Class Note 2012. Hi, ’12s! Growing up, our seasons in Louisiana looked a little different. Instead of the usual spring, summer, fall, and winter, times of the year came in the flavors of hurricane, festival, football, and my personal favorite—gumbo. It’s cold out in D.C., so naturally, my Magnalite pot came out of retirement for a hearty seafood gumbo. Even though I have mastered my own recipe, I’m always down to try new ones recommended to me. Recently, I experimented with a “dry roux,” which calls for toasting all-purpose flour in the oven until it’s dark brown and fills the house with a rich, nutty aroma. The process was nerve-racking, but nevertheless, I persisted, and a deliciously silky, less oily version of my already perfect gumbo came together a few hours later. Trying new things can be scary, but oftentimes, they’re worth it. One of our classmates overcame her fears and finally achieved something much more noteworthy than a vat of earthy, swamp stew.
Bianca Smith, our favorite professional baseball coach-lawyer, is enjoying a different kind of rookie season—this time as a storyteller. Back in September Bianca announced her debut novel, Three Worlds. If you’re looking for a thrilling fantasy that beautifully opines on themes of love, friendship, and sacrifice, then this, my friend, is a book you need to snag! I remember befriending Bianca at a precollege summer program back in 2006, and even then, she was an incredibly dedicated and imaginative writer. It’s a privilege to see her longtime goal of becoming a published author a reality. Congrats, B!
But folks, Bianca’s not the only multihyphenate classmate making waves in the literary world. In November, footballer-actor-poet Julian Flamer published The Canvas Within: Reflections on Growth & Courage. His collection of poems explores ideas surrounding identity, faith, love, and the courage to grow. Julian notes, “Each poem invites readers into reflection, healing, and transformation—celebrating the beauty of becoming and the strength found in truth.” Bravo, Julian!
Finally, Aryeh Drager writes that this past fall he began as a tenure-track assistant professor of meteorology in the SUNY Oswego, Department of Atmospheric and Geological Sciences, on the shore of Lake Ontario about 45 minutes from Syracuse, New York. He explained that the program is for undergraduates only and that he’s “excited to teach meteorology classes, work alongside student researchers, and mentor future generations of atmospheric scientists.” Aryeh previously lived in Long Island but knows central New York will be “a fantastic natural laboratory for studying the weather.” He closed his update on an even more hopeful note: “I’m looking forward to seeing my first waterspout out over Lake Ontario, and I’m bracing to be buried in lake-effect snow this winter!” Aryeh, I forecast that your career in academia will be fulfilling and long-lasting!
It’s officially 2026, and our 15-year reunion is around the corner [insert “mind blown” emoji]. If you’re interested in volunteering as our class president, vice president, or treasurer to help plan the festivities and keep this ship a-sailin’, please contact Tim Koeth at tkoeth@gmail.com.
Also, remember to email your updates to 12.class.notes@gmail.com or write me at the address below. We also gladly welcome photo and video updates via Instagram, @dartmouth2012. Ciao!
—Michelle T. Domingue II, 8250 Georgia Ave., Apt. 409, Silver Spring, MD 20910; 12.class.notes@gmail.com