Heeding the Beat of a Different Drummer

Dartmouth's fifteenth president outlined his plans for the College with the "quiet, measured force of reason."

It is hard to judge a president by his inauguration, but one aspect of James O. Freedman's character became clear on pomp-filled July 19: the man is unflappable.

Looking out over the Baker Library lawn, Freedman called for increased international studies and for making Dartmouth hospitable to "creative loners and daring dreamers." Just as he was winding up, the Tower bells suddenly began to strike noon. The student in charge of the bells leaped from his seat, but Freedman carried on smoothly and concluded his paean for a "commonwealth of liberal learning" that transcends academic specialties.

The new president seemed to respond with equal aplomb to a small group of student protesters who paraded against the lyrics of the alma mater. As the assembly rose to sing "Men of Dartmouth" (the program contained both the traditional wording and lyrics designed to include both sexes), some 25 students, who had sat quietly throughout the ceremony, marched around the audience carrying placards and banners. Freedman smiled and waved at the demonstrators. He said at a press conference later that he had sung the contemporary version, but that he hadn't made up his mind about what he called "one of the smallest issues facing the College."

Freedman addresses an audience of 2,500 from behind the Old Pine podium as PresidentMcLaughlin looks on. At his right sits the silver Wentzvorth Bowl, a gift from NewHampshire's last royal governor during Dartmouth's first commencement.

Some 25 protesters were among those listening to Freedman say, "No one doubts thatDartmouth will thrive upon differences of opinion among those who love it."