As I write this column, we are days away from St. Patrick’s Day—a day for the wearing of the green. I wonder which came first in this historical tradition: St. Patrick and the Irish or dear ole Dartmouth—but it doesn’t really matter: Any day is a good day for the wearing of the green!

The class has received the following note from a member of the class of ’22 we support. And I thought I was busy! “Thank you for continuing to fund my Dartmouth journey this year. Dartmouth has given me so much, from a uniquely flexible education to beautiful friends to cooking skills to (many) bruises from slipping on the winter ice. It is obvious to me now, after a year, that I would not have had these experiences anywhere else. It is its own New England garden, with Nordic skiing and Green Key as native plants growing in season and its students constantly planting and watering new ideas. I would not have been able to be a part of it without your gift. You have made it possible for me to experience the Dartmouth garden, and even sow a few seeds myself. Because of you, I made it through my first quarter of organic chemistry, all the late nights and tangible desperation in office hours, worth it because I ended up enjoying it—so much that I am now considering a minor in chemistry in addition to my planned major in philosophy modified with classical studies. Because of you, because I am here, I am at a school where I can complete the pre-medical track and still delve deeply into other aspects of human experience that fascinate me, such as ancient virtue ethics and, now, chemistry. During the summer I am taking a term to work full-time researching cellulosic biofuels by genetically modifying bacteria. I thank you over and over for allowing me to reap what I have sown so far here. I cannot wait to see what will grow in the future.” To my dear (very dear) members of the class of ’38: Our generosity will live on and on.

—Jean M. Francis, 2205 Boston Road O-139, Wilbraham, MA 01095; jmfcarmel@charter.net