Stephen F. Mandel ’52 Society

A son of small-town New Hampshire, Peter Pratt was born with granite in his muscles and his brains. As a proud member of the Class of 1971 and fervent supporter of financial aid, he has ceaselessly led and encouraged his Dartmouth brethren, their spouses, and the female transfer students who joined their Class to “do more and better.” Under Peter’s leadership, the ’71s’ accomplishments include endowing a scholarship to honor President John Sloan Dickey and Professor John Rassias, who had a special impact on Peter. He also lends his substantial talents to the Dartmouth Club of D.C., as well as the Dartmouth College Fund. Peter’s wife, Marsha is a wholehearted partner in his efforts for Dartmouth, and together the two endowed the Pratt Family Scholarship. That gift is even more special with Peter following in the footsteps of his father, who gave to the Dartmouth Parents and Grandparents Fund for over 30 years. 

Brett Perryman always finds time for Dartmouth, and she has been a foundational leader since graduation. With her modest and discreet style, Brett has shepherded the Class of 1992’s volunteer team to ever-increasing heights while demonstrating diplomacy and determination. Brett, who first worked with the Dartmouth College Fund as a Green Corp$ student caller, brings her communications and business acumen to every volunteer role. Her efforts to engage her ’92 classmates through novel stewardship programs, creative recruitment tactics, and participation challenges have created a model for other classes to follow. At their 25th Reunion, Brett’s persistence and strategic mind helped tip the Class of 1992’s gift over the $4 million mark moments before the deadline. Thanks to her advocacy, the Class of 1992 has become a leading class in the Centennial Circle, of which she is a proud member. Perhaps most important of all, Brett’s outreach and empathy have kept her classmates connected to the College and each other. 

Growing up with a mother who was an accomplished elementary school teacher, Beth has had the leadership gene since a young age. Whether it’s rallying her classmates to support the Dartmouth College Fund by starting off class meetings with hit songs of the ’90s, or helping lead an initiative for Cradles to Crayons that supports young families, Beth has a knack for making everyone on a project feel energized and inspired. She leads by example: according to classmates, when most people would make ten fundraising calls, Beth would make 100. She brings “exhaustive research and meticulous preparation” for every volunteer role, such as serving as co-head agent for her Dartmouth class, chairing the Alumni Council’s Nominating and Alumni Trustee Search Committee, and serving on the Dartmouth College Fund Committee. She is also a member of the Centennial Circle of Dartmouth Alumnae. Fundraiser, epidemiologist, PTO president, devoted mom—she does all of it with optimism and a devoted thoroughness. 

Affectionately called the “Phi Beta Rager” by his classmates and fraternity brothers, Kyle brings a “phenomenal work ethic” and an infectious enthusiasm to everything he does. Kyle is willing to jump through any hoops needed to help his friends—so people love working with him, no matter the task. Giving everyone a fair shake in education is his core belief, and Kyle walks the talk: volunteering for the Dartmouth College Fund or serving on school boards and The Family Tree, a nonprofit in his Baltimore community. He has volunteered at Dartmouth in so many ways: on the Alumni Council, DCF Committee, and as class officer and admissions ambassador. For his class’s 35th reunion, he rallied different affinity groups—sports, sororities, fraternities—to successfully raise over $3 million and fund 60 DCF scholarships. Leading by example, he also inspires other alumni and students to support DCF—including his daughter, Regan ’19, who is a DCF Class of 2019 volunteer. 

It’s altogether appropriate that Peter Fahey should meet his future wife, Helen, during spring break in the Bahamas, where he’d come to cheer Dartmouth’s rugby team. Peter’s reputation for attending Dartmouth events, including 33 consecutive Dartmouth-Harvard football games, is legendary. Although he was a Baker Scholar at Harvard Business School, Peter’s allegiance is unquestionable—and genetic. Two brothers, all four of his children, and one (so far) grandchild have followed him to Dartmouth. There, his record of service—as trustee, campaign chair, DCF Committee chair (with two fundraising records set during his watch)—inspires us all. To thank him, we wish we could make that beloved Phi Delt jukebox magically reappear.

