Alumni Council

Last fall, in general sessions and committee meetings, the Alumni Council's 173 rd semi-annual gathering concentrated on a handful of communications areas affecting the interrelation of alumni and the College. Under the direction of council President Gary DicovitskY '72, five major areas were explored:

I. The newly constituted Committee on Alumni Organizations—-which includes alumni representatives from the council itself, from class officers, club officers, and the graduate schools—focused on two principal needs. First, establishing guidelines for working with the College on resolving issues of separate tax identification numbers (required by the IRS) for the treasuries of each dass and club. Second, formulating policy to allow representation on the committee for affiliated alumni organizations.

2. A meeting of the entire council discussed three communications possibilities: a proposal to include a response card in the Alumni Magazine; improving access through the Internet; and the availability of topics for newsletter editors.

3. During a session on Dartmouth's continuing-education alternatives—seminars, reunions, Alumni College Abroad, electronic college, alumni groups on campus, and regional programs—councilors discussed the implications of a survey which documented that consideration of alumni children is a significant factor in determining participation.

4. A roundtable on the question of Dartmouth's symbol or mascot indicated strong sentiment that the alumni voice should be heard. Among councilors' concerns: lack of student consensus; the image which a mascot or symbol might project to prospective students; the potential for rekindling the arguments that polarized alumni; and the lack of clear policy regarding who at the College will be responsible for decision-making if a student-recommended mascot is brought forward.

5. President Freedman, Trustee Richard Page '54, and senior administrators confirmed to the gathering that the College's endowment, facilities, and current annual budget are much stronger, due to the enormous success of the Will to Excel Campaign.