Reunions 2024 Take Unity to New Heights
If Reunions 2023 made a splash with its torrential rain, Reunions 2024 was its much-needed sunny successor. Boasting clear skies and more than 4,500 alumni, family, and friends flocking to campus, Reunions offered the wide range of programming and recreational fun it’s known and loved for.
Reveling in Camaraderie
Reunions have one primary purpose—to reunite—and Reunions 2024 achieved it with flying colors. Even torrential rain on Sunday morning could not dampen the sprits of the Class of 1974, who capped off their 50th Reunion weekend by leading the Commencement procession and welcoming in the Class of 2024 to the alumni family. The Classes of 1964 and 1969 made their returns to campus mid-week, with class tents available all day every day for socializing at their leisure. The second weekend hosted the largest population of attendees simultaneously, with eight Reunion classes of from the ’80s, ’90s, and ’00s gathering to kindle, and rekindle, the friendships they made at dear old Dartmouth.
Our affinity groups also capitalized on the opportunity to connect. The Black Alumni of Dartmouth Association, Dartmouth Asian Pacific American Alumni Association, Dartmouth Association of Latino Alumni), Dartmouth Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Alumni/ae Association, Native American Alumni Association of Dartmouth, and Women of Dartmouth all gathered for a reception in in the atrium of the Arthur L. Irving Institute for Energy and Society. DGALA hosted its own Reunion breakfast the morning of the 15th, with President Sian Leah Beilock making a special appearance.
Embracing Traditions, New and Old
And while Reunions 2024 remained true to its roots, new traditions were also borne this year—most notably the first ever Community Lunch on the Green on Saturday. For the first time in Reunions history, all classes gathered to enjoy a meal together, enabling reconnection and reunion with fellow alums who never resided in Hanover at the same time. The Alumni Relations team went all out for the inaugural luncheon, with a barbecue spread, inflatables for the Dartmouth kids to enjoy, music, and ice cream and cotton candy galore.
That opportunity for cross-class convening continued into the evening, where Saturday night’s On the Green festivities were able to return in their full glory. With a live band for the first time in several years and a fireworks display, Reunion-goers got to let loose and have fun. Green glow sticks added to the magic, and maple popcorn and candies were a tasty reminder they’d returned to the Upper Valley.
And naturally, our Reunion classes made the most of the everything the beloved Upper Valley has to offer. The Class of 1988 broke out their kayaks and cruised down the beautiful Connecticut River. The Class of 1994 carved out time for a peaceful Occom walk as a group. The Classes of 2003, 2004, and 2005 joined together for a strength workout and yoga session at the Bema.
Sharing the Fun on Social
Getting Down to Business
The week’s scheduled programming nourished the need to learn and critically engage. President Beilock joined Chief Health and Wellness Officer Estevan Garcia in a packed room to discuss the attention to mental health on campus and Dartmouth’s progress toward those institutional goals so far.
In the spirit of presidential priorities, the itinerary included a Dartmouth Dialogues session with co-directors of the Dialogue Project Dean Elizabeth Smith and Kristi Clemens. They provided an overview of the initiative, delved into the actions taken to date, and how alumni can support the continuation of productive, open discussion on campus.
And esteemed actress and comedian Rachel Dratch ’88 returned to campus for a very special Back to Class session about the Hopkins Center for the Arts. She reflected on her time at the Hop and discussed the power and influence of its place on campus with Mary Lou Aleskie, the Howard Gilman ’44 Executive Director of the Hopkins Center.
Traditions old or new, skies rainy or clear, it was a triumphant week, and Dartmouth already looks forward to welcoming more alumni back to beloved Hanover.
For more info about upcoming Reunions dates, visit the Reunions page.
Find yourself in our Reunions photos!
