartmouth home to feeling we were all alone together. me. That’s one of those uncomfortable The College on the Hill isn’t things about moving from high always the easiest place to be. I have school to college plenty of issues — you come “I get frustrated with certain from a place mentalities where, for better with the top-down that pervade or for worse, most social engineering the student people know body here, with projects from the something about the lack of what makes you administration, or the socioeconomic who you are. way that the school and racial Then you come diversity, the somehow funnels so to this unknown heavily Greek place that is a many bright, inquiring male-dominated fresh start, social scene maybe, but also minds largely into and the relative a place where finance and consulting myo p i a w i t h you can know without giving them w h i c h m a ny a lot of people over-privileged but be totally the tools to explore students seem to a n o n y m o u s . other options.” view the world. I As I think most get frustrated with freshmen do, I top-down social struggled at first engineering to find my “place.” I made some great projects from the administration, or the friends, but I didn’t have a community way that the school somehow funnels with whom I felt comfortable sharing so many bright, inquiring minds largely

B y Kathryn sachs Guest Columnist

COURTESY OF KATHRYN SACHS

Kathryn Sachs ’18 learned to push herself outside of her comfort zone at Dartmouth.

into finance and consulting without giving them the tools to explore other options. It feels like some students here have become so accustomed to success that they are cripplingly afraid to fail, so they take the safe path even if it may not be the right one for them. I have had to witness so many people struggle here through no fault of their own, knowing that some of the systems in place to help them were doing the opposite. There have been days when I hated being here, and I know many people who can’t wait to leave. It may be the nostalgia kicking in, but at the end of the day, my frustrations and stresses have given way for a deep appreciation of what so many of my peers have been able to offer during their time here. They have put aside the trivialities of daily life to reach out to others, to be vulnerable in ways that one might not expect. They have shared their culture, their struggles, their triumphs and their fears with me. On my worst days, people here opened their arms for me. That is a gift I can never repay, but will try to pay forward for the rest of my life. I’m not going to look back at college and remember what grades I got or what most of my readings argued. I

won’t remember specific nights out, As graduation approaches, I have or how I felt about the food or the to believe that the best aspects of the housing system or whatever other “Dartmouth community” — whatever administrative plan was buzzy that day. that may mean to each one of us — will What I will remember — and what will transcend this physical place. We may permanently change the way I interact not all be within the same square mile of with the world — is how much other each other in two, 10 or 50 years. But we Dartmouth students have inspired me can take the lessons we’ve learned here and pushed me to grow, to question both in and out of the classroom and my assumptions continue to build and to take risks. “What I will remember c o n n e c t i o n s , In a world that to support and seems so divided — and what will challenge one and where every permanently change another and day brings more to know that the way I interact with controversy and our personal debate, leaning the world — is how experiences are on others and much other Dartmouth valuable but hearing their limited, and s t o r i e s h a s students have inspired that we have so made me more me and pushed me to much to learn compassionate, from each other. grow, to question my more open to I am so grateful new ideas and assumptions and to for the time, more optimistic take risks.” conver sation, about the power knowledge, of humanity to c r e a t i v i t y, drive out hate. Whether over a single vulnerability and companionship meal or a four-year friendship, finding others have shared with me at this these connections and learning from school. So when people ask me what others’ unique talents and flaws and my favorite thing about Dartmouth passions makes this place special. was, I will have my answer ready.

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THE DARTMOUTH COMMENCEMENT & REUNION

Class of 2018: For the third year in a row, The Dartmouth conducted a survey that recorded the opinions and experiences of Dartmouth’s graduating seniors. Over the past four years, the Class of 2018 lived through many important events occurring on and off campus, all while navigating social and academic life at the school and preparing for the post-college future. The four sections below paint a picture of opinion on campus issues, facets of student life, relation to the national political scene and post-graduation life among members of the Class of 2018. Campus Issues The College administration and

decisions it made regarding student life frequently faced criticism. After four years, that has translated into a negative view among seniors: 21 percent view the administration as a whole favorably, compared to 60 percent with an unfavorable view, and more view College President Phil Hanlon unfavorably (44 percent) than favorably (24). However, Hanlon’s image is not as unfavorable among 2018 seniors as it was with past classes: 60 percent of 2016 seniors and 58 percent of 2017 seniors had unfavorable views of Hanlon. On specific policy areas, outgoing seniors similarly express distaste. On Moving Dartmouth Forward,

more report an unfavorable view (58 percent) than a favorable one (18). The introduction of Housing Communities has not grown on seniors, as favorableunfavorable percent split on the communities is 30-47. Fifty-three percent of seniors disagree that the hard alcohol ban — introduced during their freshman winters — has been successful in lowering high-risk drinking (28 percent agree). Overall, the graduating class has emerged wary of the administration’s influence, with 60 percent believing it should have a minimal role or no role in regulating student social life. Several other issues have received plenty of attention as well, such as

ALEXANDER AGADJANIAN/THE DARTMOUTH SENIOR STAFF

the state of Greek life on campus. More seniors view the Greek system favorably (49 percent) than unfavorably (35 percent). Affiliated seniors, unsurprisingly, are much more favorable toward the Greek system than unaffiliated ones, but some other divides arose too: seniors who identify as white and who identify as Republican, and those who on average had lower GPAs, view the Greek system more favorably. When assessing the state of the Greek system now compared to four years ago, a plurality of students (42 percent) don’t see a change for the better or worse. When asked about satisfaction level with the amount of attention and resources devoted to preventing sexual assault on campus, similar numbers of seniors are satisfied (44 percent) as dissatisfied (39 percent), though female students express lower satisfaction. Similarly, overall, 44 percent of seniors believe sexual assault prevention efforts have been effective, while 46 percent say they have not been effective. Resources for mental health issues among students have often been perceived as inadequate. Accordingly, more Class of 2018 members describe the quality of mental health resources that Dartmouth provides as poor or very poor (42 percent) than good or very good (24 percent), although another sizable amount (34) say these resources have been acceptable. Lastly, seniors were also asked about faculty diversity, an issue that has proved a common point of criticism among students. More seniors describe the job that Dartmouth has done at promoting faculty diversity during the recruitment and tenure granting process as poor/very poor (42 percent) than good/very good (23), though many again say it has been acceptable (35). Seniors who are non-white, female, receiving financial aid and identify as Democrats are most likely to think Dartmouth has done a poor job at promoting faculty diversity. In light of all of the controversial issues that arose over the last four years, perhaps seniors will now leave the College less willing to support it as graduates. When asked if they have become less likely to donate to Dartmouth after graduation because of campus controversies and actions by the administration, a plurality of seniors at 47 percent agreed with this statement, while 32 percent disagreed. A similar distribution — more seniors agreeing that they had become less willing to donate — appeared a year ago for the Class of 2017 as well. At the same time, 61 percent of Class of 2018 members do not believe that the various controversies have decreased the value of the degree they will earn. Student Life The Class of 2018 will leave Hanover with an overwhelmingly positive impression of the education they received — even more so than last year’s graduating class. Ninety-five

