Getting an education at Dartmouth is like getting a drink from a firehose." The words of the alumni interviewer came flooding back as I stood awestruck at the center of the Green. Three whirling weeks after the magic of Moosilauke and DOC Trips, the Class of 1999 is settling into its niche in Hanover. The vast dynamism of that niche astounds me as I stand beneath a starry canopy gazing at Baker Tower. Education at Dartmouth means so much more than simply learning in the classroom; every facet of life here contributes to our growth.
This time, which once seemed so distant, is now a reality. The '99s no longer tarry as a pool of applicants or a group of prospectives. The four year countdown has begun, and the race is underway to make the most of it. ORCs in hand, and wearing pensive looks, students scurry across campus charting, resolving and planning for their futures. This is well and good, and Louis Pasteur's observation that "Chance favors the prepared mind" certainly rings true. Nonetheless, Dartmouth's own worldly philosopher, Dr. Seuss, shrewdly observes in "Oh! The Places You'll Go," "There's fun to be done."
Contrary to popular myth, fun at Dartmouth (or any college) need not revolve around a keg. Diversions abound, and the extracurricular calendar can sate the most voracious social appetite. Relax, reflect and pursue a path of personally rewarding self-fulfillment. The "firehose" style which characterizes Dartmouth reveals itself at every turn. Clubs, teams and groups devoted to literature, the arts and politics abound. Dartmouth overflows with possibilities, and it sometimes seems that the hardest thing to do here is sleep.
Do not be discouraged by the condescending sermon delivered by Student Assembly President Jim Rich '96 at Convocation. "Team Nothing" undoubtedly exists, but the greenest of Freshmen knows it to be the exception to the rule. A campus of listless slackers can not boast of countless Ivy League titles, community service opportunities, exciting internships and travel abroad. This campus has a pulse. It lives. Three weeks prove that beyond doubt.
Privilege defines membership in such an extraordinary community. This is neither a right nor a commonplace accomplishment. With the privilege of inclusion comes a grave responsibility. At a small school in a small town, each person matters. Each can be heard. Each can create, and each can destroy. The return on four years here leaps exponentially with contribution. Active, enthusiastic students are Dartmouth's greatest asset. Without them, the rich history, grand architecture and renowned academics mean nothing -- the "College on the hill" would molder and rot. It is up to us, the Dartmouth community, to continue the tradition of excellence in all spheres of education.
The beauty of this opportunity, at least for the Class of '99, is that Dartmouth gleams as a new beginning, a clean slate. The paths are many, some easy and some difficult, some in the spotlight and others known only to the traveller. Each presents a vista of a whole new life. Hanover, this bucolic New Hampshire town, is a springboard to the world. Our separate paths run parallel here, to diverge again at Commencement. The common thread binding all together is Dartmouth -- faculty, facilities, history and reputation. Choose wisely.
Thus, the gateway opens and the 226th class crosses the threshold. Dartmouth reaches out to educate, not merely teach, the last class of the 20th Century. Emerson once noted that "An institution is the lengthened shadow of one man." Thanks, Eleazar; we're thrilled to be here.
