The 147th Alumni Council

The Alumni Council met for its 147 th session in Hanover December 1-3. As usual, the schedule of meetings, lectures, dinners, and addresses was more packed than your average CEO normally handles in a week. The full meetings of the Council heard former Council president Joel Portugal '58 unveil the goals for the '84 Alumni Fund: $10.3 million (an increase of almost 10 percent over the 1983 performance) and 70 percent participation (up from last year's 67 percent). This 70th anniversary year there seem to be quite a few anniversaries around the Plain these days will have an especially promising mix of reunion classes, it will build on the continuing success of the best-in-the-nation Parent's Fund, and will again include use of students in late spring telethons.

David Saunders '63, chairman of the Admissions Committee, presented some interesting facts about the admissions picture at Dartmouth. Aside from the splendid new physical plant [see pp. 26-28], he noted the increased use of student involvement in all aspects of the admissions process: in campus hosting of prospective applicants; campus tours; and club involvement, particularly the new "Take Dartmouth Home" campaign, targeted to increase awareness and recruitment in public high schools. A profile of the Class of 1978 shows 1055 members (out of 8,000 applicants), 340 of whom were Early Decision, 43 percent women, 8 percent black or other minorities (a slight increase). More than 67 percent receive some form of financial aid, with 37 percent receiving scholarship (average award, $5,500).

At Friday's luncheon, Council members were buzzing with praise for the outstanding presentation they had heard by Dartmouth faculty members Hans Penner, Dean of the Faculty, and Associate Deans Timothy Duggan, James Wright, and Dwight Lahr. In his introduction, Penner outlined the faculty's primary areas of responsibility teaching, research, committee and departmental work, and community involvement all within the College's overriding commitment to excellence. A more comprehensive report on this presentation, President McLaughlin's remarks, and other important aspects of the Alumni Council's proceedings will appear in the January/February issue of the Magazine.