To the Class of 2009:
I just happened to click onto The Dartmouth's website and saw the controversy about Noah Riner's speech. I read the articles describing what was said and also read the many responses to the speech.
As a graduate 14 years out, I was hoping to inject some "older and wiser" words to you, the incoming freshmen, who have unfortunately had to encounter such controversy in your first days as Dartmouth students.
I was certainly disheartened that the president of the student body would include such strong religious vocabulary and ideals into a speech meant to welcome freshmen to Dartmouth. I was also happy to see a rather universal reaction by other students to what transpired.
It also reminded me of what so much of college is about. Being part of a community where you are exposed to things you have never witnessed before at such close range is part of life. You are now out of the shelters of your homes and thrown into a large fishbowl of opinions, beliefs and personalities.
It is how you deal with this new situation that helps craft your college experience. As some of you may be thinking what you are doing at a place that a person can voice their beliefs in such a fashion, think also about how resounding the reaction was.
As a freshman, I remember being fascinated by this aspect of college -- an ongoing dialogue amongst all the spectrums on campus. As freshmen, you will always remember Riner's speech -- it is part of who you are now. It is unfortunate that it was such an early part of your experience, but, as a result, it will only make a more of an impact.
Learn from it, react to it, and as hard as it sounds now, embrace it -- for it and how the campus has responded to it, is all part of a college education and shaping who you are and what you identify with as you move forward in life.
I wish you all a Dartmouth career filled with fascinating lectures, challenging debates, lots of fresh air, great friendships, and experiences that are as full of color as the leaves on Wheelock Street in October.