B y Alexander

The Dartmouth

percent say they are very or somewhat satisfied with the education they’ve received at Dartmouth. That rate is above the education satisfaction level among the Class of 2017 (88 percent) in last year’s survey, but identical to that for the Class of 2016. In terms of what shaped current seniors’ academic lives, 92 percent say academic interest influenced their choice of major/s at Dartmouth, and 60 percent point to preparation for a post-graduate career as having an influence. Many fewer say easiness of the major (nine percent) and pressure from parents/ family (eight percent) were factors. In assessing the importance of different components of their social lives, 75 percent of seniors describe clubs and organizations as being very/ somewhat important to their social life at Dartmouth. That’s closely followed by Greek organizations (66 percent), while fewer seniors view off-campus events/venues (45 percent), Living Learning Communities (21 percent) and House Communities (six percent) as important. One of the more popularized student traditions is the Dartmouth Seven, a set of seven locations on campus where students attempt to have sex. But much like for past graduating classes, most 2018 seniors have not completed even one of the acts by the end of their four years at Dartmouth. Sixty percent say they have not done any of the Dartmouth Seven, similar to the abstention rates for 2016 seniors, 55 percent, and 2017 seniors, 66 percent (both are not statistically significantly different from the 2018 rate). The most highly completed Dartmouth Seven act among the Class of 2018 was the Stacks (32 percent), followed by BEMA (20), the President’s Lawn (10), the 50-yard line (eight), the Steps of Dartmouth Hall (eight), the Top of the Hop (seven) and the Center of the Green (six). Out of all recorded demographics, only Greek affiliation was associated with completion levels: 53 percent of affiliated seniors have completed at least one of the Dartmouth Seven compared to 15 percent of unaffiliated ones. Seniors were asked about a few other aspects of their romantic relationships over the last four years. About a quarter (28 percent) say they have never dated anyone while at Dartmouth, while a plurality of 42 percent say they have dated one person. Twenty-one percent say they have dated two people, and eight percent say three or more people. Thirty-nine percent of Class of 2018 members say they had sex for the first time while at Dartmouth, while 44 percent say they did it before Dartmouth and 17 percent say they have never done it at all. A few more “firsts” were also asked about on the survey: 35 percent say they drank alcohol for the first time while at

VOL. CLXXV NO.48

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2018

HANOVER, NEW HAMPSHIRE

Congratulations, Class of 2018!

ZACHARY BENJAMIN/THE DARTMOUTH SENIOR STAFF

www.thedartmouth.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2018

THE DARTMOUTH GRADUATION 2018

ALEXANDER AGADJANIAN

KALEI AKAU

Congratulations, Alexander!!

E Kalei’ohumaikalani, Ho’omaika’i ‘ana o kou puka ‘ana mai ke kula nui o Dartmouth. We are proud of you and excited to support you in your next life chapter. Me ke aloha, Dad, Mom & Ke’ala

May you continue doing what you most enjoy in life. We love you and support you in all your projects and adventures. Best of luck on new ones to come! Love, Mom, Dad, and the rest of your family

JACK ANDERSON

JESSIE ANDERSON

We are filled with pride as you wave a fond farewell to this place you have loved for the last four years. On to the next exciting chapter; we’ll continue to be cheering you on! Love, Mom & Dad

For the first four hours of your life, your big newborn eyes unwaveringly took the world in, and we knew you were exceptional. Now, those eyes are a gorgeous brown in a beautiful young lady whose determination, commitment and ability to succeed in so many things is unparalleled. CONGRATULATIONS! xo Mom&Dad

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2018

THE DARTMOUTH GRADUATION 2018

JULIANA BARATTA

MAX BARG

Juliana you make the world a better place! You have faced and conquered many challenges. Good luck as you pursue public health at Stanford. We are extremely proud, and you will always be an inspiration! Love, Mom and Dad

“At Dartmouth,we make you into a man, by allowing you to remain a boy.”--John Dickey Congratulations Max on your happiest four years! Love, Mom, Dad and Alex

MARCUS BERG

CHARLIE BLATT

You have given so much to so many, and continue to go forward, working for what is good and loving in your life. We, your family, admire and treasure you.

Give a rouse for Charlie Blatt, from the loyal ones who love her. We are so very proud of you! xoxo Mom, Dad, Josie and Louisa

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2018

THE DARTMOUTH GRADUATION 2018

ERIC BRUNNER

LAURA BUCKLIN

Congratulations Eric! We are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments. You are a wonderful young man and we could not be happier for you. May your adventures continue. Love, Mom, Dad & Craig

You rock that Dartmouth green! Always have. We wish you many decades of happy reunions in Hanover. Can’t wait to see where your adventuresome spirit leads you. Love, Mom, Dad, Marie and Peter

KRISHAN CANZIUS

MAGGIE CARANGELO

Congratulations Krishan!! ”You’re off to great places, Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting... So get on your way!” We love you! Mama, Dada, Priya and Cali

Congratulations, Maggie! We are so proud of who you are and all that you have accomplished. You are a great sister and loyal friend. We can&#039;t wait to see where life will take you. Love, Mom, Dad, Bobby and Billy

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2018

THE DARTMOUTH GRADUATION 2018

RACHEL CHANG

AARON CHEESE

“Always remember, you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and more loved than you know.” We are so proud of you and look forward to seeing what’s next.

Congratulations Aaron! We are so proud of you! Remember you are ASBC, you can achieve anything you want. Just reach for the stars and you can reach your dreams. Dartmouth:✅: . Next: Aaron Meets World!

Love, Mom and Dad

Love: Mom & Dad

ALLEGRA CODAMON

SARAH COHEN

Forever and a day/You have navigated your way with your mind, beauty, diligence,/your best & beast./You will travel, wonder, teach & learn,/ Abounding amazement at every turn./Future awaits, work & adventure begins/To the world & yourself, /playing an important part/ ~ you win! Congratulations!! Love Mom, Dad, and Evan.

Dearest Sarah, We joyfully congratulate you on this significant and well-earned graduation milestone. Your four years of extraordinary Dartmouth experiences at home and abroad has prepared you for the best of life’s choices with diligence and compassion. Continue the path to your dreams and goals, Your Loving Family

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2018

THE DARTMOUTH GRADUATION 2018

SARAH COHEN

ANDIE CONCHING

Dearest Granddaughter Sarah, It is with great joy, pride and love that we share this momentous and highly deserved graduation milestone with you. We wish you a life filled with adventure, friendships, happiness and love. Congratulations! Nonny, Poppy & Beloved Pups

Andie Kealohi Conching Ho’omaika’i Ana! (Congratulations!) E Kou Kakou, I Ka Pu’uwai, Mau Loa (You are forever in our hearts) Hulo! Hulo! Hulo! (Cheers!) Me Ke Aloha Pumehana (With all of our love and aloha) Dad, Mom, and Codie

RYAN DIVERS

ASHLEY DOTSON

Congratulations on your graduation! “Oh, the places you’ll go!” Love, Mom, Dad ‘89, and Hayley ‘21

Congrats Ashley. We remain proud of you. On to the next chapter of your life. With Much Love and Respect, Your Family

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2018

THE DARTMOUTH GRADUATION 2018

BRIDGET DOUGHERTY

Tada Gan Iarracht -’Nothing Without Effort’ From hangeber and keputch, Ireland, Bermuda, and ‘where’s the reverse pedal?’ to Biology labs, Insurtech and marathons. You always inspire us!! Congratulations, Bridget!! You’re a Dartmouth Grad! Love, Dad, Mom, Joey and Niamh

MARISSA EVANS

Marissa, The times you studied all night, lack of sleep and your sacrifice of fun and relaxation. Your reward is finally here. Congratulations! Remember that you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you’ll ever know. Remember we’ll always be here for you. Love, Mom, Erica, Krista, Dad, Nanny and Grandpa

JEFFREY FASTOW

CLAIRE FEUILLE

To our Jeffrey: You have always been defined by and loved for your strength of character, rectitude, dignity, and honor. We hope your dreams will take you to the corners of your smiles, to the windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places your heart has ever known! With overflowing love and pride, Mom, Dad, and Matthew

Your wings are ready. Don’t just fly, soar! Congratulations! We are so proud of you. Love, Dad, Mom, Colin, Connor and Catherine.

