Class Note 2017
Issue
September-October 2022
And just like that, my tenure as the secretary for the class of 2017 has come to a close. Every month I request recommendations for who to feature in the Class Notes. For my last edition, I am highlighting the individual who you nominated the most frequently: Dorian Allen, me! I know it may come across as narcissistic, but I’m giving the people what they want!
Since graduation I have moved a lot; it’s been chaotic, but I have consistently had an amazing community of Dartmouth alums to support me.
In Minneapolis, 2017-19: Two weeks before I was supposed to start working at Unilever in my home state of New Jersey, my boss told me he needed me to backfill a role in Minneapolis. The move was scary, but I learned so much from it. I learned how to use Excel, manage up, and navigate the skyway. Although Minneapolis felt new, I benefited from the familiarity and comfort of the Dartmouth community. Heather Lucas (née Laedtke) was my “Minneapolis mom”; she introduced me to new people and took me to new places such as the North Shore with Maddie Wall ’16 and Rebecca Butler ’15.
In New York City, 2019-20: After a year and half in Minneapolis, I moved back east to work at a tech startup, Collibra. Being closer to home was refreshing, but I was better equipped to thrive in New York because of the independence, resilience, and social skills I developed in Minneapolis.
All my highlights in New York involve the Dartmouth community. I landed my job by cold-calling Michelle Rosen ’00; she connected me to recruiters, and after I began working, she consistently stopped by my desk to check in. Other highlights include hosting my housewarming party, where I was reunited with George Neidermayer, Graham Rigby, and Kim Son, and celebrating Jack Long’s achievements at the Tribeca Film and TV festival. I also had numerous unforgettable dinners with Amy Sun, Timo Vaimann, Maddie Dunn, Dave Harmon, and Jorge Siwady.
In Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, 2020-21: When the pandemic began, I moved into my family’s home in Martha’s Vineyard…but without my family. I spent more than a year working remotely and house-sitting for my parents. During this time I learned how to cook (my specialty is a figgy balsamic pork chop), discovered hidden gems on the island, and watched every franchise of Real Housewives. Although I was essentially alone on a deserted island, I never felt lonely. I frequently facetimed Liz Klein and had visitors, such as Kira Farris, Joby Bernstein, Dave Harmon, Regan Plekenpol, and Graham Rigby.
In Lyon, France, 2021-22: Last fall I took a risk, left my corporate job, and became an English teacher in France. I taught classes at a professional high school that focuses on food and hospitality. I had to master a foreign language, learn about French gastronomy, and command the attention of 200 teenagers who think (know) they’re cooler than me. Again, many Dartmouth people supported me. I am grateful for my rocks Kira Farris and Liz Klein, who I spoke to nearly every day, and for Dave Harmon and Taylor Yamahata ’18, who took multiple flights to reach my small city.
Now, as I sit in my studio apartment in Lyon, I can’t help but wonder, where would I be without my ’17s? You picked me up when I was down and cheered for me when I succeeded. Thank you for inspiring and supporting me with every step I have taken since graduation.
—Dorian J. Allen, 3 Rue Jacquard, 3ième étage, Lyon, France 69004; dorallen@comcast.net
Since graduation I have moved a lot; it’s been chaotic, but I have consistently had an amazing community of Dartmouth alums to support me.
In Minneapolis, 2017-19: Two weeks before I was supposed to start working at Unilever in my home state of New Jersey, my boss told me he needed me to backfill a role in Minneapolis. The move was scary, but I learned so much from it. I learned how to use Excel, manage up, and navigate the skyway. Although Minneapolis felt new, I benefited from the familiarity and comfort of the Dartmouth community. Heather Lucas (née Laedtke) was my “Minneapolis mom”; she introduced me to new people and took me to new places such as the North Shore with Maddie Wall ’16 and Rebecca Butler ’15.
In New York City, 2019-20: After a year and half in Minneapolis, I moved back east to work at a tech startup, Collibra. Being closer to home was refreshing, but I was better equipped to thrive in New York because of the independence, resilience, and social skills I developed in Minneapolis.
All my highlights in New York involve the Dartmouth community. I landed my job by cold-calling Michelle Rosen ’00; she connected me to recruiters, and after I began working, she consistently stopped by my desk to check in. Other highlights include hosting my housewarming party, where I was reunited with George Neidermayer, Graham Rigby, and Kim Son, and celebrating Jack Long’s achievements at the Tribeca Film and TV festival. I also had numerous unforgettable dinners with Amy Sun, Timo Vaimann, Maddie Dunn, Dave Harmon, and Jorge Siwady.
In Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, 2020-21: When the pandemic began, I moved into my family’s home in Martha’s Vineyard…but without my family. I spent more than a year working remotely and house-sitting for my parents. During this time I learned how to cook (my specialty is a figgy balsamic pork chop), discovered hidden gems on the island, and watched every franchise of Real Housewives. Although I was essentially alone on a deserted island, I never felt lonely. I frequently facetimed Liz Klein and had visitors, such as Kira Farris, Joby Bernstein, Dave Harmon, Regan Plekenpol, and Graham Rigby.
In Lyon, France, 2021-22: Last fall I took a risk, left my corporate job, and became an English teacher in France. I taught classes at a professional high school that focuses on food and hospitality. I had to master a foreign language, learn about French gastronomy, and command the attention of 200 teenagers who think (know) they’re cooler than me. Again, many Dartmouth people supported me. I am grateful for my rocks Kira Farris and Liz Klein, who I spoke to nearly every day, and for Dave Harmon and Taylor Yamahata ’18, who took multiple flights to reach my small city.
Now, as I sit in my studio apartment in Lyon, I can’t help but wonder, where would I be without my ’17s? You picked me up when I was down and cheered for me when I succeeded. Thank you for inspiring and supporting me with every step I have taken since graduation.
—Dorian J. Allen, 3 Rue Jacquard, 3ième étage, Lyon, France 69004; dorallen@comcast.net