Class Note 1992
Issue
January-February 2021
We’re all dealing with myriad difficult experiences this year (plus turning 50 without being able to celebrate as we might have). It’s more important than ever to increase the opportunities for ’92s to offer each other much-needed support.
I’d looked forward to meeting with the rest of our ’92 executive committee in Hanover, an annual tradition, but in typical 2020 fashion settled for the Zoom version. In late October the class of 1992 officers gathered online—along with representatives from other classes and clubs—to share best practices for nurturing our Dartmouth community.
It was heartening to hear the various ways classes and clubs are working toward ensuring that all classmates have a voice, as well as connecting people to each other.
The 1992 leadership is looking to include more points of view. We usually add to our executive committee during reunions but would like to jump-start this process before our 30th. One way to make progress toward this goal is to proactively invite more members of affinity groups into our discussions.
According to the College, “The personal-identity groups that Dartmouth recognizes as alumni affiliated organizations are based on race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.” In addition, there are groups based on profession and military service, and of course regional clubs all over the globe.
If you are active in a Dartmouth affinity group (see the list at alumni.dartmouth.edu/connect/find-group/dartmouth-alumni-affiliated-groups), please let us know by emailing dartmouth92news@gmail.com. We’d love for you to bring your viewpoint to our monthly meetings. Kimberly Malone Bobb, our Black Alumni of Dartmouth liaison, has created a set of recommendations to assist with the class’ efforts to be more inclusive, and we welcome additional perspectives.
Would you like to support your fellow classmates in their times of need (or request assistance from ’92s who have already offered to help)? Magdale Labbe Henke has volunteered to lead this effort. A U.S. immigration attorney, Magdale has lived in Munich, Germany, for the past 14 years with her German husband and now 4-year-old son.
She explains, “As previously mentioned in our newsletter, we are establishing a ’92 Class Compassion Committee. The goal is to strengthen our community by supporting the health and well-being of our classmates through proactively offering a network of emotional and professional support during times of stress, personal loss, and challenging life events. This can be through sending cards, gifts, meals, referrals, and other general support. The committee has two purposes.
“First, if you or someone you know in our class could use our help—someone who is sick or with a sick family member, a recent death in the family, out of work, or any other situation that might benefit from our support or class network—please contact me.
“Second, we would like to set up an advice network to provide assistance or advice on specific topic areas where classmates need help. We are looking for volunteers to serve as a resource on a topic area. Examples include chronic illness, cancer, grief, general medical or legal questions, spirituality concerns, and substance abuse. Advice network volunteers share their personal or professional experiences and knowledge and exist as support ‘from friends for friends.’ It will not replace professional help or be a place to solicit business. The intention is not to set up a free services relationship. If you are interested in volunteering, please send me an email. Thank you.”
To request support from the ’92 Class Compassion Committee or to volunteer to assist with the advice network, email Magdale at 92compassion committee@gmail.com. Each interaction with the committee remains confidential, unless a classmate wishes to share information with others.
—Kelly Shriver Kolln, 3900 Cottage Grove Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403; (920) 306-2192; dartmouth92news@gmail.com
I’d looked forward to meeting with the rest of our ’92 executive committee in Hanover, an annual tradition, but in typical 2020 fashion settled for the Zoom version. In late October the class of 1992 officers gathered online—along with representatives from other classes and clubs—to share best practices for nurturing our Dartmouth community.
It was heartening to hear the various ways classes and clubs are working toward ensuring that all classmates have a voice, as well as connecting people to each other.
The 1992 leadership is looking to include more points of view. We usually add to our executive committee during reunions but would like to jump-start this process before our 30th. One way to make progress toward this goal is to proactively invite more members of affinity groups into our discussions.
According to the College, “The personal-identity groups that Dartmouth recognizes as alumni affiliated organizations are based on race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.” In addition, there are groups based on profession and military service, and of course regional clubs all over the globe.
If you are active in a Dartmouth affinity group (see the list at alumni.dartmouth.edu/connect/find-group/dartmouth-alumni-affiliated-groups), please let us know by emailing dartmouth92news@gmail.com. We’d love for you to bring your viewpoint to our monthly meetings. Kimberly Malone Bobb, our Black Alumni of Dartmouth liaison, has created a set of recommendations to assist with the class’ efforts to be more inclusive, and we welcome additional perspectives.
Would you like to support your fellow classmates in their times of need (or request assistance from ’92s who have already offered to help)? Magdale Labbe Henke has volunteered to lead this effort. A U.S. immigration attorney, Magdale has lived in Munich, Germany, for the past 14 years with her German husband and now 4-year-old son.
She explains, “As previously mentioned in our newsletter, we are establishing a ’92 Class Compassion Committee. The goal is to strengthen our community by supporting the health and well-being of our classmates through proactively offering a network of emotional and professional support during times of stress, personal loss, and challenging life events. This can be through sending cards, gifts, meals, referrals, and other general support. The committee has two purposes.
“First, if you or someone you know in our class could use our help—someone who is sick or with a sick family member, a recent death in the family, out of work, or any other situation that might benefit from our support or class network—please contact me.
“Second, we would like to set up an advice network to provide assistance or advice on specific topic areas where classmates need help. We are looking for volunteers to serve as a resource on a topic area. Examples include chronic illness, cancer, grief, general medical or legal questions, spirituality concerns, and substance abuse. Advice network volunteers share their personal or professional experiences and knowledge and exist as support ‘from friends for friends.’ It will not replace professional help or be a place to solicit business. The intention is not to set up a free services relationship. If you are interested in volunteering, please send me an email. Thank you.”
To request support from the ’92 Class Compassion Committee or to volunteer to assist with the advice network, email Magdale at 92compassion committee@gmail.com. Each interaction with the committee remains confidential, unless a classmate wishes to share information with others.
—Kelly Shriver Kolln, 3900 Cottage Grove Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403; (920) 306-2192; dartmouth92news@gmail.com