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2018

THE DARTMOUTH GRADUATION 2018

MANUEL FIGUEROA

PALDEN FLYNN

Manuel, We are proud of you and your achievements. When you started this journey, life presented challenges and obstacles from the beginning. You met them with grace and determination. You succeeded when others quit. Always do right. Love your family!

Remember: Be nice to your friends, keep on swinging, and you’ll have a wonderful life. We are so very proud of you today and always. Congratulations! Love, Mom, Dad, Zoey and the pups.

ARATI GANGADHARAN

WENDY GONG

Dear Ammini, We’re proud of you and are excited for your next adventure. Always give to your priorities without reservation and be happy about the difference you’ve made. Love, Amma & Acha

Congratulations, Wendy! We are so proud of you! You are a wonderful daughter and sister. We believe in you and we will be with you every step of the way on your journey. Love, Mom, Dad, Tai and Tram

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2018

THE DARTMOUTH GRADUATION 2018

SANDY GOSS

Enjoy your next adventure! Love, Mom and Dad

BROOKE HADLEY

Dear Brookie the world awaits you! Enjoy, learn, live and love! We are so proud of the woman you are, the achievements you have obtained, and the success you have and are realizing in your life! God bless you in all things you do. Love, Mom and Dad

DAN & SCOTT GRUBMAN

Congratulations! We are so proud of both of you. We can’t wait for you to begin the next chapter of your lives. Continue to be your own unique selves, but best friends forever! Love you, Mom, Dad, Jack, and Ally

TIM HANNAN

Congratulations Tim! We are truly blessed to have you as our son. We are so proud of all you have accomplished at Dartmouth. May you always follow your dreams and hit em’ straight! All our love, Mom & Dad

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THE DARTMOUTH GRADUATION 2018

TIMOTHY HANNAN

STEPHANIE HER

Congratulations Timothy! You have so much to be celebrate today. May your time at Dartmouth serve you well on life’s journey. I am very proud of you! Love: Aunt Barbaranne

Congratulations, Stephanie! You have accomplished so much and made us so proud in the past 4 years. We wish you the best of luck in your next big adventure. Remember: never stop trying and learning. Love, Mom, Dad, and Allison

AMANDA HERZ

ALEXANDER JOHNSON

To Our Dearest Neen-CONGRATULATIONS!!! We could not be more proud of all you have accomplished and we know there is much more in store for our fearless adventurer. We love you so much, Mom, Dad & Jack

Congratulations Xander!! We are so very proud of you! On to the next journey…remember who you are and always be true to yourself. You are strong, you are kind, and you are so very much loved! Love, Mom & Dad

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2018

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THE DARTMOUTH GRADUATION 2018

TAYLOR JOHNSON

JOSH KERBER

Congratulations, Taylor! We are so Proud of you for this accomplishment! For 23 years, you have amazed us every step of the way. We are so excited about what the future holds. We love you beyond words! Mom & Dad

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela Congratulations Josh! You make us very proud. Now go out and change the world … and always keep on smiling! Love you, Mom and Dad

MICHAEL LALLY

CHARLES LEBENS

Congratulations Michael!

Congratulations Charlie! We are so proud of you! Enjoy every moment of your journey! Love, Mom & Dad

You make us happy and proud. Love, Margot, Mom, and Dad ‘82

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THE DARTMOUTH GRADUATION 2018

JIMMY LIPTROT

JULIAN MARCU

Jimmy, We are so proud of you and the person you have become. We cannot wait to see where the next adventure takes you. We love you so much, Mom, Dad, and Billy

JULIAN ALEXANDRU MARCU II It has been a privilege to be your parents. You have brought us constant pride and joy! Stay the BEAUTIFUL person that you are. YOU ARE ALWAYS LOVED! Mom & Dad

MEGAN MOUNTS

NICHOLAS NORWITZ

Congratulations Megan! We are so proud of you for reaching this goal as well as your choices to support others and serve causes along the way. The best is yet to come. Happy graduation. Love you, Mom and Davie

Nicholas Norwitz Congratulations on your graduation. Whether its ‘flexing your muscles’ on your first day of kindergarten or stretching your mind at Dartmouth, we are so proud of the person you have become. Reach for the stars, but keep your feet on the ground. Love Mom, Dad, Gabby & Sam

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2018

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THE DARTMOUTH GRADUATION 2018

HARRISON PERKINS

Congratulations Harrison!!! We are so proud of all that your have accomplished during your four years at Dartmouth. We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait for the next act. We know it will be a blockbuster!!! Love You. Mom, Dad, Tommy & Susy

CHRISTOPHER QUINTERO

Congratulations, Chris! We are so proud of you and how far you have come. May your future be as bright as you are. Que Dios te bendiga siempre We love you ALL, Mom, Dad, Steph and all your family.

DANIEL POMERANTZ

Not all who wander are lost... Continue to chase your dreams!! We love you and are so proud of who you are!!!

VANESSA RAUCH

Vanessa we have watched you grow from a sweet child to a strong beautiful woman. Words cannot express how proud we are of you. Continue to follow your dreams and your passion. We love you

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SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2018

THE DARTMOUTH GRADUATION 2018

ALEXANDRA REICHERT

Congratulations, Albowdal! “You are off to great places. Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting. So get on your way.” - Dr Seuss

ANNIKA ROISE

Annika, aka world’s best daughter, thanks for making us proud - and making us laugh. Love you tons, Mommy and Daddy

We love you to the moon and back! Dad, Mom & Jake

JAKE ROST

LINDSAY SALEM

Jonathan Bradshaw Rost - Congratulations!! We are so proud of you. Best of luck in your next adventure. Keep aiming high. Love, Mom, Dad, Amanda and Uncle Jack

Lindsay – Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away! … Kid, you’ll move mountains! With Pride and Love - Mom, Dad, Tyler, your aunties & your guardian angels

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2018

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THE DARTMOUTH GRADUATION 2018

STEVE SATTERTHWAITE

JULIA SCHROEDER

Julia-The Tassel was worth the hassle!!!!

We couldn’t be more proud and couldn’t love you more. Keep Smiling! Love, Mom, Dad, Jonathan & Nellie

MAGGIE SHERIN

ANONYMOUS STUDENT

Congratulations Mags!!! We love you tons and couldn’t be more proud of the amazing woman you’ve become. You inspire us all. XO Mom, Dad, Jake, Zach

Meow

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SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2018

THE DARTMOUTH GRADUATION 2018

SYDNI TOPPER

MATTHEW VANCE

Sydni

Dear Matt - Your lost vehicle has been located in A Lot. Please reclaim it at your earliest convenience. We look forward to seeing you navigate sharp turns and enjoy roadside attractions on your future journeys as well as you have so far. We love you Mom, Dad, Zoe & Nikki

This is your first day of kindergarten with your new uniform. We always knew you would go far, and you have proven us right! Congrats! Love The Fambam

NICHOLAS VERNICE

STEWART WOOD

Nick, Your accomplishments have been exceptional!! The diploma belongs to you... but the pride belongs to all of us. Congratulations on your graduation! Let your dreams set sail!

