This summer has been a reflective time for many ’96s—for a gamut of reasons. Kristen Havens shared a lovely story of what I would call “Dartmouth happenstance.” In March she was at an outdoor café in California and just happened to be wearing a Dartmouth T-shirt. A passerby noticed her wearing Big Green garb and stopped by to say “hello” and tell her his connection to the College. It turns out he was James Freedman’s great-nephew—the same James Freedman who was Dartmouth’s 15th president. She relayed to him that his great-uncle was president during her tenure in Hanover and that everyone was quite sad when he passed.

Jonathon Stewart has been basking in reflection all summer, as his family celebrated his daughter’s birthday by seeing Inside Out 2 in the theater; this led him to recall a meeting 11 years to the day that changed his life. He and his writing partner were called back to Pixar Animation after being told just six months earlier there was little chance the company would be able to work with them. They jumped at the opportunity presented, worked with Pixar’s team to overhaul a troubled script, and for the next 14 months revitalized what would become Cars 3. Quite coincidentally, on their second day at Pixar the duo was able to view preliminary animatics of the first Inside Out film.

In May Shelley Arakawa returned to Hanover for the 25th anniversary of the Dartmouth Asian Pacific American Alumni Association (DAPAAA), sitting on a leadership panel during the event. While there, she met up with fellow ’96s Keli’i Opulauoho, Christopher Kao, Jacquelyn Chappel, and Andrew Koh. She also was able to celebrate husband Jarrid Whitney’s birthday while in Hanover, where the pair met while working in the office of admissions. To cap the trip off, they met up for an incredible lunch in Boston with Joy Santa Teresa, Ken Lee (and wife Rebecca Symmes Lee ’98), Kerry (Fiacco) White, Scott Lassonde, Drew Natenshon, Tom Caputo (and wife Sarah Lenczner Caputo ’97),and Stephen Haddad.

It’s been a busy spring in Hanover for Keli’i who, just the week prior to the DAPAAA event, attended the 2024 Dartmouth Pow Wow. Joining him was Christopher Newell, who was emcee for this year’s gathering.

The end of April also marked a significant milestone for Jami Papa, who bid farewell to Nairobi, Kenya, after four and a half years stationed there. She said, “After nearly 20 years [in the foreign service] and eight tours later, it never gets easier.” Jami and her husband will be in Arizona, Montana, and Washington, D.C., until late August and then off to Pakistan for what they expect to be their last post before retirement.

Congratulations to Laura Bennett and Jeremie Perry, who in June celebrated their 25th anniversary. Laura reflected on their relationship saying, “You keep me focused on us, on staying well-rounded and help me reach for the stars. What a wonderful life we have built.” Lanea (Eschmeyer) and Simon Tripp and family also celebrated 22 years together (and high school graduation for Brady) with a trip to Sweden and the Netherlands. Congrats to two of our all ’96 couples!

Lastly, congrats to Jenny Land Mackenzie, who marked her 50th by participating in a Dartmouth tradition—running and hiking “The 50” on the Appalachian Trail from Hanover to Moosilauke Lodge. She took the journey with her student, friend, and fellow alum Susan Dunklee ’08 (three-time biathlete Olympian). Wildlife, gorgeous views, rough elements, and supportive alums carrying water and snacks marked their journey. Jenny said, “I can’t imagine a more meaningful experience to treasure.”

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