Dartmouth was more naval base than college when Alan Epstein arrived in 1944, but he still found time to hike, ski, and play horseshoes when not drilling as a V-12 trainee. For 70 years, he’s been the consummate volunteer leader. From serving as Class President, Head Agent, Alumni Councilor—more jobs than we can list here—to keeping in close touch with classmates and their widows, to making sure one treasured bench on the Green stays in tiptop shape, his commitment to our College is boundless. Inspired by this passion, his beloved daughters and two strapping grandsons have followed in his Big Green footsteps.

Described by classmates and colleagues as a “full force of nature,” Robin Bryson Reynolds has done it all—from hiring top analysts at Morgan Stanley to serving Dartmouth faithfully since 1991 in nearly every fundraising capacity imaginable, including as reunion giving committee co-chair for her 10th and 25th reunions. Robin led the ’91s to a record-breaking 25th reunion with a total gift of $8.1 million—beating the ’89’s and raising the second-highest Dartmouth College Fund class gift in the College’s history. Her secret weapons? A clear-eyed genius for planning and a contagious devotion to the causes she loves, especially her family and Dartmouth

To his Phi Delta Alpha brothers, Brad Evans is the “ultimate loyal and caring guy” with a “ridiculous and wonderful work ethic.” His diligence has never flagged, from making great plays in Dartmouth freshman basketball—nicknamed “Elbows Evans” for his boxing-out skills—to supporting his alma mater. Brad never says no to Dartmouth. Currently chair of the President’s Leadership Council, he helped lead record giving of $14.7 million for the Class of 1964’s 50th reunion; co-chaired the Campaign for the Dartmouth Experience; served nine years on the Board of Trustees; and made Morgan Stanley a beachhead for Dartmouth graduates for the past 25 years. Through it all, he’s remained a master at building consensus around good ideas, with integrity, humor, and, yes, that “Elbows Evans” drive. The key to Brad’s generous grace? His family: three athletic sons (two Dartmouth graduates), five grandchildren, and his beloved wife, Barbara, who, at home or in Hanover, is always by his side.

Sabin Danziger’s favorite oldie opens: “I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day.” Apropos for one who’s brought sunshine to his alma mater. He’s shone—brilliantly—as a volunteer for the College, highlighted by his service for the Class of 1964, where his humor, humility, and gentle persistence produced astounding results. Sabin’s class set a giving record in each of his 15 years as head agent, with unrestricted gifts topping $18 million during his tenure. But there’s more to his radiance. He has been a mentor to young Dartmouth alumni and to kids at his neighborhood center. And, beaming papa that he is, he’s made sure to keep his beloved grandsons well stocked with Dartmouth hats, shirts, and sweaters. 

Give Catherine Craighead Briggs a challenge and step aside: her compeers call her the Annie Oakley of fundraising, able to sharpshoot targets with uncanny accuracy and make the extraordinary look easy. Write 500 personal notes to old friends and classmates to reconnect them with Dartmouth? No problem. Lead the Class of 1988 to raise more than $5 million for its 25th reunion? Child’s play. Break the All-Ivy reunion record by inspiring almost 80 percent of ’88s to participate—and beat Princeton in the process? Piece of cake. Multitasker and mentor, daughter of Dartmouth and devoted mother, philanthropist, and friend: CCB wears every hat like a tiara, tackles every project like a pro, and lights up every room with her charismatic radiance. 

