CAGOW 20152014 Metro Club of the Year: Dartmouth Club of Washington, D.C.

Steve Jobs is quoted as once saying: "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." The creativity and enthusiasm of the Dartmouth Club of Washington, D.C. generates enough innovation to lead all alumni clubs around the world, no matter what school is represented. In fact, Congress could even learn a few things from President Barbara Rollins '84 and her hard-working Board of Directors.

Whether it be as simple as adding the word "member" on the name badge of dues payers at events to generate questions, or as complex as hosting a black-tie dinner for its annual Daniel Webster Public Service award, everything is done with the goal of achieving greater and more diverse alumni participation while celebrating Dartmouth's excellence and sense of family. In fiscal year 2014, 71 different events attracted over 3,350 participants. These covered all types of activities, from the intellectual to athletic as well as community service. It would be difficult for someone not to be enticed by at least one if not more Club offerings.

The club is also dedicated to bringing the best and brightest to Dartmouth. Between a book awards program which honors students from 37 different high schools and a comprehensive alumni-interviewing program which is bolstered by very popular holding and send-off parties, the club has made a tremendous impact on Dartmouth's future alumni body. The club also financially supports current students through a robust scholarship program.

This success is in large part due to an annual one-day leadership team planning retreat where board members gather to outline the year's initiatives. Retreat topics include membership outreach and fee structure, communication tools and practices, and the need to improve the diversity of events. Strategic planning is critical to the success of any club let alone one as large and as diverse as Washington, D.C.

It was once said "a strategy, even a great one, doesn't implement itself." The Dartmouth Club of Washington, D.C. certainly subscribes to that theory and does so to the benefit of everyone it touches.