I am elated to extend a large batch of congratulations to many of our amazing classmates. First, I am happy to report heartwarming news from Anne (Tamaroff) Byers. She announced in early April: “Chris and I would like to introduce everyone to Holden Chase and Hannah Audrey Byers! They were born early but healthy and with a lot to say on February 15. After they spent five weeks in the NICU growing bigger and stronger, we were able to bring them home. While it took us many (many) years to grow our family we are beyond grateful they are finally here!” So happy for Anne and welcome to the world, Holden and Hannah!

In late March Ruth Morgan quite deservedly received the National Council of Negro Women Health Equity Award at its annual Texas State Unity Conference. Ruth expressed just how much the honor meant in saying, “It is always nice to be recognized but this felt a little different. When I think about the civil rights legacy of the organization and its impact so I can have the opportunities that I have today, I am just humbled. As names such as Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, Dr. Dorothy Height, Ruth Jones McClendon were read along with so many other women—I truly felt I was standing on shoulders of greatness.”

Also due her own “flowers” (to use Ruth’s term) is Shakari (Cameron) Byerly—or should I say, “Dr. Byerly?” as she quite happily completed her doctor of philosophy in political science at the University of California, Los Angeles on March 22. Shakari proudly proclaimed, “Finally ‘PhinisheD’ sigh” in submitting her dissertation titled “Black Public Opinion, Public Policy, and Black Politics: Lessons from California.” This achievement was the conclusion of 10 years of amazing work toward her Ph.D.—all the while acting as managing partner of public opinion research and strategic consulting firm Evitarus, founded with her husband Rodrego Byerly ’98.

David and Marybeth (Jordan) Mattingly marked their 25th anniversary in early January; of course that’s just a milestone of their wedded life together, having been a couple since our freshman year. Marybeth celebrated the moment by declaring, “Did then, do now, always will. Happy 25th to my best friend, my love, David!”

Congrats also to Daphne Monie, who started a new position in late January as manager of foundation and corporate giving programs for SUNY Oneonta.

Laura Bennett was the honorary chair of the annual Stepping Out for Memories Alzheimer’s event in Abilene, Texas. Her sister Della Bennett flew in from California as they honored their late mother, who sadly passed away from the disease in early 2023.

We’ve also seen several recent ’96 get-togethers. Sharon (Spatz) Alexander had the unique experience in March of celebrating Dartmouth past and present in St. Louis, Missouri. She was in town (from her homebase of Minnesota) cheering on son Bryce ’27 and the rest of Dartmouth’s men’s hockey at the ACHA Division III Nationals. While there Sharon was able to meet up with Kerry (Marsh) Haas and take in the tournament together!

Maura Kelly also wrote of a quick mini reunion in late March. “I am so happy I got to catch up with my beloved old friend Eva Heyman this weekend. Only sad we didn’t take a selfie!” Rose Lee, Keli’I Opulauoho,and Leslie Jennings Rowley gathered in Hanover for a weekend featuring a Casque & Gauntlet reunion as well as the 40th anniversary celebration of the Dodecaphonics. Kimberly (Koontz) Haring got some quality time with Shervyn von Hoerl and Kimberley Sanderson-Hutfilz while visiting New York City at the tail end of 2023.

—Garrett Gil de Rubio, 1062 Middlebrooke Drive, Canton, GA 30115; ggdr@alum.dartmouth.org