Dartmouth CAGOW
2015 Award Metro Club of the Year: Dartmouth Club of Los Angeles

The Dartmouth Club of Los Angeles has come a long way thanks to the determined efforts of its alumni leaders, board members, and volunteers. This was a year of transition for the club, as 2015 began with an entirely new group of officers. Thanks to the leadership of Club President Janine Avner '80, the club surpassed expectations. Board positions are not only filled, but they reflect the great diversity of the Dartmouth alumni body with representation from all nine affiliated and shared interest groups.

Building upon the strength of that diverse leadership team, the Club of Los Angeles offered a wide array of creative and innovative activities to serve alumni across generations and with a variety of interests. The club sponsored hikes, an annual Dartmouth homecoming beach party, book awards, and for the 35th-consecutive year, a reception for approximately 80 incoming students and parents. It also offered professional activities and partnered with Dartmouth Alumni in Entertainment and Media and Dartmouth's Center for Professional Development to offer a career immersion program for students interested in television, film, and entertainment. Its Club and Group Activity Report can be used as a primer on how to run a club that is spread throughout a large geographic area.

The Dartmouth Club of Los Angeles makes a point of giving back, and in 2015 the club hosted an impressive number of community service projects. Every year the club coordinates its signature program "Coats from the Coast," which provides incoming Dartmouth students with winter gear for the harsh Hanover weather. It co-sponsored an inaugural salon series called PINE with YADA, which brings together creative individuals in the Los Angeles area. Some of the proceeds from this event were donated to Nepali earthquake relief efforts as part of the Dartmouth Alumni Day of Service. Most significant was its partnership with Dartmouth Uniformed Service Alumni to assist veterans by volunteering at the VA West Los Angeles Medical Center and Fisher House. In total, the Los Angeles club served more than 200 veterans and their families.

A heartfelt congratulations to the Dartmouth Club of Los Angeles for all its hard work and incredible service to Dartmouth and its local community. We wish you continued success!