1983

1983

The weekend of October 16-19, 2025, marked the grand reopening of the newly reimagined and expanded Hopkins Center for the Arts and the dedication of the Daryl and Steven Roth (’62, Tu’63) Wing, a generous gift made by trustee emeritus Steven Roth and 13-time Tony Award-winning producer Daryl Roth. Two of our classmates who were present shared their stories of the weekend’s fanfare and the years leading up to the Hop’s turning point for the 21st century: Kelly Fowler Hunter, a former Hopkins Center board member and now, along with husband Andre Hunter, on the steering committee ofthe Hop project community campaign, and Jim Sterling, an actor of many Hopkins Center productions and beyond and an executive coach.

Kelly says: “After 67 years, the Hop faced significant maintenance issues. Just as critical, Dartmouth’s current student body has doubled since 1962, so the Hop was no longer able to adequately meet the needs ofthe students or the faculty. The building now looks spectacular—and I encourage everyone who finds themselves in Hanover to walk through it. The Snohetta architects came up with a brilliant design and most ofthe wood and stone materials were sourced locally. Dartmouth can now offer students and the Hanover community what it couldn’t before: a beautiful recital hall with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Green and Baker Tower that physically juts out of the main building—a visual manifestation of the prominence ofthe arts at Dartmouth. There is now a dedicated dance studio for the first time, with natural daylight and a sprung floor; a fullsize rehearsal room for theater productions; and a multipurpose, flexible, black-box performance space incorporating the most modern technology for making art well into the 21st century.

“The Top oftheHop looks terrific too! (It even has abarnow.) I’mhappyto reportthat Dartmouth now has a top-notch performing space. Kudos to everyone at the Hopkins Center for managing this project these last two and a half years and bringing this across the finish line!”

Jim says: “Just in time for the weekend, the Dartmouth Coach bus deposited me in front of Webster Hall. Looking to my right, a big tent, fully heated, was rising in front of Baker for a fancy dinner. Gazing left, a portable stage was setting up on the Green for a simulcast concert Saturday night starring the ’25-’26 Dartmouth Montgomery fellow Yo-Yo Ma.

“During Friday’s dedication ceremony on the Hop plaza, we listened to President Sian Beilock, noted celebrities, and classmate and trustee chair Liz Cahill Lempres praise the arts. The weekend also included spectacular performances by Renee Elise Goldsberry, TonyAward-winning star of Hamilton, Pilobolus dance company, and many others.

“Dartmouth celebs featured during the weekend included Mindy Kaling ’01, Jake Tapper ’91, Shonda Rhimes ’91, and Rachel Dratch ’88, to name a few. Applause for Laurel Richie ’81 (chair) and Sharon Washington ’81, members ofthe Hop board of advisors who guided the amazing rebirth. Now Dartmouth confidently sets a new standard with plans for more growth in the years to come. Go Big Green!”

—Shanta Sullivan, 1541 North Sierra Bonita Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046; shantaesullivan@gmail.com