“Dear Mom and Dad, I guess this is the dead season of the year—rainy weather and no hour exams to make life worth living. The ice is still holding on in patches as a sort of reminder that this once was the winter season. Everybody seems to think that such weather is quite extraordinary. They say we should be wallowing to our classes knee-deep in powder snow—instead, it’s mud. Every freshman and sophomore is required to take some exercise three times a week, just to keep the frame in trim. My little efforts in bodybuilding have been in the classes given by dub skiers. Some upperclassman attempts to instruct us in skiing, particularly in the art of falling into the trees, with a maximum of damage to the trees. I’m going to try Hell’s Highway, which they claim is a sort of two-mile precipice where moss gathers and water drips during the summer. Still, if snow can fall on it, I ought to be able to.”

From this ’38 scholarship student, these are some of the emotions that might bring back similar memories and feelings from 80 years ago that will never be forgotten and always seem to rise to the top of our full life.

He continues: “It is hard to believe that I am in my final year at Dartmouth. My Dartmouth experience has been filled with a variety of unexpected events and experiences—I’ve joined a dance group, kayaked down the Connecticut River, rushed a fraternity, and changed majors three times. Some experiences are unique to college itself, but many of these were unique to Dartmouth specifically. Regardless, all of them have been unforgettable and have left a long-lasting impression on my life and character that I am confident I will take with me long after I have graduated. My experience at Dartmouth has helped make me who I am today, and I would not trade my time at Dartmouth with time anywhere else. Thank you for your generous contributions that allowed me, and many similar students, to attend such a unique and special place for college.”

—Jean M. Francis, 2205 Boston Road O-139, Wilbraham, MA 01095