A Mountain of Worries
Moosilauke, medicine, and (still more) women.
Mountain of Gliosis
It rained on my freshman trip the day we were scheduled to climb Mt. Moosilauke. Four years passed, and I didn't take the opportunity to go back.
So when my friends and I went back up for a Dartmouth weekend last year, we skipped the football game and took a trip to the mountain. We reached the summit at 4 p.m., after a three-plus hour-climb. Not only did it get dark on the way down, but an inch of snow fell. I had underpacked my lunch, and spent the last 45 minutes trying to stave off an insulin reaction, picking up the reflection of the snow that marked the trail, and repeating to myself that Doc Benton was not going to jump out from behind every other tree along the way.
I underestimated Moosilauke as "Dartmouth's little hill." I'm convinced now that it's a mountain. It earned my respect, and I'll show that respect when I climb it again.
WETHERSFIELD, CONNECTICUT BMGORDON@NTPLX.NET
Please tell me: is the "e" at the end pronounced or not? In the good old days, we Hanoverians and Dartmouth students alike called it Moosilauke, with four syllables. But a fewyears ago from several speakers at an Alumni College I heard no "e" at the end. Has the pronunciation been "corrected" rected" or is this just another case of linguistic evolution?
FAIRFIELD, CONNECTICUT
If the Moosilauke Summit House burned down in 1942, then someone must have rebilt it in time for Bill Bickford '55 and me to sleep there one frosty October night in 1952 with a host of other hikers from far and wide. Either that or we slept in the ghost of Summit House. Please advise as to which.
NEW HAMPTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE
Medical Worries
As a 1997 med school graduate, I am familiar with the process described in "Worries of a Premed" [June], In my opinion, the process is not entirely benign. The competitive drive needed to earn acceptance into medical school is not easily extinguished. Medical students continue to compete for grades, evaluations, and residencies.
This competition makes it difficult to maintain one's integrity, sensitivity, and self-awareness during medical school. Graduates doctors become hardened and tired. Perhaps we, as medical students and physicians, should begin to tear down the facade of invulnerability, and expose a bit of our human side. I hope, truly compassionate physicians will then be born.
WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS
As a "generalist physician," I find it ironic that in an era when generalist skills are now in great demand, there seems to be little opportunity for the College's future doctors to broaden their educational experience beyond anxiety-ridden science courses. Professor Thomas Roos feels that one does not become a "more humanistic-oriented physician by taking more English courses. You get it by taking more chemistry and biology classes."
I disagree. The role of undergraduate education, even for future physicians, is to encourage students to explore the human condition. The role of a medical school is to teach its students the specifics of orthopedics and nutrition.
I fear we will find that the obsessed, anxious, driven individuals we have created will not be the kind of healers we would want to care for us.
NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS SIGELMAN@JAVANET.COM
I think we would be on a better track if we followed the writings of James Freedman in his book Idealism and Liberal Education. He wrote about the education of lawyers, but I will paraphrase him: "A [doctor] who has not contemplated the enigma of the human condition will be a technician perhaps but a professional never." We must give doctors the tools they need to understand tand people, not just knees.
NEW LONDON, CONNECTICUT
Medicine in our days was a noble calling. Money and profit are most important today. Patients' choice and doctors' freedom to practice are no longer permissible. I wish the next generations of healthcare providers good luck. We left you with a mess.
EAST STROUDSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA
A Woman's Plaee
Your March 1997 issue was truly greatthe best ever—and this comes from an alumnus who was initially opposed to coeducation at Dartmouth. Congratulations!
STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK
There's news we wanted to share with youon October 17-19 the College will kick-off a year-long commemoration of 25 years of coeducation. The weekend's activities reflect two simple goals: to celebrate the experiences and achievements of alumnae and to recognize the joys and challenges of being women and men together at Dartmouth. By exploring where we have been and evaluating where we now are, we hope to begin the important process of imagining where we need to go as a coeducational institution facing the twenty first century. The celebration will include arts and cultural events, alumnae presentations, roundtable discussions, and opportunities to gather informally with old and new friends.
Dartmouth has much to celebrate: • We have achieved undergraduate admissions gender equity.
• Dartmouth is one of the few schools to have successfully met the mandates of Title IX, and our sports teams women's and men's are thriving.
• Dartmouth has the highest percentage of tenured women in the Ivy League.
• The Women in Science Program (WISP) continues to support women's success in the sciences through oncampus mentoring, research internships, and an AT&T-funded, national e-mail mentoring program which matches students with professionals in industry.
