In the first column since our 30th reunion, I’m providing a recap from a jam-packed weekend on campus. Now that we’re no longer considered a “younger class,” our column word limit has been shaved. There is no room to waste words, so let’s dive in.
Thank you to Jen Suhie Hagelston and Samantha Stoddard, as well as the continued support from local Justine Wruble Fahey, for another remarkable reunion weekend. I’m not sure how they managed to line up perfect weather, a DJ with a nostalgic playlist, some Chi Gam-quality dancers, and plenty of fizzy drinks and boozy beverages crafted by Sam Von Trapp, but it was a home run combination. And that was just Friday night. One of the highlights had to be the live band featuring Deb Hafermann Brandt and Jeff Yasuda along with other Dartmouth alums in the new Collis Commons. The “come as you were” themed party brought some nods to early ’90s style, including a few classmates wearing their OG Dartmouth ’94 jerseys and Amy Palmer donning a Tri-Delt hat.
While I wait for you to share your updates and favorite reunion memories, I have a few tidbits to share. First, I ran into dear friends Melissa Diaz-Miranda Maher and Boston beauty Christina McInnes McCormick. I loved seeing, reminiscing, and laughing with these two while recounting stories about living in the Tri-Delt house together while sitting outside of Murphy’s. Because Melissa hadn’t been back to Dartmouth in 30 years, I strong-armed her into providing a brief update of her life. How do you sum up 30 years of a richly lived life? In classic Melly-style, with more laughter, heartfelt kindness, and connection to what matters most in life, Melissa leads with family first and giving back to others. She lives in Garden City, New York, with her husband, John, and three children. She has one child at Georgetown, one at Holy Cross, and one in high school; she is closing in on empty-nest syndrome and couldn’t be a prouder mother. After law school and practicing law for several years, Melissa found her true calling and fulfillment as a special needs teacher for second- and third-graders.
In closing, I wanted to provide a quick update on Pete Moore. He has been interviewing our fellow classmates around the girdled earth during the past year, so naturally I was curious where on earth he was living. Pete shared that he has now lived more than half his life in the Silicon Valley. He is married and has a water polo-playing son in college and a dancing daughter in high school. Recently, he has been rediscovering his love of swimming and competing—approaching both fiercely and seriously. I had to drag his accomplishments out of him, but I have no qualms bragging on his behalf. Pete has set a national record and a world record for the 50-plus age group so far. He has his eyes on setting more records and continuing to compete into the 55-plus age group and beyond. Pete has enjoyed connecting with classmates through the girdled earth series and continuing to meet new people in our class 30 years out from graduation. Keep your eyes open for Pete’s continued installments on our class Facebook page.
—Laura Hardegree Davis, 520 Meadowlark Lane, Brentwood, TN, 37027; lauradavis723@mac.com