Roger Baumann is the man with a plan—his meticulous participation strategy for his 30th reunion inspired record numbers of ’83s (61 percent!) to give, and set the standard for future classes. Dogged, dynamic, he’s a number cruncher who gets relationships. He knows even a small contribution is an emotional vote for Dartmouth, so he cultivates classmates with careful love, just as he tends the fragile corals in the saltwater tank he maintains in his Manhattan home. And he’s always ready to invoke an inspiring quote. To paraphrase Kipling: he keeps his head when all about him are losing theirs, trusts himself when others doubt, and fills each “minute with sixty seconds’ worth of distance run.” In short: he’s a true Dartmouth man. 

In black derby hat and freshman football sweater, Sheldon Woolf sold white buck shoes to stylish men of Dartmouth—earning enough to buy the ring he gave his sweetheart, Betty Ann, in 1954. Classmates say Woolfie’s Whites “were the rage of campus, and so was he”—and to this day, what ’54 can refuse him? This Barnstable fisherman prizes two catches: striped bass and Dartmouth College Fund gifts, and he’s not afraid to shake things up to reel them in. His head agent run—five years, setting records above all other classes, with participation in the 80s and 90s—will be virtually impossible to replicate. Unless you’re Shel. Extraordinary leader, he’s done it by living up to the same high expectations he sets for his team. 

As a sophomore, David Edelson received a citation in Math 3 for showing “most impressive work” in a class of 120 students. As an alumnus he has been equally impressive, volunteering for Dartmouth for 30 years, most recently as his 30th reunion giving co-chair. In deference to David’s irrepressible sense of humor and love of limericks, a tribute: A strong-arming charmer named Dave, Did something both wondrous and brave: He raised three million dollars  from 600* scholars, Give a rah! Give a rouse! Give a rave! *well, officially 578.

Even among the powerful women and men of ’77, Leslie Bradford shines. This fearless, fun-loving friend from One Occom Ridge (via Texas) is all-in for Dartmouth. She’s a pioneer—some say Superwoman—who’s led from Hanover to Wall Street, raising a Dartmouth-green family while building a stellar career. Strategist and listener, wearer of many hats (all stylish, to be sure), she has high standards, but no high horse: if you have a “D” near your name, you’re in her club. No job’s too small or too large, from class agent to chair of the Parents and Grandparents Fund, and her follow-through is legendary, in solicitations as on the golf course. She never hogs the limelight—though she’s earned it.

John Sloan Dickey told the Class of 1954, “I do believe there is a grace in the universe which stands with men who face front.” If ever a Dartmouth man “faced front,” it’s Dick Page. Dartmouth transformed him, and he’s transformed it right back, with tough-minded honesty, inventive problem solving, and unconditional love. The feeling is mutual. Awesome mentor, lifelong volunteer, philanthropic role model, he puts his hand up for what needs doing, serving Dartmouth as trustee, chair of the Will to Excel Campaign, chair of the board of DHMC, class president. He’s traveled incalculable miles on Dartmouth’s behalf, led classmates to a standout 50th reunion—the list goes on—with humility and, yes, grace. 

Dartmouth has always been Liz Dauten’s home, from her childhood weekends cheering Big Green teams to the emotional day her father dropped her off at North Fairweather, his old dorm, at the start of her first year. Unpretentious, but never shy about making her views known (especially to one studious junior in Dartmouth Hall named Kent), her attention to detail and joyful celebration of others as co-chair of the Dartmouth College Fund Committee have helped the Fund break two consecutive dollar records in tough economic times. 

At Dartmouth he was a Forensic Union star. His persuasive debate skills have served him brilliantly—along with a number of props, including big rubber ears and a Pinocchio nose—as co-chair of the Dartmouth College Fund Committee. With partner Liz, he set a strategy that has helped the Fund break two consecutive dollar records in tough economic times. He’s a forward-looking problem-solver, always pushing to get things done, yet always crediting others and never trumpeting his own accomplishments. Be warned, though! He still loves a good practical joke.

