Happy new year! This issue marks the first for Dartmouth’s special celebration of the College’s 250th anniversary. Of course the College on the Hill is a storied institution, one with many alumni across the world who work hard to make change in a multitude of different ways. I’ve been proud to be a Dartmouth alumna, and there are countless ways I’ve used lessons I learned at Dartmouth (both inside and outside of the classroom) to work to become a better person. I met people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences during my time at the College that broadened my perspective, challenged me, and helped shape me, and I personally hope that, in another 250 years, Dartmouth thrives as a place that pushes people out of their comfort zones and nurtures students who are open, global citizens. So, what do you think Dartmouth will look like in another 250 years? Send me your updates for next issue with an answer to this question! Now on to this month’s news.

On October 7 Kelly Brait ran the Chicago Marathon. Even though it rained, it did not dampen her spirit and enthusiasm to complete her first marathon. She was enjoying her time so much throughout the race that she said, “I never got to my playlist!” Kelly also earned her C.F.P. designation this year and is working with J.P. Morgan Chase in Chicago. She still meets with former Dartmouth soccer teammates and enjoys annual trips with the girls.

Patton Lowenstein writes in, “I spent the first year or so working on an oyster farm on Cape Cod, including the winter when New England got about 8 feet of snow—we spent a lot of time in sub-30-degree water in leaky waders. For a year or so after that (plus about two weeks of unemployment) I worked as baker, then line cook, then sous chef at Water Street Kitchen in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Since mid-2017 I have been working in the chemistry department at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, studying coral skeleton chemistry as proxy for ocean temperature and chemistry change. I am beginning with a new lab next week to study lipid biomarkers (metabolic indicators) in marine microbes.”

And, if I may, I’d love to share some personal news. I had the pleasure of marrying Brian Flint in New Orleans on October 27. We were so thrilled to share our hometown (we met at a Dartmouth meet-up event the summer before freshman year) with people we love so much. Many Dartmouth alumni attended, including Brian’s parents, Delos and Elizabeth (Putnam) Flint ’78. Maids-of-honor Semarley Jarrett and Tashneen Bakht, best man Brendan Nagle, and bridesmaid Chisom Obi-Okoye were a part of our wedding party, which also included, among others, Connor Flint ’12 and Caitlin Flint ’16. Thank you to all of the alums who joined us for this special day!

Looking forward to receiving your news! Also, don’t forget to tell me what you hope the College will look like in 250 years!

—Jessica Womack, 223 Madison Ave., Box E, Fort Washington, PA 19034; jrwomack1991@gmail.com