• Male and female students share important student leadership roles on campus in recent years, women have served as president of the Student Assembly, executive editor of The Dartmouth, and class valedictorian.
• Dartmouth's Women's Studies Program provides a national model of both collaborative organizational structure and excellence in scholarship (by its female and male faculty as well as its female and male students).
Twenty-five years of change provides a solid foundation for building on these accomplishments, identifying what work remains, and identifying creative new directions. As we commemorate this milestone in the history of coeducation, the College also recognizes other significant 25th anniversaries, those of the Black Alumni of Dartmouth Association, the Native American Program, and the Pow Wow. These synchronous histories highlight the increasing heterogeneity of our campus and alumnae/i communities.
We hope to see you here.
CHAIR, TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF COEDUCATION COMMITTEE NELSON ARMSTRONG '71 DIRECTOR, ALUMNI RELATIONS
What a helpful issue of alumni news! Without it, I would not know: 1) How to dispose of Tampax or Kotex on a camping trip. Very important. 2) How to squat to urinate. Very important. 3) How to squat to defecate, also important. (I vote the author failed to warn against using poison ivyleaves to wipe oneself.)
WAYZATA, MINNESOTA
I do not wish to sound parochial, but William Doe '50 had it right ["Letters," May]. Indeed, the 1975 graduation was "the first to include women who had been at the College for four fall years." The editorial comment that "before the class of 1976, women started out as transfer students, not freshmen" is technically accurate but misses the point.
My commencement program indicates that ten women of the class of 1976 graduated in 1975 (along with some 30 men of the '76 class). Two of these "non-existent" women were graduated Phi Beta Kappa. I should know: I was one of them.
(GRADUATED 1975) WASHINGTON, D.C.
You (rightly) credit Milo P. Jewett (class of 1828) with inspiring Matthew Vassar with the idea of a women's college ["Herstory," March]. According to The Magnificent Enterprise: A Chronicle of Vassar College, the
"dispute" which prompted Jewett's resigning as Vassar's president shortly before the college opened was a letter to a member of the board of trustees in which he described Vassar as "vacillating and growing daily more childish and fickle." The letter found its way into the hands of the founder, who "declined to have any farther dealings with Jewett."
GREENWICH, CONNECTICUT
In response to Rob Stone's letter in the May issue: Columbia College was the last Ivy school to admit women, finally coming around in 1983 (or thereabouts). Of course Barnard is still across the street and to this day does not admit men. Does that make it the last Ivy not to be coed? After all, Barnard women receive a degree from Columbia University.
How does that work, anyway?
(COLUMBIA STUDENT '90-'91 JACKSON, WYOMING
I am proud to sing "Men of Dartmouth." It is the alma mater I am familiar with. The song represents the Dartmouth each of us remember—some the same, but some, oh, so different. I belonged there, and my experiences shaped who I am today. Was it easy? No, but growing up never is. I was never stopped in what I wanted to do because I was a women. The experience helped me be successful in my business and volunteer lives, as well as my personal one Dartmouth taught me to be proud of who I am.
NORTH CHELMSFORD, MASSACHUSETTS MERLE_ADELMAN@HP.COM
I was disturbed when I came across the highlighted quotation, "I'd really like a mature 18-year-old woman with the right measurements who can also handle a jib sheet and navigate," attributed to Lou Clarke '48 ["Class Notes," June]. The choice to highlight this was a gross mistake: insulting not only to women alumni and students, but to a larger pool of alums who value women's contributions to Dartmouth.
I am sure Mr. Clarke will not be receiving phone calls from Dartmouth's highly accomplished and nationally ranked women's sailing team. Nor will I mention him as a contact and possible collaborator to a friend of mine, a '96 woman, who is planning a circumnavigation in the near future. Such mockery will not elevate his ranks among the "ideal" kinds of people he is looking for.
HONOLULU, HAWAII
Public Thanks
This letter has been on my mind since April 1956. Due to my own lack of maturity and my lack of acceptable grades, "D" suggested I leave college. But "D" has never forgotten me. I have been included in all activities despite my inability to have graduated with my class of '58. To say the least, lam very proud of my association with my school. With love, and respect, a public thanks to my class and the College we all love.
