Class Note 1988
Nine classmates gathered in Hanover during prime leaf season (although rain blurred the views) for Class Officers Weekend and, more importantly, 25th reunion planning. (Is June 13-16 on your calendar yet?) Catherine Craighead Briggs and her team were lauded by the College for getting a record-setting 62 percent of us to support the Dartmouth College Fund last year. (Catherine insists that this honor belongs to the 631 of you who gave to Dartmouth last year, so thank you very much!) Alec Casey was recognized for developing a better, more streamlined way for ’88s to pay class dues and support the College. Ann Jackman received an enormous framed award for her terrific themed newsletters. Steph Welsch-Lewin not only led the charge, but brought her son along to interview and sample dorm life. Tim Mitchell has stepped up to co-chair the big reunion with Steph. (Is June 13-16 on your calendar yet?) Lyn Salsgiver Kobsa, Geoff Hyatt, Jolin Kish and Gregg Nourjian rounded out the group. (Dear Reader, apologies for mentioning these folks annually in my columns. I try to avoid repeats and promise to omit them next year if my inbox is overflowing with news from you!) When our class meeting moved to a bar, we were met by locals Charlie Wheelan and Leah Yeagan. Leah is teaching math in an Upper Valley high school and had interesting insights into the needs of these students versus those of her former students in Chicago public schools. Speaking of local classmates, our own Jon Kull, who has been on Dartmouth’s chemistry faculty since 2001, was appointed dean of graduate studies. In the official announcement, Jon explained, “The office of graduate studies supports nearly 800 students, who represent future leaders in many different disciplines. It is critical that we mentor these students and train them well.”
Another ’88 is supporting Dartmouth students with a new approach to mentorship and funding. Dave Girouard, former president of Google’s enterprise business, founded Upstart to help talented students pursue their passions rather than settling for a job that is just financially safe. Upstart enables alumni from Dartmouth and four other schools to raise capital to build a business, pay student loans or focus on their craft. Upstart is about investment in a person and his or her career over time and providing mentorship along the way. Dave credits Bill Bunker and Brett Matthews for their early input and support for Upstart. Dave also shared a personal update that he lives in Redwood City, California, with his wife, Tiffany, son Jackson, daughter Tristyn and golden retriever Fenway.
What about other inspiring ’88s? Our classmate Jack (born Jacques; who knew?) Steinberg has been tasked with putting together a series of panel discussions throughout reunion weekend, so we can hear from, learn from and I hope be inspired by some of our classmates. If you’ve got an idea for a panel theme—or want to offer up yourself or a classmate as someone who has done something during the past 25 years you think we should all hear about—please drop Jack a line at 34rusticroad@gmail.com. No promises—but he is, he assures us, all ears.
Lastly, make sure your e-mail address is up-to-date and get ready for an amazing Hanover gathering. (Is June 13-16 on your calendar yet?)
Cheers.
—Jane (Grussing) Lonnquist, 4510 Drexel Ave., Edina, MN 55424; jjlonnquist@earthlink.net
