Karen Calby '81: Dartmouth Alumni Award Recipient, 2008-09
Karen Calby '81 received the Dartmouth Alumni
Award from council president John Daukas '84
at the 197th Alumni Council session
in December 2008.
Karen Calby '81, when you were a high school student, your heart was set on attending Duke University. However, a rainy weekend trip to Hanover during one of our gorgeous spring mud seasons changed your mind.You loved everything about it! How could Durham, North Carolina ,in April compete with this? The decision was made, and you never looked back.
Arriving on campus, you immersed yourself in a wide variety of campus activities. A standout on the women's lacrosse team, you were a member of the All-New England Team, recognized on the Ivy League Athletic Honor Roll, and remain third in Dartmouth's all-time career goals having scored an extraordinary 151 goals during your four years. When you weren't running, you were swimming. Co-captain of the Women's Swim Team, you were an All-American and received the Geer Award presented annually to the swimmer who has contributed the most to the development of the Dartmouth women's swim program.In your spare time you joined Sigma Kappa sorority, sang for the Handel Society, served as a congressional intern for Senator Richard Schweiker, and were a member of Fire & Skoal.
Graduating with a government major modified with history, you enjoyed a brief stint as a consultant at Arthur Anderson before entering the Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania. With MBA in hand you accepted a position with Oliver, Wyman & Company.An impressive career in strategy consulting, fixed income management, and real estate investments followed.You currently serve as managing director of Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, a real estate investment fund designed for institutional investors.
You have commented that Dartmouth taught you what you know today about "competing, learning, winning and losing." Your attachment to this Dartmouth experience did not cease upon graduation. Since 1981 you have been actively involved in alumni activities in a multitude of roles. Supporting your class, you have served as an executive committee member, secretary, class agent, leadership agent and reunion giving committee member.In addition, you were a member of the Nominating and Alumni Trustee Search Committee, the College Relations Group, and the Dartmouth College Fund Committee.You completed not one, but two terms on the Alumni Council, ultimately being selected to lead the council as president during your final year.
No less involved within your community, it is obvious that your faith plays a central role in your life. An active member of the Noroton Presbyterian Church, you were a choir member, an elder and participated on both the Strategic Planning Committee and the Pastor Nomination Committee. Last year you enjoyed a mission trip to the Dominican Republic with your church where you had the opportunity to meet one of the two children your family sponsors there. Reflecting your interest in land conservation, you also recently agreed to join the board of the Darien Land Trust.
All who know you realize that your top priority is your family.Your husband, Doug (a member of the Cornell class of 1981), has kindly attended all of your Dartmouth reunions, patiently supports your passion for Dartmouth, and even tolerates the "Go Big Green" rather than "Go Big Red" cheers. He has been your best friend throughout this journey and the two of you joined forces with your children, Chris '12 and Liz, two years ago to support one another through Chris's illness, treatment and recovery.You have noted that you remain in awe of Chris, who exhibited an inner strength and sense of humor that endeared him to all, and Liz, who was resilient, capable and a true hero. It was with great joy that this Dartmouth family of ours recently welcomed Chris into the Class of 2012!
All competitive swimmers know that when you reach a wall, it is the flip turn that makes the difference. Karen, you have successfully flipped, scaled, and hurdled many types of walls throughout your life, always with a sense of graciousness and compassion that is an inspiration to us all. In recognition of your extraordinary contributions to society, your alma mater, and your family we are immensely proud to honor you this evening with the presentation of the Dartmouth Alumni Award.