Port Byron, New York
Public Apology
Once again, Dinesh D'Souza is trying to claim that he is a member of our class. In a banner dropped in the middle of a delightful column ["Class Notes,"May], the reader was directed to read about "Pundit" D'Souza '81. And sure enough, turning to that article, I discovered that he was listed as an '81. This is the second time in less than a year that I have had to respond to such false claims made by or on behalf of Mr. D'Souza. He is not an '81, was never an '81, and he is unlikely to be adopted into the class of '81.
To the best of my knowledge, Dinesh D'Souza is a member of the class of 1983. If I am incorrect, please let me know, so that I can send a letter requesting class dues for all of these years we've missed!
PRESIDENT, CLASS OF 1981 SHREWSBURY, MASSACHUSETTS RICK.SILVERMAN@BANYAN.UMMED.EDU
Fumble!
While Jeff Sagarin is probably right [that the '70 team could have beaten the '96 team], I like the thought that Brendan O'Neill '72 shared with me in the end zone at Palmer Stadium last November: "We had our day and now it's their turn."
I think you will find that the photo you identify as Brendan O'Neill is actually Jake Crouthamel '60, the two-time All- Ivy halfback. Jake and Brendan both wore #27, but the uniform is clearly from the early Blackman years. Uniforms notwithstanding, the calves are a dead giveaway: Few, if any, in the history of Dartmouth football, had bigger calves than Jake.
LEBANON, NEW HAMPSHIRE JACK.DEGANGE@VALLEY.NET
In your June issue ["A Four-Touchdown Favorite"] you mistakenly labeled a picture of Dartmouth's fourth all-time leading rusher, Jake Crouthamel '60, as Brendan O'Neill '72. Brendan was a great back, but I think Jake should be accorded his true recognition.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Economics 101
A number of years agojean Kemeny wrote a book It's Different at Dartmouth. I recalled reading it as I perused the article in Time magazine entitled "Why Colleges Cost Too Much." It would be timely for the Dartmouth Alumni Magazine to confirm or deny its message. Most certainly it causes regular contributors to the Alumni Fund to wonder.
IPSWICH, MASSACHUSETTS
The average lifetime earnings of women, gays, and race minorities is substantially less than that of white heterosexual males. Tuition is unconscionably high. If the administration keeps upping tuition, only white male heterosexuals will consider a Dartmouth education a worthwhile investment. Dartmouth has found a real cute way of discriminating against folks they don't like.
FEDERAL WAY, WASHINGTON
Why did the college have to borrow money [April] ? Certainly the bequest of $18,000,000 by Flo Moore, widow of Lansing Moore '37, for whom the psychology building is named, should have been sufficient.
ST. CROIX, USVI
Overlooked
"Don't Call Me A Pundit" [May] should have featured Laura Ingraham '85. She is probably better known than half of those featured and substantially more quotable. The "leopard print skirt" bit is from another age, but she absolutely qualifies.
BROOKLINE, MASSACHUSETTS LAWTECH@IX.NETCOM.COM
Honored
The other day I had lunch with an old friend from Dartmouth John Chambers '45. John in now quite debilitated by the onset of Parkinson's Disease. I was surprised to find that none of his local friends were aware that John was a highly decorated war hero. As the pilot of an SB2C Helldiver, he had been awarded the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal, the three highest medals that the U.S. Navy can give. It struck me that perhaps many of his classmates and even the College were similarly unaware of John's impressive war record. He may be Dartmouth's most highly decorated graduate of World War II.
RYE, NEW YORK
Dis-Honored
I agree with Noel Perrin ["Honor by Degrees," May] that Dartmouth has many distinguished graduates, and an all-Dartmouth Commencement would be a unique celebration. I was surprised, however by the professor's examples. He refers to architects, bankers, dancers, elected officials, sculptors, lawyers, teachers, and even tycoons. Where, Professor, are the scientists? Are there not chemists, physicists, biologists, psychologists, and even physicians worthy of honor?
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Standing Proud
Salute to One Eagle (Grass Dancer, Ball Hurler) and Dartmouth.
Robert Bennett's article ["I Have Come This Far," April] touched me deeply. It also made me proud of what has evolved at Dartmouth since President Kemeny's impetus to return to "our Charter."
As psychologists we know how difficult it is to create the environment in which significant changes can take place in a person's effort to grow emotionally and spiritually. "The Dartmouth experience" provided the environment in which a wonderful Native brother could stand proud like the Lakota man he is.
