We’re heartbroken to report that Jess Arnold, a beloved classmate, passed away after a trying battle with cancer. When I heard the news I was reminded of lazy brunches with Jess at Homeplate (she was always smiling), when our most pressing concern was whether a 10A/2A schedule was “just too much.” We were blessed to share such carefree times with such wonderful people in such a special place. In honor of that, and in celebration of Jess’ memory, I asked some of her closest friends to share a few words.


“Jess was one of my first friends at Dartmouth–we had breakfast together every morning freshman year and oatmeal at Collis became our daily tradition. She was my tennis partner, dancing buddy, and most stylish fashionista. My husband, Mark, and I will always feel blessed to have had Jess in our lives and forever grateful she introduced us during our first year at Dartmouth. I will always remember her beautiful smile, joyful heart and the love and happiness she gave to those around her,” wrote Laura Delaney Nichol.


“Jess, to me, personified life. Everything she did she did with passion. And to her everything about life at Dartmouth was pretty fabulous. My favorite memories revolve around Lou’s, Baker Library breaks and Jess’ famed margaritas. Dartmouth held a special place in her heart and I feel lucky that every time I think of Dartmouth, I will hear Jess’ vibrant laugh or excited story and see her crazy grin and clear love for the place that we all share,” wrote Megan McCulloch Weiss.


“I thought I’d share just a few of the things that remind me of Jess: pedicures and gold polish, New Jersey, the Vineyard and Hanover, Bernese mountain dogs, Prague and Budapest, Turkish baths, jicama with lime and chili powder, Berry Library, purple. She doesn’t feel so far away when there are so many happy memories and everyday moments that make me remember how lucky I am to have had her in my life,” wrote Allison Zeilinger.


“Jess had a wonderful laugh. You knew she was in the moment. And it spread to everyone around her and pretty soon you couldn’t help but join in on the fun. Fond memories of 13 School piñata parties, kitchen counter conversations over New England apple crisps, hobbling back from Homecoming bonfires on crutches and more,” wrote Aruna Kamath.


“I lived with Jess at 13 School Street our senior year, and our bedrooms shared a wall. She’d often be the last person I saw before I went to bed or the first person I saw in the morning. Sometimes we’d even talk to each other through the paper-thin walls, just because it was so hilarious that we could because the house was so old. Sometimes I think about Jess being on the other side of a wall of sorts now, and I still talk to her and it makes me smile,” wrote Robin Deliso. 


“I’m so grateful to have had Jess in my life. Jess was, in short, a warm, genuine, endearing person with an unmatched zest for life. She had an infectious personality and a gift for communicating to others their value. Jess, there are far too few people and friends like you. You are loved dearly and missed everyday. As Steve Winwood says and as you always believed: ‘We must live while we can/And we’ll drink our cup of laughter.’ I promise to continue celebrating your wonderful life. I love you,” wrote Amy Marcus ’03. 


To those who submitted notes for this issue, your updates will appear in the next magazine. Thank you.


—Jess Leinwand, 1440 S St., NW, Apt. 2, Washington, DC 20009; jess.leinwand@gmail.com