New Year's Experiment

These are difficult times for a lot of people, and Dartmouth is no exception. The painful effects of college budget reductions will soon be felt by many in Hanover. The political mythology of “administrative bloat” is about to be demolished by the harsh reality of cuts into muscle. No one can be happy about this.

Here is my experiment: For a New Year’s resolution, let’s try to put aside our differences and join together in supporting Dartmouth’s administration as it addresses the substantial economic challenges it must overcome in the coming months. Let’s offer moral support to those who will be affected by a symbolic show of alumni unity in appreciating their sacrifices.

I’ll start by offering a hand of friendship to Tim Dreisbach, whose tireless devotion to Dartmouth alumni affairs deserves respectful recognition. Tim, I rarely agree with your expressions of opinion, but I admire you and would greatly enjoy the privilege of counting you as a friend.

Happy New Year to all!

John Mathias