Hi, class of ’94. I hope this newsletter finds you well—well, as well as can be expected (sigh). Depending on where you live, you may be working from home or masked-up in a 50-percent-capacity office. You may have children learning virtually or going into school, also masked-up in a 50-percent capacity. Whatever is swirling in your world right now, it probably doesn’t feel normal. A year ago phrases such as “masked-up,” “50-percent capacity,” “hybrid-learning model,” “toilet paper shortage,” “quarantine vs. isolation vs. exposure,” and “Zoom-Zoom-Zoom” weren’t even in our vocabulary, much less our Class Notes!

As I wind down the final days of summer and pen this article, I am indeed masked-up, functioning at 50-percent capacity, in some vague hybrid shell of myself, feeling a need to hoard paper products from the grocery, and completely and thoroughly Zoom-fatigued. Absolutely, things are better—and hope they are with you as well—but I just miss seeing dear, dear friends from Dartmouth!

While Zoom fatigue is real, it’s still the lifeline that keeps businesses, family, and friends connected. After imploring my husband, Ken Davis, to appeal to his fraternity brothers for news, blessedly, a couple took pity and shared their news from their corners of this bizarre, altered world.

I heard from Tom Boldt, who lives in Santa Monica, California, with his wife, Alanna, and beautiful, 5-year-old daughter Caia, “the Etruscan goddess of women and the hearth.” Other than “sanitizing surfaces like we’re suffering from OCD,” he reports that he and Alanna are still practicing acupuncture and Asian medicine. Tom writes, “I hope you can include one of my favorite parts of quarantine, which has been reconnecting with the Alpha Chi Alpha ’94s—your hubby included. I’m sure he’s told you all about it, but it really has been special. Talking with these guys has reminded me of why we were friends 26 years ago.”

Have you heard about Tony Lee’s and Alison LeBouef’sachievements on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS)? These two impressive classmates and longtime friends have raised an amazing $272,416 in just 10 weeks for the LLS, setting a new Arizona state record. For the past nine years they’ve been volunteering for this great cause, largely in honor and memory of Greg Ferris. The importance of the LLS mission hit closer to home for Tony when his daughter, Sophie, was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome in 2015 and underwent treatment. Five years later, Sophie is well, Tony serves as the chair of the LLS board of trustees Arizona chapter, and he was named its Man of the Year 2020. This year 30 classmates contributed to Tony’s LLS campaign. If you’d like to learn more about LLS, reach out to Tony or Alison.

The Arthur L. Irving Institute for Energy and Society at Dartmouth recently announced the newest member of its advisory board as none other than classmate David Yeh. Since graduating from the College as a double major in biology and Asian studies, David has been making a lasting footprint in global finance, innovation, and the Obama White House. Today David is a managing director at 3x5 Partners, a top-quartile venture capital firm investing in health and environmental solutions. In Dartmouth’s press release regarding his recent appointment, David said, “My four years at the Big Green set me on my path to be an environmentalist, public servant, and investor. I am honored to return 26 years later to help fight the existential challenge of our time, the climate crisis, by advancing affordable and sustainable energy for all.” You’re making us proud, and we’re excited to hear about your next undertaking!

Please send me updates and news to share in the next column. Be well.

—Laura Hardegree Davis, 520 Meadowlark Lane, Brentwood, TN 37027; lauradavis723@mac.com