Class Note 1997

It’s been 25 years since we tragically lost Adam Brown, our only classmate to die during our four years at Dartmouth.

Adam’s parents, Claudia and Dr. Jeff Brown ’66, and sister Amy recently reached out. Dr. Brown wrote: “Adam had a great freshman year and came home for the summer to be a camp counselor of little kids, whom he loved. But he was suddenly taken by a virulent cancer and we lost him in only 10 weeks. I routinely follow your class in the alumni magazine and we would love to receive any remembrances or photos anyone wants to share. We endowed an annual award and scholarship for the department of geography, which Adam loved and where he received a citation. Two other such programs were established by the local community, and the total awards and scholarships in Adam’s name now reaches about 60. He would be embarrassed by it all, but the feedback is that these prizes have done a lot of good. A tree and plaque are also in front of Ripley for anyone interested who passes that way. Best wishes to the class of ’97, which continues to impress with all you have done and are doing.”

Karim Hruska knew Adam best. “Adam and I grew up together and were like brothers. I was at Dartmouth because of him and because of his dad’s influence. Adam’s importance to me can best be illustrated by the simple fact that both my 7-year-old daughter, Eva Addison, and my 5-year-old son, Julius Adam, are named for him. After 25 years he is still in my thoughts nearly daily. It is interesting how, in observing our own children, we see a reflection of ourselves that often provides greater insight into our own psyche than even our own true reflection may provide. Although they obviously never met Adam, my children not infrequently cry to me that they miss him. The first time my daughter did this, I was quite taken aback. I’ve since become used to it and realized their feelings and overt displays of emotion are created by my own strength of feeling. My bond with and love for Adam are not only reflected in my children but also absorbed by them, so Adam and his positive influence are indeed living well beyond his short 19 years. Adam loved Dartmouth and going there was his lifelong dream. He passed away at the dawn of what I have no doubt would have been a brilliant academic career and adult life. He is missed.”

Zach Scott recalled Adam fondly: “Adam was very charismatic, athletic, and handsome. My strongest memory of his personality, however, was his deep empathy for others and a genuine desire to help those in need. I recall several conversations we had about my own difficulties fitting into college life at Dartmouth. I doubt I was able to reciprocate such attributes in any meaningful way, but this just illustrates Adam’s charity. In these respects, he was mature and wise beyond his years. Adam was truly a wonderful person, and I will always cherish his memory and the gifts he gave me during our time together.”

Drew Spencer and Jim Meyer, who lived across the hall from Adam, remembered him on Facebook.

Drew: “He was such a great guy.”

Jim: “I’ll always remember the movie marathon we held in our room over Thanksgiving break that year. We made the best of being three guys from the West Coast, allergic to the cold New Hampshire weather, ‘stranded’ in Hanover…”

Drew: “…Enjoying the release of Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle album and Midnight Marauders by A Tribe Called Quest…

Jim: “…And a few pizzas and chicken sandwiches from EBAs.”

Josh Jarrett wrote: “I didn’t know Adam well, but I was friends with his freshman roommate, Adrian Tompsett. Whenever I swung by the room, Adam greeted me with a big smile and welcomed me in. It’s easy to be aloof or annoyed when your roommate has friends over to your snug dorm room, but I never felt that from Adam. I appreciated that he was both open and friendly, but, almost more importantly, he was confident and comfortable in his own skin to be welcoming. I’m sure that’s a trait he would have continued as an adult. I wish the Browns all the best and hope they know their son had a positive impact on many people he met along the way.”

May Adam’s memory be a blessing.

—Jason Casell, 10106 Balmforth Lane, Houston, TX 77096; jhcasell@gmail.com