Dartmouth is alive and healthy. Early decision applicants are up 10 percent to 1,859; the College is honoring students: Miriam Kilimo ’14 (from Kenya), Colin Walmsby ’15 (Alberta, Canada) and Ridwan Hassen ’15 (Marietta, Georgia), who have been named Rhodes scholars; U.S. News & World Report recognizes Dartmouth for the exceptional value of its education and the low debt load carried by undergraduates—fifth lowest among national universities.


Yes, Dartmouth still has sexual assault problems—along with the rest of U.S. schools—but our college is attacking them head-on. After a faculty vote urging the elimination of fraternities and sororities on campus, a group of fraternity and sorority leaders, besides eliminating hazing during fraternity initiations, created a new social contract aimed at reducing binge drinking, sexual assault and exclusivity. It included restrictions on hard liquor and recommended harsher penalties for sex offenders, better risk-education for students and the appointment of male and female faculty advisors in every house.


I think we can all agree that the football team had an outstanding year—second in the Ivy League after Harvard. Seeking further superior athletic performances, Dartmouth has added six new coaches in various sports.


Dartmouth’s 91-year-old football stadium is receiving a $12.5 million renovation. The structurally sound brick facade will be preserved—ivy and all. When renovations are completed, Memorial Field seating will drop from 13,000 to 11,000, smallest capacity in the Ivy League.


Tuition for the incoming class of 2018 is up 2.9 percent, the lowest increase since 1977. Although tuition covers less than half the cost of a year at Dartmouth, 46 percent of the class of ’18 will receive scholarship aid, averaging $44,235 per student.


Dartmouth and the University of Alaska have been asked by the U.S. State Department to help lead a new initiative to address problems faced by Arctic governments and people. The 18-month Fulbright project will fund 16 scholars from the eight countries that make up the Arctic Council.


We regret to report the deaths of Ernest Elijah Ball II, John William Gant, Herbert Hess Schaffner and Ellis Smedley Ward Jr. Our condolences to their families.


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