The presidential campaign and Greek indiscretions defined an otherwise calm Fall term as representatives from both political parties stumped for their respective candidates, and Delta Delta Delta sorority and Theta Delta Chi fraternity were investigated for alleged hazing.
The swing state of New Hampshire became a political battleground, as both the Republican and Democratic campaigns concentrated their efforts on turning out as many of their voters as possible. New Hampshire was the only state that voted Republican in 2000 and Democratic in last year's election.
Youth participation was also a major part of the campaign, and the rousing efforts of the Young Democrats and College Republicans to motivate student voters both reflected that. A debate between representatives from both groups exemplified the political activity that buzzed around the College last fall, and many students reacted emotionally to Kerry's loss.
Dartmouth and the Upper Valley also hosted several prominent political icons. Former Secretary of State Madeline Albright, First Lady Laura Bush and her daughter Jenna and Kerry's daughter Vanessa all visited the Upper Valley in hopes of winning New Hampshire for their party.
Vanessa Kerry campaigned for her father on Oct. 27, encouraging youth voting and political participation as she marched across campus from Sigma Delta sorority to Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, where she gave a speech and participated in a question-and-answer session.
Foreign affairs and the war in Iraq were the overarching themes of the campaign, as were domestic issues such as gay marriage and education. Laura Bush promoted the values of the No Child Left Behind Act, while Albright criticized the current state of international affairs, calling its precarious nature the "perfect storm."
When students weren't stumping they were rushing, as new member recruitment for Greek houses returned to Fall term for the first time in four years. The multiple-day event began three weeks after the start of term, much to the chagrin of those with midterms. The date was the result of a compromise reached earlier between College officials and Greek leaders.
Holding rush in the fall, when most sophomores are on campus, resulted in a higher-than-usual concentration of prospective members and large pledge classes. Two-hundred-ninety women rushed, of which 250 received bids to sororities. Fraternities also experienced a successful recruitment.
Allegations of misconduct and hazing involving Theta Delt and Tri-Delt circulated campus and caused a Hanover police investigation. Both organizations have been cleared of criminal charges, but are still the subjects of a College investigation.
Homecoming was an uneventful but successful weekend as alumni and students gathered for the fall celebration. Freshmen again held a special place in the weekend's festivities, sweeping through campus and running around the bonfire.
The abysmal 1-9 performance of the football team during its fall season resulted in the firing of head coach John Lyons. The undefeated men's soccer team made an appearance at the NCAA tournament after winning the Ivy League championship, but lost in a shoot-out to Boston University. In national sports news, parts of the campus rejoiced as the curse of the Bambino was broken when the Red Sox won the World Series for the first time in 86 years.
