Prepare Ye the Way...

These are the words that follow the College's motto in the biblical verse. Perhaps David McLaughlin's greatest contribution to Dartmouth is the College he has prepared for his successor, James O. Freedman. "I never tried to say that I should assess my presidency on what happened in the past," McLaughlin told the Alumni Magazine. "I would much rather see it assessed on how strong is the institution to deal with known and unknown future challenges."

McLaughlin's greatest successes financial robustness, a renewed physical plant, record funds raised should ease the way for the next president to instill new vigor into the College's intellectual life.

As the Chronicle of Higher Education notes, McLaughlin's tenure was "one of the most turbulent presidencies of recent years." But this is not the time to dwell on the troubles of the past. In an interview with this magazine in early summer, McLaughlin dealt almost entirely with future issues and how his tenure will affect them. "I am not used to looking in the rearview mirror," he said. This issue's treatment of the former president (see page 44) follows his example.—Ed.