Introducing a New Summer Tradition
Hanover welcomed more than 2,000 alumni for the new July Reunions.
Campus was abuzz with activity this past weekend, celebrating the beginning of a new tradition—July Reunions.
July Reunions are a new addition to Dartmouth's Reunion schedule so that more alumni can be accommodated on campus. This year, more than 2,000 alumni and their families took advantage of the opportunity and flocked to Hanover to see their peers.
The classes of 2009, 2010, and 2011 joined together to celebrate their 15th Reunion, with many children and dogs in tow. President Sian Leah Beilock and fellow senior leaders gave a warm welcome to alumni and their families at a reception in the Hanover Inn. Chair of Film and Media Studies Dr. Roopika Risam took alumni “back to class” to dive into the possibilities on social media for grassroots organizing and community-building. Reunion-goers even got to climb the historic 86 steps of Bartlett Tower and dabble in the impressionism on display at the Hood Museum’s Monet exhibit.
The weekend allowed alumni and families to just chat and catch up. Masses of sentimental classmates, stumbling toddlers, and excited staffers swarmed to the Class of 1978 Life Sciences Center lawn for community lunches and block parties, which offered a little something for all ages—from cornhole games to face painting and more. The weekend culminated with the beloved “On the Lawn” extravaganza with live music, drinks, and, of course, glow stick necklaces.
The Dartmouth College Fund had a first of its own, hosting an inaugural toast to reunion volunteers and 1769 Society members. A catered affair with champagne and hors d'oeuvres, this invite-only event served as a special thank you for members' contributions to the institution.
The 15th Reunion cluster was joined by the Class of 2020, celebrating their 5th Reunion—their first time officially back to campus since their makeup commencement ceremony in August 2022.
They danced to a silent disco on the Life Sciences Center lawn, rented boats to cruise the Connecticut, and even printed their own posters on the letterpress at the book arts workshop. And the class rounded out their weekend with dinner on the coveted Baker Lawn spot under a beautiful sunset Saturday night.
The Dartmouth Gay and Lesbian Alliance (DGALA) also came to town to celebrate their 40th Reunion with a drag show, lobster bake, and more. Read more about the exciting DGALA 40th Reunion weekend.
It was a weekend of firsts, and yet the opportunities for connection and reconnection that characterize Dartmouth Reunions were as strong in July as they were in June. With two full Reunions weekends on the horizon next year, Dartmouth alumni are sure to make this mid-summer addition a new cherished tradition.
