In the last issue we mentioned that Dartmouth would be hosting a national summit on sexual assault. It took place in July. There were 270 participants from more than 60 colleges and universities. A host of distinguished speakers included David Lisak, who has spent 27 years studying interpersonal violence and has been a consultant to universities, law enforcement agencies and the U.S. military. U.S. Rep. Ann McLane Kuster ’78 opened the meeting. Speakers emphasized that progress has been made; the conference itself demonstrated that the issue is being taken seriously. One helpful suggestion, which President Hanlon strongly endorses, is the creation of a house system, similar to those in place in other Ivy League colleges, that would create a more stable undergraduate environment in residence halls with faculty present.


There has been concern about the shortage of college students studying science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). There is no question that STEM has its place, but let’s not under-value liberal arts. To quote Joseph Helble, dean of Thayer School, “Liberal arts really teaches us to question, to explore broadly, to not accept a particular truth as a given.”


Dartmouth has just received an anonymous $10 million to help with the renovation of the Hood Museum. The Hood will close in the spring of 2016, reopening scheduled for 2018. The museum now has $28 million toward its goal of $50 million to be used to add 15,000 square feet to better accommodate its 65,000 works of art.


Forbes magazine has ranked Dartmouth 10th in a list of the country’s most entrepreneurial institutions.


Despite adverse media publicity, the Dartmouth Alumni Fund raised $51.9 million in 2012-13, for a fifth consecutive dollar record.


We regret to report the deaths of Dick Handrahan, Bob Bradford, Dick G. Kelly, Mike Diaz Jr. and Harry Semmes Jr. Our condolences to their families.


—John M. Jenkins, 80 Lyme Road, Apt. 304, Hanover, NH 03755; (603) 643-2757; mmjenkins@kahres.org