Dartmouth Commencement 2009

Posted 06/14/09

Honorary degree citations to President and Mrs. Wright

Together, you had the “Wright stuff” to shape this institution for generations to come. In the 40 years since you came to Hanover, Jim, you have served as teacher, scholar, dean, acting president, provost, and president. Your leadership has led to stronger academic programs, remarkable improvements to the physical campus, an expanded financial aid program, enhanced student life, and increased diversity across the community. You have honored our traditions while ensuring that the education provided here remains relevant to the world in which we live and to the future we face. You advocated for educational access on the national stage, particularly for veterans and those less privileged.

Susan, in the more than 30 years that you have been part of the Dartmouth community you have mentored thousands of students — as a class dean, international student advisor, and associate director of Career Services. Your reach is broad! Under your direction, the Montgomery Endowment thrived, and you created wonderfully intimate opportunities for outstanding visitors to stimulate conversations on our campus. We celebrate your generous spirit and your work on behalf of community institutions such as the Norris Cotton Cancer Center and the Upper Valley United Way.

Jim and Susan, Dartmouth has also greatly benefitted from your special partnership. Both wonderful ambassadors, you sang the praises of the good work of faculty, students, staff, and alumni/ae wherever you went. In times of sorrow and great loss, you held us in your embrace and helped us to move forward. Daily you demonstrated the hope that is nestled within all of us and within the soul of this institution.

Susan, with gratitude for the impact you have had on this community, we are pleased to confer the honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters.

Finally, it is Dartmouth's turn to say thank you, Jim, for your dedication and stewardship of the College. It is our delight to award you the honorary degree, Doctor of Laws.

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