What's Our Place?

This is the first of a series of occasional columns by Emily Bakemeier '82 president of the Alumni Council.

I'D LIKE YOU TO ANSWER a question or two for me: How much influence should alumni have in the affairs of the College? In what areas should we be involved? Clearly, we can't be running things ourselves. On the other hand, Dartmouth has benefited from our advice, our understanding of the school's traditions and values, and (ahem) our money. So where do we draw the line in our influence? Where should our voice count, and where should we keep silent?

I would like your answers because I represent a group that acts, according to its constitution, "as a clearing house for alumni and the exchange of alumni ideas."

The group is the Alumni Council, 103 people strong. We in turn represent more than 47,000 people. We range in age from 20 to 74 and come from 29 states and the District of Columbia. Our specific tasks are to put forth the names for election to Alumni Trusteeships, and to offer suggestions to the College administration in matters ranging from enrollment to admissions to alumni club and class activities. We meet twice a year and have committees that meet at various times.

It's that "clearinghouse" charge that has me writing here. Tell me what voice alumni should have at Dartmouth. In a future column, I'll summarize what was said and will tell what the Alumni Council is doing about it. Fax me at 908/329-0443, or write me at 28 Deerberry Lane, Monmouth Junction, New Jersey 08852.