Dear Stewart, We are immensely proud of you! Hold onto your sense of balance, humor, and empathy. Work hard and be kind ... be your best self! All our love, Mom and Dad

With all our love, Mom, Dad & Alex

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2018

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THE DARTMOUTH COMMENCEMENT & REUNION

Senior Survey

r Agadjanian

h Senior Staff

Dartmouth, many fewer than the 58 percent already having done so coming into the College. Forty percent report using drugs/substances for the first time while at Dartmouth. Across nearly every specific type of substance asked about, most seniors have never used it while at Dartmouth. Only 34 percent say they have ever used tobacco while at Dartmouth, 27 percent say the same for cocaine, 20 percent say so for non-prescribed study drugs, and 10 percent say so for LSD. The only exception is marijuana: 62 percent of seniors report ever using marijuana while at Dartmouth, with 17 percent saying very often/often. National Politics During their time on campus, the Class of 2018 will have lived through a divisive presidential campaign followed by a dynamic post-election period. A majority of seniors, at 64 percent, identify as Democrat — very similar to the 67 percent of 2017 seniors and 69 percent of 2016 seniors that did so in past surveys — compared to 19 percent Republican and 17 percent Independent among the Class of 2018. With this predominantly Democratic tilt, it comes as no surprise that nearly four in five seniors (79 percent) say things in this country today are off on the wrong track. That certainly reflects disapproval with the current political climate and presidency, as 85 percent of seniors have an unfavorable view of Donald Trump. Partisanship divides views on Trump most, but even when accounting for this, senior women at Dartmouth have a more unfavorable view of Trump (97 percent) than men do (74 percent). Senior athletes are also more favorable toward Trump than non-athletes are. The Class of 2018 also expressed its opinion on various other institutions and groups in the U.S. The #MeToo movement has been one of the most important social developments in the last year, and a large majority of Dartmouth seniors view it favorably (73 percent). Seniors who are Democrats, female and affiliated in particular view it most positively. As part of the allure of job prospects, Wall Street often attracts attention among Dartmouth students, but it doesn’t receive too high of a mark from seniors. More view Wall Street unfavorably (47 percent) than favorably (26), with Republican and male seniors having the most favorable views of it. The overall unfavorable view contrasts from the Class of 2017’s perception, as 53 percent of last year’s seniors viewed Wall Street favorably (27 percent unfavorably). Seniors were also asked about a few more personal aspects of their political life. A majority of seniors indicate that their social network at Dartmouth closely resembled their own political leanings: 55 percent say

all or most of their closest friends share the same or similar political beliefs as they do, while 30 percent say some of their friends do. Seniors who identify as Democrat and are women are most likely to report having politically similar friends. Many often view College as a transformative period for young peoples’ political beliefs. To speak to this possible phenomenon, seniors were asked to describe their political viewpoint before coming to Dartmouth and what their ideology is now. To the extent that they can reliably remember their pre-college political outlook, seniors appear to have drifted in a more liberal direction over the last four years. Coming into Dartmouth, 20 percent of seniors described their views as very liberal; now, however, 34 percent say so. That mirrors a similar jump that the Class of 2017 observed for itself in last year’s survey: 2017 seniors went from 17 percent very liberal before Dartmouth to 30 percent after. Post-Graduation Life The Class of 2018 has a diverse path ahead of it after graduation. Many recent graduates won’t be living too far away from each other, however. About one-third of seniors (30 percent) say they will be living in some part of New England after graduation. Massachusetts (23 percent) and New York (21 percent) represent the two most popular destinations for recent grads, followed by California (13), going outside the U.S. (5) and staying in New Hampshire (4), while five percent say they are not sure where they’ll be. A majority of seniors will enter the workforce right away at 59 percent, while 18 percent will start at a graduate or professional school and 10 percent report that they will take a gap year. In terms of specific fields they will be entering immediately after graduation, 19 percent of seniors will work in finance, 13 percent in technology/engineering, 13 percent in academia/research, nine percent in health and eight percent in consulting. The latter figure marks a dropoff from the 2017 and 2016 senior classes, as 17 percent in each reported going into consulting — more than in the Class of 2018. Starting salaries among seniors vary a good amount, with 24 percent saying they will make $50,000 or less, 30 percent saying they will make between $50,000 and $100,000 and 13 percent saying they will earn $100,000 or more — more than the five percent of 2017 seniors with starting salaries of $100,000 plus. Many seniors are not sure (19 percent) or are not working (12). Dartmouth seniors who come from high income backgrounds (families with yearly household incomes of over $200,000) will now make more money right out of college: 52 percent of high income background seniors will have a starting salary of $50,000 or greater, while only 32 percent of low-income background

seniors will do so. Family background also figures into seniors’ post-graduation lives to some extent. Thirty-six percent say their family’s financial situation affected their post-graduation plans a lot or a moderate amount, while 28 percent say a little and 36 percent say not at all. Seniors from high income backgrounds (48 percent) are more likely to indicate no effect at all. Only 28 percent of seniors expect to receive financial assistance from their parents for rent/living expenses after graduation; 50 percent do not, and another 23 percent are not sure. As for other notable post-graduation financial conditions, 33 percent of

seniors say they are graduating in debt due to college-related expenses. Only 28 seniors reported an actual debt total they were graduating with, and among these, the median debt was $20,000. Methodology Notes: From Sunday, May 27 to Monday, June 4, The Dartmouth fielded an online survey of Dartmouth senior students on their opinions and experiences at the school. The survey was sent out to 1,105 seniors through their school email addresses. 171 responses were recorded, making for a 15.5 percent response rate. Using administrative data from the College’s Office of

Institutional Research and other sources, responses were weighted by gender, race/ethnicity, Greek affiliation and international student status. Iterative post-stratification (raking) was the method used for weighting, done with the “survey” package in R. Survey results for the entire sample have a margin of error +/- 7. Subgroup differences are statistically significantly different from one another unless otherwise noted, and all reported differences hold in multivariate models. Reported percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding or because of exclusion of certain answers (“Not sure,” “Neither,” etc.).

