This is my last Class Notes column. Although it’s been my pleasure and privilege to write these columns these past five years, I am thrilled to pass the baton to my successor, Tory Woodin Chavey. Tory, together with president Traci Byrne Gentry, VP Lisa Ellis, treasurer Kim Fasolo-Lomonaco, and the rest of their team—they’re keen to get new people involved—will lead us into our 35th reunion in 2024. You are in good hands, people. But, before I go, perhaps you will indulge some personal musings by me?

More than 34 years ago I was lucky enough to be asked to join the class of 1988. I can’t imagine what my life would have been without the courses I took, the lessons I learned outside the classroom, the snow I battled through and sometimes tripped on and over (who remembers those giant snowbanks lining the pathways throughout the early months of 1985?), and the friends I made during those four years and the 30 years since.

Give a rouse for Taylor Thomas and Anne Chmielewski Kushwaha and their amazing team, who treated us to a magical 30th reunion weekend full of reminiscing, reconnecting, and, yes, making some new connections—and a seriously fun silent disco. We were nearly 350 classmates strong—another record smashed by our class—and we had fabulous food (Jodi Gould Monster and Jane Grussing Lonnquist), beverages (Alec Frisch, Todd Jackson, and Peter Rutledge), activities (Stephanie Welsch Lewin), music (Derek LeLash, Meegan McCorkle and Paul Steinwald), souvenirs (Scott Marr and Barb Turley Marr), tent decorations (Cherise Glick Bransfield and Kajy Rejaie Vicinelli), a nostalgic but fun Saturday night slide show in the class tent (put together by Cuong Do from vintage photos we submitted), and a timely and thought-provoking panel on aging (Caroline McKeldin Wayner, Sarah Hoit, Michelle Stowe Ong, Brent Forester, and Simon Cordery). Also, let’s not forget the important work done to get us all registered (Cari Lynel Jackson Lewis and Kendall Grigsby Carbone), excited to attend (Regina Glocker and Lee Asher Prince), and get it all paid for (co-treasurers Alec Casey and Jolin Salazar Kish). Last, but certainly not least, we had TED-style talks (organized by Lee Asher Prince and Charlie Wheelan and moderated by Rachel Dratch) and an exceedingly moving memorial service (organized by Mary Flounders Green and led by Jevin Eagle with original music composed by Brian Howrey). The fierce honesty, humor, and courage of our classmates who delivered the talks and spoke at the service—Patrick Rutty’s talk on how Uber saved his life drew a standing ovation reminiscent of Playfair—made me so proud to be a part of this class. And a special shout-out to past leaders listed at www.dartmouth88.org/our-class/leadership. Their groundwork made so much possible. If you weren’t able to join us in Hanover, or if you did but missed the slideshow, the talks, the service, the Freshman Book photos displayed in the tent, or just want to see them again, check them out—and the video of our graduation—at the following links: www.dartmouth88.net/30thReunionVideo, www.dartmouth88.net/tedtalks, www.dartmouth88.net/in-me, www.dartmouth88.net/FreshmanBook, and www.dartmouth88.net/commencement. Finally, we are collecting photos from the 30th reunion (not the old photos this time around!). Please send them to dartmouth88photos@gmail.com.

I will sign off by saying that I couldn’t be prouder to be part of this great class of 1988—we truly are “Better Together,” which makes the reunion theme all the more appropriate. Hope to see you all on the dance floor at our 35th—this time without my crutches but with that silent disco and fabulous playlist?!

All the best, my fellow “gr’88s.”

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