Committee chair Amanda Brown ’07 opened the meeting by asking committee members to relate anecdotes that demonstrated what they love about returning to Hanover.
The committee reviewed and discussed the following ongoing projects.
• Life After Dartmouth Guide: There have been no major editorial changes made since the fall meeting, when the draft guide was shared with the committee. David Tatkow ’01 and Dartmouth for Life director Dan Parish ’89 agreed to follow up after the meeting to discuss possible next steps for the guide and ways that Dartmouth for Life might be able to support the project.
• Young Alumni Discounts: Original research on a young alumni discount/benefits program was conducted by Allie Miller ’10 and Patrick McCarthy ’04. Patrick shared background information and the results of that research with Dan during the winter. Dan hopes to explore pilot program possibilities as part of Dartmouth for Life planning during the next year, but the initial work carried out by Allie and Patrick revealed possible legal/liability barriers for the College. Committee members still have enthusiasm for seeing this project move forward. If the pilot program can be established, committee members see a need for metrics to measure success. Kate Lyon ’05 and Maia Josebachvili ’05 will research metrics and share them with Dan.
The committee heard an update from the Alumni Relations Office.
• Since joining alumni relations in October 2011, Derrick Smith ’07 has focused on expanding programming, incorporating a wider variety of events in Young Alumni at Dartmouth Association (YADA) offerings and partnering with the Dartmouth on Location programs and with local clubs, affiliated groups, etc. During 2012-13, YADA programs have reached approximately 13 percent of young alumni. Derrick is working on the creation of a young alumni chair council/committee that will provide a place for young alumni chairs to offer feedback to Derrick and share ideas and best practices.
• Dan Parish shared the results of the alumni programs survey conducted in December 2012 as part of the College’s strategic planning process and highlighted program ideas and data related to young alumni interests. Dan previewed young alumni programming and career programming planned for 2013-14.
The committee discussed whether and how the council might be able to play a more active and assertive role in connecting with current students and influencing conversations about campus climate. Members reconfirmed interest in building in time during or after Alumni Council meetings to add more interaction with students, perhaps in small groups around class years, interests, etc.
Caroline Kerr ’05 will chair the Young Alumni Committee in 2013-14 and Rodrigo Ramirez ’06 was elected to serve as vice chair during that time period.