ALEXANDER AGADJANIAN/THE DARTMOUTH SENIOR STAFF

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Senior class gift supports financial aid Six to receive honorary degrees Raising the participation rate will be especially impactful this nonetheless left the gift’s recipients year. A group of alumni have set unclear. In order to combat this issue, up a participation challenge for the the Class of 2018’s gift was rebranded Class of 2018: for every 10 students as “’18s for Financial Aid.” who donate to ’18s for Financial Aid, In addition to the rebranding, the alumni will donate an additional Smith and McDowell have spread the $1,000 to the cause. This means that word about ’18s for Financial Aid by each and every donation — of any recruiting a number of other seniors amount — can have a real effect on to help with the collection process. financial aid for the Class of 2022. “We’ve gathered a number of “I think that’s one of the great volunteers, around twenty or so, things about this participation to help us out challenge,” with doing more “[The gift] provides McDowell said. outreach work,” “Even if you can our class with the Smith said. “The just give … two more volunteers opportunity to give dollars and 18 we have, the more back to the school, cents, or even just people we have 18 cents, that can which has given so to ask people to go a long way donate.” now that we have much to us over the Due to the … anonymous past four years. And new branding donors coming and marketing it’s a great way for us in to give us that strategies, Smith to leave our mark as thousand dollars and McDowell [for every ten a n t i c i p a t e a class, kicking off our donations] to m u c h h i g h e r lives as Dartmouth make every single participation donation really alumni.” in the Class of worth it.” 2018’s gift than As the ’18s work in prior years. -OLIVIA SMITH ’18, to have one of the They set a goal most successful of 100 percent SENIOR CLASS GIFT COsenior class gift participation in CHAIR campaigns in this year’s gift, re c e n t ye a r s, d o u bl i n g l a s t other Dartmouth year’s goal. students have begun to take notice. “One of the reasons we shoot for Jordyn Blew ’21 was impressed with 100 percent participation is because the campaign and by the fact that if you don’t shoot for 100 percent, each incoming class is supported by you’re going to fall well short of it previous Dartmouth students. anyway,” McDowell said. “I think that [incoming students] FROM GIFT PAGE 5

should have as many opportunities to come here as possible,” Blew said. “I think that’s really nice that the older generation’s looking out for the younger ones and wanting to have everyone able to partake in the experiences that they did.” In addition, ’18s who participate in this year’s class gift are able to make donations in honor or in memory of another person. When a donation is made in someone’s memory, that person’s family is notified of the action via letter. “Obviously, love is more valuable than that dollar amount,” McDowell said, “but to see how … kids are coming together and to see what they’re willing to put forward as students … [is] a great way to honor someone and keep their tradition alive.” Additionally, ’18s who donate 100 dollars or more are invited by the Dartmouth College Fund to join the 1769 Society, a group of Dartmouth alumni and supporters who make notable donations to the College Fund each year. Members of the 1769 Society are invited to come back to campus for events and networking opportunities, including a Homecoming reception each year. Smith believes that the gift allows her fellow ’18s to respectfully honor their alma mater as they finish their time as Dartmouth students. “[The gift] provides our class with the opportunity to give back to the school, which has given so much to us over the past four years,” Smith said. “And it’s a great way for us to leave our mark as a class, kicking off our lives as Dartmouth alumni.”

advice for graduating students. “[Students] should experiment College spokesperson Diana and try many different things, Lawrence wrote via email that because it’s very rare that somebody the process for the faculty council will find exactly what they want to do with their in selecting life the day recipients is also “Be prepared they graduate,” confidential, Rubenstein said. but the council to have to fight Ru b e n s t e i n looked for the some new battles. a l s o s a i d t h at following kinds students should o f p e o p l e i n When you get consider how selecting a pool out of here, [life] they can serve of nominees: their country in candidates who becomes even more deciding how h ave m a d e o r unstructured and to spend their are expected “to you have to make time, ef forts, make significant and resources. contributions to all the decisions for Working in the a field or society yourself.” public sector in general,” b efo re mov i n g candidates w h o s e r v e a s -PETER FAHEY ’68 TH’69 t o t h e p r i vat e sector allowed a role model TH’70 Ru b e n s t e i n t o for students, view service from candidates w h o a r e f r o m h i s t o r i c a l l y different angles, from working underrepresented groups and directly in the White House candidates who represent a range to providing service through philanthropic means. of interests. Fahey said that the first several Lawrence added that recipients must be able to be present at years after graduating will likely Commencement to accept an be incredibly difficult because of adjusting to life away from the honorary degree. Holmes said he is “humbled and “ideal environment” in Hanover, honored” to receive an honorary where students are surrounded degree from his alma mater, but by talented peers and faculty. he said this recognition came at However, he also noted that those him “totally blind.” Coming back first few years are the best for trying to Hanover presents him with the out different jobs before deciding opportunity to return to the U.S. upon a career. “Be prepared to have to fight for the first time in two years. In the 39 years since he graduated some new battles,” Fahey said. from Dartmouth, Holmes said he “When you get out of here, [life] has spent nearly 20 years working becomes even more unstructured in over 50 countries, serving and you have to make all the communities, non-profits and decisions for yourself.” Holmes said he followed his governments around the world interest in working overseas with his work in public health. Rubenstein said that he is following medical school, which especially grateful to receive enabled him to pursue subsequent developing an honorary interests in degree from the “What students should clinical work, College, after development having served do is find something and consulting. on committees they’re intellectually Holmes noted for awarding that the h o n o r a r y connected to that they differences degrees at other find interesting and in his work institutions, make that a part of experiences and including Duke environments and Harvard their lives.” allow him to and recognizing have balance in “that there is a his professional great deal of -DAVID RUBENSTEIN, life and to ward thought given to CARLYE GROUP COoff boredom. [deciding] who EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN “What gets honorary students should degrees.” do is find F a h e y , Holmes and Rubenstein all noted something they’re intellectually the importance of pursuing one’s connected to that they find own interests when asked to reflect interesting and make that a part on their own careers and give of their lives,” Rubenstein said. FROM DEGREE PAGE 4

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Kaling ’01 discusses Students pursue modified majors time at Dartmouth FROM MODIFIED PAGE 5

year after I [graduated] college I spent in New York with my best Dartmouth Library and the lounge in the theater friends [Withers] and Jocelyn Leavitt department, and her favorite place to ’01. I wrote spec scripts and plays in my eat lunch was the Courtyard Café. apartment while I babysat for money.” Today, Kaling is best known as the Her favorite classes included a theater class taught by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, producer, director and actress playwright August Wilson and a on the TV shows “The Office” and discussion-based class on Kaling’s “The Mindy Project” and author theater foreign study program in of bestselling books “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other London. Concerns)” and Kaling said “Why Not Me?.” h e r f a v o r i t e “I wish heads of She is also the voice Dartmouth song was “Dartmouth studios and networks of the character “Disgust” for Undying,” which cared less about rePixar’s animated she described as booti ng old shows film “Inside Out.” “gorgeous and or expanding the She is currently melancholy.” a creator and U p o n superhero crime executive producer graduating from fi ghti ng universe and on NBC sitcom Dartmouth, Kaling moved to more about investing “ Ch am pion s.” Kaling is also New York City with in new, original beginning two friends from the production on a College, she said. material. That said, film for which she While trying to find Wakanda forever.” is a writer, producer work in television, and lead actress. Kaling and Brenda She wrote that Withers ’00 won -MINDY KALING ’01 what she finds the best overall most difficult about production award in the New York International Film navigating the entertainment industry Festival for “Matt & Ben,” their short today is the lack of creativity in the new absurdist play on how Ben Affleck and material being produced. “I wish heads of studios and networks Matt Damon wrote the movie “Good cared less about re-booting old shows or Will Hunting.” “I always hoped I would work in expanding the superhero crime fighting TV, but I didn’t exactly understand universe and more about investing in what that meant or how I would new, original material,” Kaling said. accomplish that,” Kaling wrote. “The “That said, Wakanda forever.” FROM KALING PAGE 4

introductory economics courses and eventually moved on to more advanced economics coursework with an international focus. “It did complement engineering nicely,” Yi said. “I was really interested in structural and mechanical engineering, and we worked with a lot of different materials, from wood to different types of metal. With international markets, I found I was learning about what causes fluctuations in the price of different raw materials, and it was interesting to see it from both sides – why we might need certain materials for buildings, and then why we might not use them because of cost fluctuations.” After graduation, Yi will continue to explore the connection between engineering and economics through engineering consulting at WSP, an engineering professional services firm. Yi explained that her modified major was relatively easy to pursue because modifying engineering with economics is common. Professor James Feyrer, vice-chair of the economics department, described a few similarly common tracks: economics modified with computer science, economics modified with

