As students anticipate another Homecoming weekend brimming with ritual activities, College President James Wright is preparing for a busy weekend of his own, participating in traditions, observing sporting events and meeting with alumni donors.
Friday night Wright expects to take part in all of the conventions that embody the first night of Homecoming, such as the parade, the rally and the bonfire.
The bonfire bears special significance for Wright, who clearly remembers holding the hands of his children during the ceremony years ago. Now that he is a grandfather, the tradition continues.
Wright will deliver brief comments from the steps of Dartmouth Hall, welcoming those gathered for the occasion. Various student-athletes from teams competing this weekend will also address the crowd.
"It is not a night for major speeches," Wright said. "It's a chance to chat and say thank you [for coming]."
Additionally, Wright plans to attend the parade that begins at Memorial Field and whose participants stroll along Lebanon Street and turn right onto Main Street and follow it to the Green.
Friday night is also Dartmouth Night, and it marks an occasion celebrated around the world -- in fact, Wright recalls being in Tokyo a few years ago to celebrate Dartmouth Night.
"[Dartmouth Night] is symbolically important because we all remember our associations with Dartmouth and take pride in what the school represents," Wright said.
Homecoming provides an opportunity to reflect on what the Dartmouth experience signifies to each individual, Wright said, adding it is a chance to share the celebration in the company of classmates and friends.
"Homecoming is a series of weekend events that permit us to be a part of this community we enjoy so much and to make new friends. It's a full couple of days, but it's a pleasant couple of days because it's a chance to see so many friends."
According to Wright, he has taught about five-percent of living graduates during his 30 years at Dartmouth, and College holidays permit him to regain contact with his former students.
Wright values the unification of undergraduates and alumni and being able to say hello to both groups and meet the children and grandchildren of alumni.
Wright said he looks forward to attending the football game versus Cornell, and that he has confidence in our team's ability. In addition, Wright also hopes to catch glimpses of the field hockey, volleyball, and soccer teams in action this weekend.
"The football game is a centerpiece of the occasion. Many alumni come back for a game, and they come back to a community that exerts a powerful pull on those who have been a part of it," Wright said.
Homecoming weekend enables Wright to directly communicate with many alumni and friends in town for the festivities. Wright has three alumni gatherings on the docket for the weekend, meeting with a disparate group each time.
Over lunch on Friday, Wright will meet with donors who have bequeathed money to specific name scholarships as well as the students who have benefited from their generosity.
"It's a time to say thank you to those who supported the scholarships, and to thank the students for their contributions," Wright said.
Friday evening, Wright will attend a reception at the Top of the Hop to thank a different set of donors, those in the 1769 Club. These alumni are patrons of the Annual Fund, which provides funding for both scholarships and academic endeavors.
Wright said he will also dine with any alumni in Thayer Dining Hall Saturday at an annual breakfast to share campus news, his views about the direction of the College and to listen to their comments.