Dear Dartmouth community members,
As we embark on a new academic year, we find ourselves in a month filled with reflection and complexity for many communities. We wish to acknowledge the viscerally felt impact of so many painful events locally, nationally, and around the world, including in the Middle East, as well as the tragic loss of beloved students, faculty, and friends.
As a means of support and reflection in these difficult times, members of the Dartmouth community are invited to gather Saturday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. on Baker Lawn for a short vigil, which will include 10 minutes of silence. In this shared space, let us shine a light on our collective journey, reminding one another that, even in darkness, we are not alone. As the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said,
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”
If you have access to a flashlight, headlamp, lantern, or other portable light source, bring it with you to the vigil. Additional light sources will be available. After the quiet vigil, everyone is welcome to gather in the Tucker Center for hot chocolate and chai to talk about our shared sources of light.
Throughout the week of Oct. 20th, we extend an invitation to all members of the Dartmouth community—students, faculty, and staff—to come together and collectively process the sorrow many have experienced during the past year. Our gathering will feature listening circles, which are small groups led by trained facilitators. These circles, informed by Native American and Indigenous practices, offer a space for everyone to share their voice.
The purpose of these circles is not to solve problems, engage in debates, or have dialogues. Instead, they provide an environment for expression, processing emotions, and most importantly, listening to one another. The focus is on creating a safe space where community members can unpack their feelings and reflect together.
By participating in this communal event, we aim to rebuild the foundations of our community and collaboratively chart new paths forward. We encourage your presence as we embark on this collective journey of renewal and healing. Please register for the listening circles.
Additionally, during the same week, questions intended to prompt reflection will be posted along the Occom Pond walking loop to engage with as individuals or in small groups. The loop is about a mile in distance and is on entirely paved road. Outdoor Programs staff will lead a group around the pond on Monday, Oct. 21 at 10 a.m. (meet by the flagpole on the Green). The reflective signs will remain up all week for you to engage with as you need!
The week will conclude with our Hindu community’s annual celebration of Diwali/Deepavali, a festival which celebrates the inner light that shines within each of us. All are welcome to attend the Puja religious service in Rollins at 4 p.m., the lighting of lamps on the Green at 5:30 p.m., and/or the cultural program in the Grand Ballroom at the Hanover Inn immediately following the festivities on the Green.
In community,
Jennifer Rosales
Senior Vice President, Community and Campus Life
The Rev. Dr. Nancy Vogele '85
College Chaplain and Director of the William Jewett Tucker Center
Abdul Rahman Latif
Muslim Chaplain and Associate Director of the William Jewett Tucker Center
Ellie Anders Thompson
Multi-Faith Advisor of the William Jewett Tucker Center
Rabbi Seth Linfield
Executive Director, Hillel at Dartmouth
Rabbi Moshe L. Gray
Executive Director, Chabad at Dartmouth
La-Tarri Canty
Associate Dean of Community Life and Inclusivity
Katie Colleran
Director of the Outdoor Programs Office