IN PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE
Dartmouth College
Recognizes with Deep Appreciation
the Extraordinary Achievements of
The Class of 1979
2014 Class of the Year
26 Years Out and Older
Dartmouth Class of 1979 you are the trademarked, self-titled "Partycipatory" class--and the name could not be more fitting. Each member of your executive committee creates innovative and productive strategies--no matter their role. You encourage all classmates to connect with each other and with the College, and you add fun to all that you touch. Partycipatory indeed!
President Jim Wasz leads the team with monthly calls as well as multiple in-person meetings and emails to plan connection strategies, reunions, and Dartmouth College Fund participation. Clear goals for the class are based upon "a foundational passion and commitment to our classmates and Dartmouth." This passion shows in all that the class achieves, with a through-line of personal connection that engages classmates.
And connect you do! Facebook and LinkedIn work for you, with 878 members enjoying regular posts as well as taking part in the Dartmouth '79/'04 LinkedIn Career Mentoring network.
Your three color newsletters were eye-catching in their design, well-written, and clever in their use of Dartmouth lore to support 1979 functions: an Uncle Sam-style Dartmouth College Fund poster of Daniel Webster saying "Dartmouth Students Needs You," a pull out 11 x 17-inch 79th day of the year mini-reunion poster for classmates around the world to use in "selfies" to submit to the newsletter and website, and quotes and iconic images using "Alma Mater" lyrics as themes for class unity: "Stand as sister stands by brother," "Dare a deed for the old mother," and "Greet the world from the Hills with a hail."
The newsletters, the thoughtful and strategic Dartmouth Alumni Magazine columns that even included a guest column by the class historian, and the capture-it-all and show-all-the fun website, in addition to regular class email communication, were integral to achieving the year's 43.7 percent dues participation, 70.5 percent participation in Dartmouth College Fund giving with 100 members in the 1769 Society, strong Bartlett Tower membership, and impressive attendance at the 22 mini reunions offered around the world, including ski and football gatherings as well as attendance at performances by classmates in the performing arts.
The Class contributed $37,811 to the College via five separate class projects. In particular, 338 classmates--75 percent of dues payers--gave to Dartmouth Partners in Community Service, a project bolstered by the creation of the 79 Club honor roll that honors those who pay class dues AND give to the project.