Let’s tell it like it is, because that’s what Betsy Leggat would do. Who else would say of a well-heeled classmate, “I wouldn’t know him in a party of two,” then pick up the phone and make the big ask? To her fellow 25th reunion volunteers Betsy was the consummate organizer. Focused, fearless, and relentlessly positive. Her trademark “gentle reminders” kept everyone on task, enabling the ’82s to soar past their ambitious goals for participation and dollars raised.

A Dartmouth survey once asked Jim Adler for a contact who could always reach him. Jim wrote, “Don’t worry, you’ll never lose me.” Dartmouth never has. Jim has held every job in his class, helping to expand the 1960’s Magnificent Eight volunteer team into a Dirty Dozen and beyond. His efforts led to a record-breaking 50th reunion gift. Like the College he loves, Jim is himself an Upper Valley institution, a community leader at once generous, genuine, gracious.

A Midwesterner with Big Apple energy and a Harvard MBA, Mike McClintock carries two Blackberries, yet scribbles notes on scraps of paper stuffed into his breast pocket. Classmates call him the Clark Kent of alumni volunteers, whose dedication, integrity, and courage have made him a fundraising Superman. Checking in daily with staff and volunteers in the run up to their 30th, he helped push his Class of 1980 to a new 30th reunion record.

When he’s not playing tennis, mentoring student-athletes, or hosting post-Big Green football game parties for his classmates, Chuck Reilly, “the center of all ’53 activities in the Upper Valley,” can be found encouraging fellow ’53s to do even more for Dartmouth. He is part coach, part financial wizard, and his loyalty to his alma mater is contagious. His dedication is reflected in the 55th reunion record, with Chuck as co-head agent: $1,000,006 and 67.1 percent participation. 

“At an early age, I found defeat very hard to take,” wrote Don O’Neill in his application essay. He still won’t take no for an answer. Fellow ’61s remember him at his 45th reunion, asking classmates for second and third gifts pledged on paper scraps even as class leaders handed President Wright their gift check. As co-head agent, he was a strategist, bringing others into the fold, recruiting volunteers, keeping conference calls on task, pushing the ’61s to reach their full potential.

You would think a sprained ankle on the first night of her Dartmouth Outing Club trip would dampen Ellie Mahoney Loughlin’s enthusiasm for Dartmouth. But even then, her concern was for fellow trippees. The “consummate Dartmouth citizen” in a class of leaders, Ellie shines—joining calls from far-flung time zones, sending e-mails at all hours encouraging ’89s to serve their College. As class president, she worked tirelessly to see the ’89s shatter the 20th reunion record.

In 1974, Bruce D. Miller graduated from Dartmouth summa cum laude, elected to Phi Beta Kappa as a junior. Bruce has remarked with customary humor that the College “couldn’t wait to get rid of me.” To the contrary, Dartmouth is enriched by his counsel and philosophy of “achieve your best and have fun doing it,” which he has followed in leading classmates to the greatest single-year participation increase in Dartmouth history (from 50 to 72 percent) and sustained giving thereafter.

In recent years Gershen M. Abraham has biked hundreds of miles to raise money for the Norris Cotton Cancer Center. With similar purpose he led his beloved Class of 1958 as head agent to five consecutive participation records, including a 50th-reunion record of 97.5 percent participation, and a giving record of $3,585,858. In reaching out to classmates, Gersh recognized that some are suffering and alone, and so helped create a classwide support network. His is truly a service of love.

As a child attending her father’s 20th-reunion, Peggy Epstein Tanner urged President Dickey to admit women to Dartmouth. Five years later the College did, and three years after that Peggy enrolled. As an undergraduate, she lent her prodigious energy to virtually every aspect of campus life. As an alumna, she is without peer in her service to her alma mater, leading by example and inspiring her classmates to win seven consecutive participation awards.

In December 1947, Stephen F. Mandel concluded his admission essay with this statement: “The loyalty to their college that Dartmouth men show makes me want to share in something as strong as this.” To the College’s enormous benefit, he has done exactly that. Over six decades, he has time and again raised the sights of his classmates and of all Dartmouth men and women.