As I write it has been nearly three months since our record-breaking 25th reunion and, by now, some of the glow probably has worn off. But we have a plan to keep some of that magic from the reunion alive. In fact, we have this great new team of mini-reunion chairs and liaisons (led by VP Regina Glocker), whose members will be working tirelessly during the next five years to keep us connected to the class and College. This column seemed like the perfect opportunity to introduce them to you and to share with you some of the highlights of the reunion weekend, from their perspective. 


Without further ado, they are Alec Frisch (Atlanta), Andy Axel (Chicago), Lyn Salsgiver Kobsa (Connecticut), Maura O’Neill Spangler (Colorado), Lisa Ellis and Adam Rabiner (New York), Steph Welsch Lewin (Washington, D.C.), Nova Akashi-Reed and Kelly Mortell Prime (Seattle), Jen Taylor Hendrick (San Francisco), Jen Kates and Christopher Kelly (Dartmouth Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Alumni Association reps/liaisons), Sandy Broadus Chontos (Black Alumni of Dartmouth Association rep/liaison) and Larissa Roesch (Daughters of Dartmouth chair). 


When I asked these folks to share one or two things about the reunion weekend that were highlights for them, people mentioned the seminars and panels, dinner on Baker lawn, the fun run, “fireworks after a rockin’ dance party on the Green” (Jen Taylor Hendrick), “walking across the Green at night to see the stars” (Lyn Salsgiver Kobsa) and having the chance to visit old haunts such as Baker Tower and old dorm rooms. One of my own favorite moments was the class picture on the steps of Dartmouth Hall—I just loved seeing 450-plus classmates around me in that beautiful, end-of-the-day sunlight. And for Steph Lewin it was the hugs and squeals of joy in the class tent when people saw each other for the first time.


But almost everyone also mentioned catching up in person with old friends and also having the chance to make new connections with someone not really known at Dartmouth. Maura Spangler said: “We have so many accomplished, intelligent, well-spoken, thoughtful, witty classmates. It always seems like the more I get to know alums, the more I am impressed with what great, well-rounded, interesting people they are.” And Adam Rabiner shared a great story with me: “For some reason I kept bumping into Patrick Rutty, whom I had never before met. We seemed to share interests in many of the activities offered. First, he was there at the Dartmouth power plant and underground tunnel tour. Then we ended up by chance sitting next to each other at one of the lectures. The next day I spied him not far from me on the Green during the Big Apple show. At that point I asked for his card and e-mail, saying we were meant to stay in touch, and we have since become friends on Facebook.” 


We are in good hands with this group. However, they cannot do it alone. For one thing, we are missing mini-reunion chairs for several key areas, such as Boston—how can we not have someone for Boston?—southern California, Texas, Philadelphia. Other possibilities are the N.Y.C. suburbs in New Jersey and Westchester, south Florida or even London. We apparently even have a cluster of classmates in Anchorage, Alaska! If anyone is interested in taking on one of those areas, or another area that we haven’t identified, please let me know (e-mail below). Also, don’t be afraid to get creative; this is about staying connected to Dartmouth, so go ahead and combine ’88s with other classes or plan a mini-reunion with your teammates, dorm buddies, Greek organization or any other affinity organization.


—Jere Mancini, 34 Wearimus Road, HoHoKus, NJ 07423; d88correspondent@gmail.com