TORONTO WCLAPP@MUSKOKA.NET
Michael Dorris
He was an inspiring teacher, but there were many such teachers at Dartmouth. He was an inspiration for reasons that had little to do with academics. Three years after I had him for a class, we ran into one another on a bus from White River Junction to New York City. We spent the long ride talking about fetal alcohol syndrome (I was a medical student at the time) and his frustrated attempts to learn more about it; about alcoholism in Native Americans; and about his growing passion for writing. When I expressed an interest in learning more about the health problems of Native Americans, Michael helped me obtain funding from the Tucker Foundation for a medical school elective on the Navajo Reservation in Kayenta, Arizona. This experience in the Indian Health Service was the most valuable of my four years in medical school.
We intended to stay in touch. We never did. It is a cruel irony that his death came about from something that my profession tries to prevent. Michael Dorris touched many lives. He was a good man who did extraordinary things. I will miss him.
Cincinnati, Ohio Honolulu, Hawii
Emeriti
I applaud Noel Perrin's idea of a place for emeriti to sit ["A Cubicle of One's Own," June]. His suggestion that this might serve as an ideal locale for retirees to meet one-to-one with students is especially attractive. One of my fondest Dartmouth memories is that of a similar encounter. I was the only enrollee in a French Literature course taught by Professor Washburn. We would meet in his Dartmouth Hall office. On one occasion we were reading (each his part) from Moliere's Le Malade Imaginaire. We were amused to tears. It was learning in its purest form. Oh, the joy of it!
Derby, Vermont
I am writing about the essay entitled "A Cubicle of One's Own." That essay was made by Mr. Noel Perrin, and he told the truth, mainly.
Mr. Perrin says, "Ten years ago an about-to-retire dean (it was Henry Terrie, in case you're curious) appointed a committee to look into retirement policies... one idea they floated has stayed in my mind, and it continues to intrigue me." Actually it was 11 years ago, I was an about-to-retire English professor (I had retired from my deanship ten years before that), I did not appoint the committee but rather was appointed to it as chairman. Although the committee made a plea for some office space, it did not suggest a new building. As I say, mainly he told the truth.
As to the suggestion of a new building, it strikes me as an absolute disaster. In the first place, Dartmouth already has far too many construction projects in the works. I long for the days when one could pass through the town of Hanover without the noise and the übiquitous orange obstructions which now seem to be a permanent part of our lives. The idea of asking emeriti/ae to supervise the occasional honors project is pure fantasy. That is not where the faculty needs help. Although there are surely honorable exceptions, the best thing for retiring faculty is either to curb that surviving "impulse to teach" or to find some extramural outlet for it.
Allowing for these small corrections and responses, I am proud to be associated with Mr. Perrin's proposal.
Professor of English, Emeritus Hanover, New Hampshire
Statuary
I think it is great that a statue of Robert Frost adorns our campus [June]. For some time I have thought that a statue of an American Indian would honor the original purpose of our institution. The location of the statue could be on the Green corner opposite the Inn—a welcome to Dartmouth College, an unofficial "gate" to the campus which currently we do not have.
Swansea, Massachusetts
Parting Shot
At a recent Dartmouth wedding, the groom came over and asked if we could all get together for a "Dartmouth shot." Naturally, I went to the bar. As I was asking my fellow alumni "what shot shall we do?", the groom raced over and pointed to the photographer anxiously waiting for our group to pose.
New York, New York
The Broad summit of Dartmouth's mountain.
We should have caught the calves. Crouthamel and O'Neill (inset).
Bob Averill '72, unofficial Moosilauke historian replies: In this century both pronunciations are commonly heard and are acceptable. The original name was most likely Abenaki in origin, and was pronounced with a long "e" sound at the end (-aki: place, land, or country). Each syllable was given equal accentuation. In the Outing Club these days, the "Moose-i-lock" pronunciation is favored. As for Al Keith's question, I suspect you stayed in what was formerly known as the "DOC Winter Cabin." This was not the same as the DOC Summit Cabin, built in 1957 and torn down in the mid-19705. The Winter Cabin was built in the late 19205.
Preregistration is required for most events. A sampling from the weekend appears on page 63. Ed.
Columbia University -was indeed the last Ivy League school to admit women, in 1982. Women graduating from Barnard receive, a diploma from Barnard College and Columbia University, while women admitted by Columbia receive just a Columbia degree. Ed.
Hold the dues request! Our eyes lied once to us, and then swore. Our mistake again, not Dinesh's. Ed.
Right you are, both. Other readers threw the flag at us on this one, as well. Our apologies to both #27s. Ed.
The estimated price is $26 million. Ed.
