Older and Wiser

So much attention has been paid to Don Rains ’13 that he hopes each interview will be his last. As a 45-year-old freshman Ivy Leaguer born to a heroinaddict mother later murdered by her boyfriend, however, that’s unlikely. There’s also the story line about his rediscovery in recent years of both his Native American roots and his artistic talent, two things he will continue to pursue as a student.

Now living in Sachem Village, Rains is inspired by his neighbors. “It’s similar to an Olympic Village,” he says. “It’s so international. And I love being surrounded by intellectuals.”

Rains sees himself as more of a mentor than a peer to other students. He decided not to participate in a freshman trip because he didn’t want to violate “the intimacy of my classmates’ age bracket,” he says. “I had the equivalent of my first college experience when I joined the Navy at 18. I understand that age group and that they find fun in their newfound freedom.”

Instead of racing through degree requirements, Rains intends to graduate with his class. “I want to walk across the stage with my classmates,” he says as a 49-year-old senior.

Don Rains

DID YOU

Number of students on campus thanks, in part, to $15 million in scholarship support provided by regional alumni clubs. 66

#1 Dartmouth’s rank among national universities in the new category of best undergraduate teaching, according to U.S. News & World Report.