BADA’s 2025 Gathering Honors Community, Innovation, and Leadership
Alumni, students, friends, and campus leaders came together recently at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum for an evening of connection, inspiration, and celebration.
The August 21 event marked the fifth year for the BADA gathering, featuring remarks from President Sian Leah Beilock ’76a; updates from Dr. Ansley Booker, the inaugural Penny and Jim Coulter 1982 Executive Director of Dartmouth NEXT; an inspiring presentation by current student Oumie Fatty-Hydara ’27; and reflections and a celebratory toast from BADA President Maria Cole ’84.
President Beilock opened the evening by reaffirming Dartmouth’s deep commitment to its core values, including fostering community, embracing diverse viewpoints, and supporting initiatives such as the Institute for Black Intellectual and Cultural Life (IBICL). The crowd also heard from Dean Madden, vice provost for research, and Trustee David Grain TU’89, who is also the board chair for the Martha’s Vineyard Museum.
A Spotlight on Dartmouth NEXT
Booker took the stage to share Dartmouth NEXT’s mission of expanding access and building meaningful opportunities for Dartmouth students from all backgrounds to excel in STEM fields. “Dartmouth NEXT supports all students’ learning and achievement in STEM, increasing the number of students who pursue advanced degrees and leadership roles in science-driven careers,” said Booker. “This year has been a testament to our resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to our academic community. We have come together, not just to celebrate our achievements, but to support one another, to uplift our voices, and to pave the way for the next generation of scholars. Every program, initiative, or school has been a cornerstone nurturing talent, promoting leadership, and inspiring innovation within our midst.”
Dartmouth NEXT’s areas of focus include:
- Strengthening cross-campus networks to connect resources
- Providing career exploration and curriculum support
- Mentoring and advising pathway programs
- Guiding research and internship experiences
- Encouraging co-curricular opportunities
A highlight of the evening was hearing from Fatty-Hydara, a molecular biology major from Anchorage, Alaska. She shared how Dartmouth NEXT’s support has helped her research pursuits and enabled her to thrive as a student, setting her up for a future career as a surgeon.
Fatty-Hydara’s lively and inspiring presentation warmed hearts, receiving hearty applause for her remarks, an opportunity that she described as a fun “side quest” at the conclusion of her sophomore summer term.
A moment of gratitude for Dartmouth leadership
The 2025 BADA gathering offered more than a summer reception—it was an opportunity to celebrate progress, strengthen community ties, and inspire attendees to continue their involvement with Dartmouth through BADA and beyond.
As BADA President Maria Cole offered a toast to conclude the evening, she also recognized Senior Vice President Shontay Delalue for her ongoing and ardent support of BADA and Dartmouth’s students. In appreciation of her leadership, Delalue was presented with a meaningful piece of artwork depicting themes of justice and equality.
Exploring health care, beauty, and innovation
The opportunity for more conversation and connection continued on Friday, August 22, with a special Dartmouth NEXT event, Beyond the Lab: Exploring Beauty & Innovation. Hosted at the island’s historic Old Whaling Church, the program featured Procter & Gamble’s Dr. Rolanda Johnson Wilkerson on the science of beauty and a conversation with Shontay Delalue on “Medical Misogynoir & Wellness Equity.” Guests also heard from STEM professionals who shared insights on the evolving career landscape in technology, engineering, and pharmacology.
The evening included a complimentary interactive perfume bar, where attendees could create personalized fragrances while learning about the science of scent. The event also provided an opportunity for networking with a diverse community of scientists, entrepreneurs, and professionals from both the beauty and STEM fields.
