2013 Group of the Year:
Dartmouth Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Alumni/ae Association

DGALA exemplifies thoughtful partnership. Partnership amongst alumni members. Partnership between students and alumni. Partnership between alumni and the College. Such partnership was very evidentin 2013.

DGALA continues to demonstrate strong support of LGBTQA students at Dartmouth, on both an individual and financial level. Through a partnership with the Dartmouth College Fund, DGALA members' contributions made 2013 its third record-breaking year and resulted in the naming of seven DGALA student scholars. The group also maintains the Bourne Fund, which provides students with assistance if they enter financial crisis after coming out. DGALA continues strong communication efforts with its members and the College, with regular newsletters, a wonderful website, a vibrant Facebook group and regular communication with staff.

The group's leadership navigates issues adeptly and with a sense of balance, taking care to support the College as well as its members' varying perspectives. DGALA's leadership sets high standards, is conscientious, insightful, and remains informed on College happenings. Members exhibit a commitment to strengthening the College, as evident through their participation on various committees this year, which included: the search committee for the new Assistant Dean and LGBTQA Advisor in the Office of Pluralism and Leadership (OPAL), the Triangle House planning committee, as well as, the Alumni Council's Ad-Hoc Committee on Diversity & Inclusion.

As part of the 2013 June Reunions, DGALA organized a slate of engaging and thoughtful programs which included the annual breakfast with President Hanlon, a private tour at the Hood museum, a faculty lecture, a jam-packed cocktail hour, and a Q&A with Senator Kristen Gillibrand `88. All of these events resulted in record attendance numbers. The group continues to foster meaningful connections between its members and the College, coordinating programs in Hanover and beyond and has big plans for their upcoming 30th anniversary all-class reunion in October, which promises to be engaging and exciting. We look forward to seeing it all come to fruition!

For all these reasons and more, we are proud to acknowledge DGALA as the 2013 Group of the Year.