The Power of the Presidency

The views from Dartmouth's highest office aren t always lofty.

1798

When Dartmouth Hall bursts into flames Professor Smith calls out to save the library. At the same moment President John Wheelock directs firefighters fighters to save the College's stuffed zebra.

1822

President Bennett Tyler orders that mandatory morning chapel begin when there is enough light to read the Bible, or at five in the morning whichever comes first.

1832

President Lord believes that the competition for College honors produces only evil. He decrees that all College distinctions be abolished.

1876

President Smith proposes that applicants in possession of a certificate of completion from an academically rigorous school not be required to take entrance examinations. The Trustees' negative position on the proposal carries no weight as Smith admits students before a vote is taken.

C. 1900

ners, Dartmouth buys its first lawn mower. Because President Tucker believes that the look of the campus influences College man-

1930

President Hopkins makes national news when he speaks against Prohibition. After Prohibition ends Hopkins reveals that, in the name of student safety, he had cut a deal with a local bootlegger. The College had agreed to take no legal action as long as the bootlegger sold nothing but the best Canadian whiskey.

1971

President Kemeny announces that faculty can expect a normal raise in the coming year, but no increase the following year. Kemeny specifically exempts the lowest-paid college staffers from the freeze.

1987

A reporter asks President McLaughlin, "What do you wake up worrying about at five in the morning?" The president replies, "That someday the 1,442 cars with College parking stickers will arrive on campus at the same time and look for a place among the 891 spaces available."

President Dickey was at home with pomp and circumstance.