mathematics and economics courses in government, geography modified with psychology. and international studies. To modify “There are certain sets that are her anthropology major, she took easy to approve because of the classes in history; women’s, gender commonalities between the two and sexuality studies; engineering; fields,” Feyrer said. “For example, and psychology, this time focusing economics modified [with] math; on global health. economics is a Salzman said she mathematical decided to pursue “[I would discipline.” modified majors In a testament recommend a to gain a more to the growing modified major to] interdisciplinary popularity of focus in her modifying majors anyone who has studies. She at Dartmouth an interest within wanted to expand in recent years, beyond just one a department that Feyrer added that d e p a r t m e n t ’s out of the 200 doesn’t align with mentality and or so economics what the major bring in ideas majors who from other fields. off ers. You can make graduate each “[I would y e a r , m o r e it work for what is re c o m m e n d a than 30 chose major most exciting for you. modified to modify their to] anyone It enables you to be major. who has an S a r a h passionate about interest within Salzman ’18 a department p u r s u e d t w o your studies.” that doesn’t “ Ty p e B” completely align modified majors with what the -SARAH SALZMAN ’18 at the College: major offers,” economics Salzman said. m o d i f i e d a n d a n t h ro p o l o g y “You can make it work for what modified. She modified her is most exciting for you. It enables economics major by choosing to you to be the most passionate about focus on global development, taking your studies.”

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THE DARTMOUTH SENIOR Staff Kourtney Kawano ’18

THE DARTMOUTH SENIOR Staff erin lee ’18

Embracing Identity

On Taking Up Space

Being yourself can change your life.

Confidence is about learning to speak up for yourself.

A writer for The Dartmouth once joked that to educate others on this campus and return staffers only know two things about me: that I’m home to make a difference. from Hawaiʻi and that I have consistently arrived Coming to Dartmouth has surprisingly late to campus each term. While the second helped me learned what it meant and what is point did not always happen by choice — some at stake when I tell someone, “I am a Native of my flights back to the east coast really did get Hawaiian.” It goes beyond race or ethnicity. To delayed, guys — the first bit of information is invoke one’s identity as “Hawaiian” is to assert certainly one that I conscientiously shared with a claim to the histories of a strong people, past, everyone I met at Dartmouth. present and future. It is to form communal bonds Obviously, it isn’t and perpetuate hope for groundbreaking to know “A writer for The future generations. I know that I am from Hawaiʻi. this realization may not We willingly share basic Dartmouth once joked be the most profound facts about ourselves when that staffers only know explanation of someone’s we meet new people, Dartmouth experience, two things about and we expect our close but it is one that I have friends to internalize those me: that I’m from accepted and one that I details by the time we Hawai‘i and that I have know other indigenous graduate. My core group people have as well. My of friends know that I live consistently arrived education here has not on Oʻahu, and I know late to campus each only given me a greater they live in New Mexico, appreciation for my home, term.” Texas, Massachusetts, but also shaped the way Washington D.C., North I view power dynamics, Dakota, New Jersey, New York — and yes, privilege, colonialism and multiculturalism in Hawaiʻi. Hawaiʻi and the higher education system. However, I’d like to think that the staff writer I recently completed a survey for a friend was alluding to a more profound understanding on the ways in which Hawaiian identity has of my identity. Sometimes I think that my impacted my time at Dartmouth. When asked peers remember where I’m from because it’s about the spaces to which I gravitated most, so far — and different — from Hanover, New I informed her that they were often spaces Hampshire. Or perhaps it’s because I’m one with a high density of Hawaiians, indigenous of the few students from Hawaiʻi that they met. people or people of color. When she asked me More often than not, it’s certainly true that people for advice for future Native Hawaiian students, remember this fact because I made it difficult for I told her that they should not be sure to lean them to forget. I have stickers that read “Hawaiʻi” on the Hawaiian and indigenous communities on my laptop, my social whenever they experience media posts usually have stress or sadness. As future some connection to my “Coming to Dartmouth leaders, they should also home and two of my has surprisingly helped not be afraid to be critical closest friends are also of this institution — just from Hawaiʻi. This is a fact me learned what it like Hawaiʻi, Dartmouth about myself that I wanted meant and what is is not a paradise. people at Dartmouth to at stake when I tell Looking back know, not just because on my responses, I am less of the love I feel for my someone, “I am a convinced that the staff home land but because of Native Hawaiian.” It writer solely meant that the pride I feel as a Native people only know me as goes beyond race or Hawaiian. someone from Hawaiʻi. In the past four ethnicity. To invoke I’d like to think that he years, I have had the was alluding to a spirit of one’s identity as privilege of witnessing community and activism the growth of the Native “Hawaiian” is to assert that has come to define the Hawaiian community at a claim to the histories Native Hawaiian presence Dartmouth and laughed at Dartmouth. But perhaps of a strong people when people call us out I’m reading too much into for being “exclusive” or past, present and the statement. Regardless, “clique-y.” I have seen the I look forward to living future.” increase in membership up to its sentiment in the in pictures from the moments leading up to Hawaiʻi Club’s annual spring lūʻau. I have Commencement. I am sure that students will watched Native Hawaiians rectify their roles as comment that I am their friend from Hawaiʻi, indigenous change-makers on a predominantly and I will view this as an opportunity to share white campus. I have empathized with their a little bit of my identity as a Native Hawaiian. disappointment when learning how little people On the other hand, I may not get as much of an know about Hawaiian history and culture. I have opportunity to do so, because once again, I am felt their homesickness and their yearning to showing up late to campus for Commencement return to their home, if only to feel the warm sun in true Kourtney fashion. on their face and sand between their toes. Most importantly, I have witnessed their perseverance. Kourtney Kawano ’18 is the former production Their love for their people. Their determination executive editor of The Dartmouth.

