CFSC reps to meet with steering committee
Trustee committee nears final proposal
Trustee committee nears final proposal
Early yesterday morning, Boston University freshman Sabrina Ramzanali died from injuries sustained in a car accident Friday night on route to visit friends at Dartmouth for the Homecoming weekend. Ramzanali, along with Tarim Wasim '99, Akbar Bhaidani '99 and the driver, an unidentified Wellesley senior, were outside of London on Interstate 89 North at approximately 8:30 p.m.
The numbers of alcohol violations, arrests and vandalism, as well as the first reported case of sexual assault, this Homecoming weekend were higher than last year's. College Proctor Bob McEwen said he did not want to call the across-the-board increase in violations of College policy a trend because, for the most part, the numbers of violations were not significantly greater than last year. McEwen said of all the College policy violations that occurred this past weekend, the incident that concerned him most was the sexual assault reported to his department. McEwen said the incident, which happened Friday night and early Saturday morning, involved a woman who is a student at the College and a man who does not attend Dartmouth. Currently, the woman has not issued an official complaint, but both Safety and Security and the Hanover Police are investigating the case. Last year, according to the Annual Security Report, no cases of sexual assault were reported to Safety and Security from Fall 1998 through Summer 1999. Sexual Abuse Peer Adviser Janelle Ruley '00 said she knows of more cases of sexual assault that occurred this weekend that were not reported to Safety and Security. "We all know that sexual assault and alcohol consumption are correlated and on most big weekends more alcohol is consumed," she said. McEwen did acknowledge that this weekend the number of inebriates -- students who are at risk and have to be transported to Dick's House, the hospital or back to a roommate -- doubled to 18 from last year's nine. He said most of these violations occurred on Friday, some during the Bonfire and some later on that night. The number of arrests also increased from last year's three.
Reporters and photographers from major television networks and newspapers are expected to swarm the College's campus this Wednesday and Thursday for the presidential candidates' town meetings -- marking what is likely to be the largest media parade at Dartmouth in recent memory. The candidate's forums, which will feature Democratic candidates on Wednesday and Republican candidates the following night, are expected to draw national as well as worldwide press, according College spokeswoman Laurel Stavis. "It's tremendously exciting," Stavis said.
Candidate makes effort to connect with College students before forum
Governor of Maine Angus S. King '66 spoke Friday afternoon about the importance of the free market in improving the economy in an age of increasing economic globalization. King's lecture -- "The Lexus and the Pine Tree" -- followed his acceptance of the 1999 Nelson A.
The College, though undecided about the future of several buildings contracted to be bought in the town of Hanover, is preparing to provide housing for any students who may be forced to leave their off-campus apartments. Currently, the College is in the process of evaluating the buildings to make sure the physical condition of the properties are adequate and that they comply with Hanover zoning laws. Some of the spaces in a number of these buildings are used by students as off-campus housing.
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.
Playing the role of the mascot for any team is hard work. From the Famous Chicken to the Banana Slug, mascots have been revered and ridiculed at sporting events everywhere. As Homecoming centers around football, the sometimes-lovable physical representation of the Dartmouth Big Green cannot be ignored.
This weekend is the last Dartmouth Homecoming of the 20th century, not to mention of this millenium.
Despite summer warnings and a discouraging speech in the "Experience Dartmouth" program during freshmen orientation, it is still unclear whether the Class of 2003 understands the implications of rushing the field. Since Dartmouth officially banned the practice in 1986, at least one freshman every year has attempted to hop the guard rail and start sprinting. However, those who have rushed the field agree that the act has its drawbacks--almost everyone who has done it has been fined, placed on probation by the College and charged for trespassing by the police.
As the kegs come rolling into campus to prepare for another Homecoming weekend, Greek leaders say they are expecting parties to be well-managed and safe, in accordance with the Trustees' emphasis on eliminating the "unsafe use and abuse of alcohol." Traditionally, a large part of big weekends like Homecoming revolve around parties, contributing to increased alcohol violations. "I'm really not worried about [alcohol violations this weekend]," Chris Burnett '01, the Coed Fraternity and Sorority Council events manager said.
Homecoming seems like a blur for most people who look back on their Dartmouth experiences after being away from Hanover for a few decades. Many people who spoke to The Dartmouth recalled the parties and the fire.
In addition to being a rite of passage for first year students, the bonfire bears strong resemblance to the religious rituals of several faiths. According to English Professor Donald Sheehan, the bonfire could be an example of mimetic desire. He said the bonfire is a perfect example of the way desire and passion spread through a crowd, pulling people in and increasing the energy and power with every new member. This feeling isn't foreign to students who have participated in the sweep and bonfire in the past. "By the end of it, everyone's really excited and your adrenaline's pumping.
As the Dartmouth community awaits its annual bonfire, the freshman sweep and Homecoming's enthusiastic alumni participation, students at several peer institutions continue with their regular routines. Although they may be steeped in tradition, many schools have few rituals that help them celebrate their respective homecomings, and with the exception of Dartmouth, the most lavish homecoming activities take place outside of the Ivy League. In fact, Princeton does not host a homecoming celebration.
Safety and Security is planning an increased presence at the Bonfire tonight after an assault last year on several security officers. Sergeant Rebel Roberts said the collective goal of the Safety and Security and Hanover Police officers present tonight will be helping students by responding to problems of intoxication and minor injuries. She added that students' safety is a concern that comes along with the bonfire, and that Safety and Security officers will do what they can to discourage people from attempting to touch the fire.
In 1904, Winston Churchill came to see Dartmouth's bonfire. In 1954, a hurricane forced its cancellation.
After lobbying in the 1970s, travelling around America as a magician and graduating from college in her 30s, Latin Professor Carla Goodnoh is now in her third year of teaching at Dartmouth. As a professor here, she sees bridging the gap between faculty and students as one of her key roles.
Former College professor discusses history, future of Hispanic community
"Marriage is a great institution, but who wants to live in an institution?" asked Susan Apel of the Vermont Law School, quoting actress Mae West. The answer is at least one gay couple and two lesbian couples in Vermont. Stan Baker, a partner in one of these couples, has decided to try to get inside the institution through the court system -- he and his partner Peter are challenging the ban on same-sex marriages in the case Baker v.