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On the Road: Dartmouth Launches New Series with a San Francisco Gathering

The inaugural event featured updates from President Beilock and a spotlight on student-faculty research

Feb 20, 2026

2 minute read

Staff

Dartmouth’s inaugural On the Road event in San Francisco brought alumni and friends together for an evening of connection and conversation with President Sian Leah Beilock ’76a and campus leaders and thinkers. The new series is taking Dartmouth to cities across the country to strengthen alumni connections, share institutional priorities, and spotlight faculty, alumni, and student innovators whose work is shaping the future.

Trustee Jeff Crowe ’78 opened the evening with a warm introduction of President Beilock, reflecting on her leadership and vision for Dartmouth at a moment of significant change in higher education. President Beilock then shared updates on several key priorities, including:

  • Expanding campus housing
  • Strengthening student mental health
  • Advancing Dartmouth’s commitment to sustainability
  • Embedding career design into the student experience
  • Championing open exchange through Dartmouth Dialogues

Get a glimpse of the On the Road experience

Relive the evening—explore the full gallery and download your favorite moments.

Three attendees
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A conversation with student-turned-scholar Ben Vagle ’22

The evening also featured a conversation between President Beilock and Ben Vagle ’22, whose senior thesis as a student evolved into a research partnership with Professor of Government Stephen Brooks and culminated in their co-authored book, Command of Commerce: America’s Enduring Economic Power Advantage over China. Their discussion highlighted how student research can grow into impactful scholarship with real-world relevance.

President Beilock seated on stage in conversation with Ben Vagle ’22
“ The professors at Dartmouth really are a gift. It’s incredible that you can forge such meaningful relationships with them, and sharpen your thinking on the big issues. ”
– Ben Vagle ’22

Up next: Miami

The lively evening reflected the idea behind the On the Road series—sharing updates from Hanover, celebrating faculty and student research, and creating space for alumni and community members to reconnect with one another and with Dartmouth.

The On the Road series continues in Miami on March 18. Join us for the next exciting event!

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