College is weird. Part extended summer I wrote my first story over the first week of camp, part boarding school for semi-grownups, freshman fall on a new career development part elitist neoliberal institution, part academia program. It took me an embarrassingly machine, college means different things to long time to craft admittedly unconvincing different people, but no one really knows interview requests, and I’m sure my interviews what it’s going to be like until they’re there. went horribly. The in-person editing process My first impression of took over an hour, and Dartmouth was of miles “College is weird. Part I was terrified the entire and miles of trees. On the time. But having my name extended summer drive up, my mom and I printed in the paper as a felt like we were headed camp, part boarding byline was an incredible to the middle of nowhere school for semiconfidence boost as I was — coming from dry, dusty trying to figure out how to southern California, I had grownups, part elitist live on my own and find never seen so many trees neoliberal institution, my place at Dartmouth, in my life. It felt like I was and working for The D part academia entering a different world. has been one thing I’ve Now, four years later, machine, college consistently been a part that world has become means different things of all four years at college. a temporary home. The And gradually I became past term has been one to different people, comfortable with going of reflection and of lasts: but no one really out on a limb, cold-calling last formal, last exam, professors and locals I had knows what it’s going last all-nighter, last time never met, approaching tripping on basement to be like until they’re random students at Collis. stairs (hopefully). When I there.” Through writing think back on my time at for The D, and deeply Dartmouth, it’s all kind of researching the topics I a blur, but I remember the feelings I’ve felt while wrote on, I gained experience bit by bit, and I’ve been here, everything from the warmth of I started to become confident enough to apply spending a good night with friends to the panic my expertise in and out of the newsroom. of forgetting to turn in an assignment. I often I could form well-informed opinions and say college is the time when people become assert those opinions when I wanted to. My bigger versions of themselves, figuring out who leadership style is quiet, but backed with they are outside of the comforts of home and decisiveness I developed through years of trial familiar people and places. College gives you and error, failure and recovery. the space to come into yourself, and for me Throughout college, I’ve learned a lot of that meant learning how to take up space. skills, a lot of which may be relatively irrelevant. Dartmouth wasn’t created for people like I now have a degree in neuroscience that I may me, and for others even less so. As a Korean- never use — I know more about dopaminergic American female, and a small, somewhat receptors in the ventral striatum than I’ll ever unassuming one at that, there have many times need to know. I can lay out pages in InDesign, I’ve felt unwelcome here. As is often discussed, play a decent game of pong, order a tasty Dartmouth was founded by a Christian Collis smoothie and give a tour guide spiel. missionary on the pretense of converting and But more than acquiring random tidbits, I’ve educating Native Americans in the area to learned how to gain expertise and the selftrain them to become missionaries themselves, assuredness to apply that expertise. College though the College was primarily intended has by no means been easy, but as clichéd for whites. The College has only been coed as it is, it forced me to grow in ways I didn’t for a fifth of the time since its founding, and expect. And Dartmouth is by no means perfect, that deeply embedded history still resonates but I now have the tools to look at the world on campus today. These around me with a critical obstacles have forced “College has given me eye. I can call Dartmouth me to learn how to push out for its inadequate the space to develop back, how to claim space, support for sexual assault and when I think back to the skills I’ll need to survivors, its paltry my freshman self, that’s thrive in the “real mental health resources, how I’ve grown the most. its disproportionately low I now make professors world,” and for that I’ll funds for investing in who mistake me for other look back on my time students and faculty of Asian-American students color and the opaqueness here with fondness.” learn my name. I’m now of its administrative comfortable being the policies, just to name a only female in a fraternity basement full of few issues, and I have the knowledge to back white dudes, and I’m also comfortable with these claims. College has given me the space not participating in the Greek system when I to develop the skills I’ll need to thrive in the don’t want to. I don’t let myself be interrupted “real world,” and for that I’ll look back on my by others who are louder or more aggressive. time here with fondness. But this growth took a lot of time, and I think I owe a lot of it to my time writing and editing Erin Lee ’18 is the former news executive editor for The D. of The Dartmouth.

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THE DARTMOUTH SENIOR Staff RAY LU ’18

THE DARTMOUTH SENIOR Staff PHILIP RASANSKY ’18

Knowing Nothing

Reevaluating the Victory Lap

During an especially introspective stretch of I ventured into entirely new territory writing time, my 15-year-old self jotted down several for The Dartmouth freshman fall, starting in quotes that fell within the boundaries of what the sports section out of interest after retiring I perceived to be profound. One of the first to my high school football cleats. I never wrote for appear was the phrase, “The only thing I know a high school publication and didn’t consider is that I know nothing,” derived from something myself a writer by any means. Through the Socrates may or may not have once said. lens of sports, I fell in love with people’s stories, Don’t let the classical reference fool you — I each one reminding myself of the individuality am in no way well-versed in Greek philosophy, in people’s experiences. and my interpretation My approach of the phrase probably “I was born and raised at The Dartmouth was deviates from scholarly familiar — all I knew in Austin, Texas, an interpretations. However, was that I knew nothing. the quote conveyed to me incredibly vibrant There was a lot for me to a humility in knowledge, of city that helped me learn — everything from being aware that what you conducting interviews understand that it was know is neither exhaustive and writing ledes to telling nor authoritative. stories and conveying okay for people to be The concept resonated My background, or different. Keep Austin truth. strongly with me, especially lack thereof, made me a as a first-generation Weird.” cautious college journalist; American who grew up mentors, editors and peers navigating multiple worlds helped me become a — which in a way everyone does, regardless of competent one. background. Home life and outside life were Time and again, editing at The Dartmouth distinct, and observation showed me how to reminded me of the limits to what I know. At behave in both. the newspaper, we were always learning about Even within each sphere, there are nuances. one new topic or another, challenging the extent My family comes from a region in China that of each other’s knowledge in the pursuit of has its own dialect, completely distinct from delivering comprehensive truth. Mandarin. I grew up learning both English This held especially true in understanding and Chinese before coming home to hear my that every person has their own unique parents and grandparents speak to each other life experiences. Knowing the entirety of in an entirely different third language. Make no someone else’s life story is near impossible, but mistake, I’m only fluent in English — and by acknowledging the validity of each other’s stories some academic paper-writing standards, just is another step in the journey from not knowing barely. anything. I was born and raised in Austin, Texas, an In a similar vein, disagreeing with others on incredibly vibrant city that helped me understand certain hot-button issues shouldn’t be limiting, that it was okay for people to be different. Keep but rather illuminating — both in terms of what Austin Weird. My best friend when I was three you may not know and what you may not have years old was a kid whose parents dressed him previously considered when trying to understand in cowboy boots and blue jeans every day another person’s perspective. Similarly, of preschool. There’s also a photo out there Dartmouth may be good to some people and somewhere of my toddler self, my dad and not as good to others, and both experiences Leslie Cochran, a cross-dressing homeless man are worth learning about. With people’s who ran for mayor of Austin experiences at the core, three times. we can hopefully achieve “Time and again, Both of these a better understanding environments proved to editing at The of the world around us. me that my knowledge was Dartmouth reminded This is more or uncomprehensive, and that less a long-winded way of me of the limits was okay. Being Chinese saying what many other wasn’t the same experience to what I know. At Dartmouth students will for everyone; living in Texas the newspaper, we say — that there isn’t just wasn’t the same experience one singular Dartmouth were always learning for everyone. In this way, experience. I think, by knowing nothing helped me about one new extension, many people learn more. will also tell you that there topic or another, Learning, then, is a isn’t just one singular life continual process, so it makes challenging the experience. sense to try to be unpretentious extent of each other’s With that in about what you currently mind, as I continue to know. By extension, everyone knowledge in the ask people for advice else is probably learning as pursuit of delivering about the looming “real well, so it couldn’t hurt to be world,” I’ll start where I comprehensive truth.” compassionate about what have several times before they know. These guiding — by knowing nothing. principles have held whether in playing sports, learning in the classroom, navigating college or Ray Lu ’18 is the former editor-in-chief of The joining The Dartmouth. Dartmouth.

