Big Names on Campus

1772

Governor John Wentworth, the honorary guest at Commencement, orders that a new road be built to Hanover from Concord so his horses can travel safely.

1838

Ralph Waldo Emerson-the students' fourth choice to be the Commencement orator—arrives. Several students report that his speech is incomprehensible.

1904

The Earl and Countess of Dartmouth help lay the foundation of the new Dartmouth Hall. The Dartmouth remarks, "Now that the all important corner-stone celebration is past, we can turn enthusiastically to new activities, one of which is the practice of football songs."

1953

President Dwight Eisenhower comes to Commencement amid tight security. The White House places machine guns on the roof of Baker and dresses Secret Service agents in cap and gown.

1977

Barbara Walters turns down a student's request for a Winter Carnival date. The Dartmouth offers dinner for two for anyone who can top this "celebrity ding."

1987

Presidential candidate Gary Hart drops out of the race two days after reporters grill him on adultery during a press conference at the Hanover Inn.

1989

Chief Justice William Rehnquist of the Supreme Court presents the keynote address at a symposium on Daniel Webster. Circumventing a ban on policy questions, one audience member asks Rehnquist how Webster would have felt about Roe v. Wade.

1992

Students line up at 7:00 a.m. to buy tickets to a "conversation" with singer-songwriter Billy Joel. During the two-and-a-half-hour show, Joel plays only six songs.

At the 1973 Mardi GrasBall Mr. and Mrs. WalterCronkite were the MysteryKing and Queen.