I remember the first time Dartmouth felt and unkind. We can be childish and fickle. like home. I remember the day — Jan. 3, 2015. Sometimes we can even be straight up stupid. I remember my outfit — a recently-bought I cringe at the claim that my very being here wool sweater littered with pretzel crumbs. I makes me a more impressive individual than remember where I was sitting — about halfway those whose feet and talents and achievements back the Dartmouth grace other campuses. Coach in a window seat. The Mission I don’t remember the “I remember the first Statement goes on: movie playing, but I do time Dartmouth felt “Dartmouth College remember the screen was educates the most right above my head and I like home. I remember p ro m i s i n g s t u d e n t s do remember the Coach’s the day — Jan. 3, and prepares them for headphone jack didn’t a lifetime of learning 2015. I remember my work. a n d o f re s p o n s i bl e Most clearly, though, outfit — a recentlyleadership.” Our success I remember the feeling— bought wool sweater at Dartmouth, then, relies jitters. Butterflies. That just as much on what we do funny feeling when you with pretzel crumbs. as alumni as what we did know you’re excited I remember where I as students. All too often, without really knowing we get caught up in the was sitting — about what you’re excited about. triumph of simply being We turned left off Park half-way back in the at Dartmouth without Street and headed west Dartmouth Coach in a accepting the expectations down Wheelock. With that come with it. Being at the Hopkins Center for window seat.” Dartmouth is a success the Arts’s bus lane only worth acknowledging. It feet away, however, we steered away from our is not, however, a success worth celebrating. destination, cruising past Dartmouth Hall, Success at Dartmouth can only be celebrated Baker Tower and McNutt Hall as we paraded in hindsight, with proof that you have lived up around the Green before finally returning to to your promise and engaged in a lifetime of the Hop. I refer to this glorious procession as learning and responsible leadership, in all the the Dartmouth Coach Victory Lap. Anybody varied forms this may take. So, while I still let who’s ever taken the Coach should know myself relish the Dartmouth Coach Victory exactly what I’m talking about. Laps, I can no longer do so as innocently as I I imagine different people at different times did during that glorious one over three years have had different names for my Victory Lap. ago when I first called Dartmouth home. But at that moment in time, it served as a I rolled into my senior spring on the Coach sacred reminder of just how lucky I was to per usual. As that massive steel carriage be a Dartmouth student. It made me proud stewarded me around the Green, I let the of my past achievements. With the rush and pride of my past achievements bring a smile confusion of freshman fall in my rearview, I to my face. I will wear a similar smile when finally felt ready to trailblaze my own path I walk across the Commencement stage on through Hanover. H-croo welcomed me home Sunday. But this new smile is deeper and the first time I stepped foot on campus. As it more accepting than the one I had freshman turned out, though, it wasn’t until a few months year. I smile not only because I am proud of later, on my first Dartmouth Coach Victory my past achievements, but also because I am Lap, that I finally welcomed myself home. eager to see my future ones. I look forward to This home of mine is so special in so the expectations that come with a Dartmouth many ways. Its Mission degree, and someday S t a t e m e n t b e g i n s , “To all graduating I hope to complete yet “Dartmouth College another Victory Lap with seniors: May that educates the most the hindsight of having promising students,” as diploma be neither met these expectations. if we’re America’s best your last achievement I’m not quite sure what and brightest. For the that’ll look like, but I am most part, I have been nor your biggest. If sure that smile will be the thoroughly impressed by changing the world biggest and most fulfilling this community and those of all my Victory Lap who also call it home. No sounds like too grins. matter how much I hope ambitious a goal, To all graduating to be proven wrong, I may perhaps aim to change seniors: May that diploma never again be surrounded be neither your last by as many intelligent, somebody’s world. achievement nor your talented people as I am That’s where I’ll start.” biggest. If changing the at Dartmouth. At times, world sounds like too however, I have also been ambitious a goal, perhaps thoroughly unimpressed — with myself as well aim to change somebody’s world. That’s where as with other community members. Dartmouth I’ll start. students can be both extraordinary, sure, but we can also be extraordinarily ordinary and Philip Rasansky ’18 is the former publisher of astonishingly mediocre. We can be ignorant The Dartmouth.

The path to truth begins with humility.

Success shouldn’t end after Dartmouth.

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THE DARTMOUTH COMMENCEMENT & REUNION 2018

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2018

Thesis projects include presentations and productions resilience and struggle. Each senior pulled from the past or the future, in the city where the conflict present to tell a new story, taking happened,” Gannon said. “In the the steps that were necessary to city where the people I spoke to make these productions become a reality. As all three seniors live.” Engaging with a similar regional noted, the theater department’s specificity in her work “She- flexibility and capacity to support Wolf of France,” Feuille adapted burgeoning artists was an essential Shakespeare’s “Henry VI,” Parts element that allowed for their I, II, III, and “Richard III” and trailblazing works to come to centered the story on a recurring fruition. “There are certain things character deprived of the spotlight, Margaret of Anjou: Henry VI’s you just can’t do in one term, and the thesis w i d o w. N o t framework can unlike Gannon, support you Feuille sought “There are certain a lot,” Feuille out the honors things you just can’t said. thesis in Taking t h e t h e a t e r do in one term, and on the issue of d e p a r t m e n t the thesis framework mental health to pursue an can support you in a in modern opportunity theater, Treiber that would put lot.” used the senior her academic thesis program and dramatic to produce an career to the -CLAIRE FEUILLE ’18 honors thesis t e s t . H av i n g presentation previously starred in a senior project, Feuille entitled, “Teen Depression and knew she wanted to do an honors Suicide in The Contemporary project of her own, and that hers American Musical.” Offering an would help remedy the neglect of in-depth analysis of the popular an important woman in English B ro a d w ay mu s i c a l s “ S p r i n g Awakening,” “Dear Evan Hansen” history. Playing the lead role of Queen and “Heathers: The Musical,” Margaret in her own adaptation, Treiber tracked a recur ring Feuille negotiated the distinctions theme in American theatrical between the role of an actress and productions in order to create a that of an adapter. Exploring the dialogue regarding mental health art of adaptation, Feuille grew to representations. Through the theater appreciate revision and cutting as department, Ogden directed and a kind of craft. “I learned how to use the same choreographed a staged production text to tell the story you want to of “Hair,” which premiered in the Moore Theatre in early May. Given tell,” she said. In time, Feuille found that her the space and resources to bring intimate involvement with the an iconic American rock-musical script and its organization came to life at Dartmouth, Ogden to inform her embodiment of the sharpened her directorial skills with her last College production. role. With the help of her thesis “I’ve never been in a role that a d v i s o r, wh o I knew so much pushed her to ab o ut befo re “If [the theater write more and doing it,” she department] didn’t meet deadlines, explained. Gannon was A t t i m e s , support me I do not able to share her Feuille said she think I would’ve been 90-page play had to remove with the greater her adapter’s able to do this. I got Dartmouth hat altogether, everything that I c o m m u n i t y. embracing And without Q u e e n needed and lots that I the additional Margaret as she didn’t think I needed. I support of was. the theater “A t s o m e feel so whole.” department, point acting has Je n n i n g s to stop being -CELESTE JENNINGS ’18 emphasized about thinking how “Citrus” and start being may not have been possible at all. about being,” she added. “If they didn’t support me I While each senior produced vastly different works, spanning do not think I would’ve been able time, geography, subject matter to do this,” Jennings said. “I got and format, a line connecting everything that I needed and lots the three productions lies in that I didn’t think I needed. I feel the recurring themes of history, so whole.” FROM PROJECTS PAGE 7

COURTESY OF ROB STRONG

Sam West ’20 in a scene from Celeste Jennings ’18’s “Citrus.”

COURTESY OF ROB STRONG

Celeste Jennings ’18 with the cast that brought her choreopoem “Citrus” to life.

COURTESY OF ROB STRONG

Naomi Agnew ’20 and Nashe Mutenda ’20 in a scene from Celeste Jennings ’18’s “Citrus.”